There’s a reason some ancient beauty rituals are still around today – they work! Like us, our ancestors enjoyed looking their best. Without modern technology, they often turned to nature to enhance their appearance.
Ancient beauties experimented with plants, fruits, minerals, and more. They did thousands of years of research and development. Their discoveries can give us better hair, skin, and sleep.
Want to channel your inner-Cleopatra, or feel like an Indian princess? Keep reading to learn about 7 ancient beauty secrets from around the world.
1. Rose Water
Damask roses originated in Persia. They have been prized by women since the 14th century for their beneficial properties. Their petals are steam distilled to produce beautifully scented rose water.
Rose water was traditionally used for cooking, then became popular for its ability to calm and moisturize skin. It was eventually exported from Persia to Egypt and Rome as a luxury beauty product.
Today rose water is an ingredient in a variety of cosmetics, creams, and skincare potions. Use it as a natural toner to smooth and soothe your skin. It is anti-inflammatory and can relieve the symptoms of acne, eczema, and rosacea.
It’s easy to make your own rose water toner at home by boiling rose petals in water. Let the mixture cool in the refrigerator before you apply it to your face.
2. Henna
Henna, also called mehndi, is one of the most beloved ancient Indian beauty secrets. Leaves from the henna plant are dried and crushed, then mixed with water to create a paste for drawing body art.
Temporary designs are applied to the hands, feet, and other parts of the body for self-expression and to celebrate special events. Henna tattoos symbolize joy, spiritual awareness, and generosity.
Henna powder can also color your hair and nails. In fact, Egyptians applied it to the fingernails of mummies before burial.
If you’re looking for a change but don’t want to commit to anything permanent, try henna hair dye. It will turn your hair a deep, luscious shade of red and wash out in 4-6 weeks.
3. Valerian
Valerian is nicknamed nature’s Valium. It is a flowering plant native to Europe and Asia that has been used in traditional medicine for more than 2,000 years.
The ancient Greek physician Hippocrates described its effectiveness as a sleep aid. He prescribed it to his patients for relaxation and relief from insomnia.
Valerian root is scientifically proven to work as a mild sedative for the brain and nervous system. If you need your beauty rest, but struggle to fall asleep, try taking valerian root.
It can be found in capsule, tea, or liquid form online or in your local health food store. These chewy sleep vitamins contain a powerful blend of valerian, lemon balm leaf, and passionflower.
4. Olive Oil
Olive oil is a key element of the Mediterranean diet, one of the healthiest diets in the world. It makes sense that it would have other beneficial uses for the body.
Full of anti-aging antioxidants, essential fatty acids, and hydrating squalene, olive oil is an excellent moisturizer for dry skin. Beauties in Greece and other Mediterranean countries have applied it to their skin, cuticles, and hair for centuries.
For an at-home spa treatment, warm a few tablespoons of olive oil in the microwave and massage it into your hair and scalp. Leave it in for 15 minutes before you shower to deeply condition your strands.
Olive oil can also be mixed with sugar to make an all-natural, exfoliating lip scrub. Make a big batch and share the ancient secret with friends.
5. Sea Salt
Speaking of exfoliation, sea salt is great for removing dead skin. Salt scrubs have been part of traditional bathing rituals in Europe and Asia for thousands of years.
In addition to leaving you soft and smooth, sea salt has balancing, protective, and restorative effects on the body. Because it is so gentle, it tops the list of ancient beauty secrets for fair skin.
If you want to make a salt scrub at home, simply mix coconut oil and salt. Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil for an aromatherapeutic effect. Apply the mixture in the shower for easy cleanup.
To calm breakouts and reduce puffiness, mix 1 tablespoon of sea salt with 2 tablespoons of honey, then gently spread it on your face. Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
6. Royal Jelly
Cleopatra was the original fan of royal jelly, a substance secreted from the throat glands of worker bees. Royal jelly contains royalactin, a protein with the power to transform a regular bee larva into a queen bee.
The effects of royal jelly on the queen bee are incredible. She will live up to 7 years longer than the average worker bee and produce more than 2,000 eggs per day. Royalactin could have similar results for humans when it comes to longevity and fertility.
Use products containing royal jelly on your skin to slow the aging process, get rid of dark circles, and prevent wrinkles. It is also a handy remedy for dry skin.
7. Avocado
Avocado is delicious on toast, but did you know it can also give you a radiant glow? The Mayans, Aztecs, and Incas used the bright green fruit as a face mask.
Like olive oil, avocado is rich in fatty acids. It also contains a variety of vitamins and antioxidants that work together to make your skin bright and supple.
Additionally, the avocado’s pulp is a humectant. It draws water molecules from the air to your skin, working like magic to give you a youthful appearance.
To use avocado in your home beauty routine, simply mash the fruit in a bowl and rub it on your face. Rinse it off in the sink or shower after a few minutes. Avocado can also treat insect bites, stings, and sunburn.
Remember These Ancient Beauty Secrets
Now that you are in on some of the best ancient beauty secrets from around the world, have fun experimenting with them. Your skin will look better than ever, you’ll sleep soundly, and your hair will grow long and thick.
You might even pause for a moment of gratitude to honor the ancient beauties who paved the way for us.
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