Ancient cosmetics are those made from herbs or plants, often with the help of cochineal bugs. They have been found in Egypt, Greece, and Rome, and were used for both body and hair care. Some of the most common ancient ingredients are henna, myrrh, and frankincense.
Myrrh
The use of myrrh in ancient cosmetics goes back thousands of years. It is an essential oil that has been prized for its antiseptic and healing properties. Traditionally, myrrh is used in Ayurvedic medicine as well as traditional Chinese medicine.
Myrrh has been a common medicinal herb in the Middle East and North Africa, and was especially valued in Egypt. It was used as a perfume and incense in religious ceremonies. Ancient Greeks also considered myrrh as an important ingredient in their cosmetics.
Today, myrrh is found in skin care products to moisturize, soothe, and restore the natural radiance of the skin. It is also widely used in aromatherapy. As a natural antioxidant, it helps to combat aging, dryness, and wrinkles. In addition, myrrh can help fight eczema, psoriasis, and other skin conditions.
The name “myrrh” comes from the Arabic term for bitter. It is a resinous exudate collected from the Commiphora genus, which is a small tree native to the Middle East, India, Oman, and Somalia. When distilled, it has a warm spicy aroma.
Both frankincense and myrrh are considered luxury substances. They have long been used in spiritual traditions, and were often presented to Jesus. These substances are still in high demand. But frankincense and myrrh can be expensive to obtain. Luckily, there are many oils that diffuse mystical aromas of frankincense and myrrh.
Frankincense and myrrh are used to promote a feeling of harmony and peace. In addition, they have been known to relieve coughs, colds, eczema, and psoriasis. Their fragrances can be added to aromatherapy massages, skin creams, and unscented lotions.
Frankincense
Frankincense is a tree resin that’s been used for centuries. Ancient physicians devoted much attention to its healing properties. This herb is also believed to have anxiolytic and anti-inflammatory properties.
There are many species of frankincense trees. Several of them are commercially grown today. These trees are widely used in aromatherapy, cosmetics, and medicines. One species of this tree produces an oily resin that is transparent. Some of these trees have an interesting taste.
The terpenes in frankincense have antioxidant, astringent, and detoxifying properties. They also improve the appearance of photoaging and reduce acne-prone skin.
Frankincense has been used for centuries to treat various skin conditions. It’s especially beneficial for aging, dry, and oily skin. However, it can be toxic if taken in high quantities. Fortunately, the oil is safe to use if it’s diluted.
Today, frankincense resin is used in a variety of products. Among other uses, it’s a staple in incense and perfumes. A popular frankincense oil is NYR Organic’s Frankincense Intense. This formula contains plant stem cells and is hand-harvested from Kenya.
Other uses of frankincense include mending cracked jars and pots. In ancient times, the frankincense resin was used to soften hair. Additionally, women painted their eyelids with kohl, a powder made from frankincense gum.
Although the effects of frankincense are still being studied, some scientists believe that it can have anxiolytic and anti-inflammatory benefits. Studies show that the resin is able to inhibit 5-lipoxygenase, which helps the body fight inflammation. Boswellic acid in frankincense may also be able to target free radicals and cancerous cells.
Henna
Henna, also known as Al-Khanna, is a natural plant dye that has been used for beauty and medicinal purposes for thousands of years. Its history is complex. Historically, henna has been used by ancient civilizations, including the Babylonians, the Romans, the Egyptians, and the Kemetians.
One of the oldest known uses of henna is as a hair dye. The leaves of the Lawsonia inermis shrub produce a brick red-brown dye, making it useful as a hair dye.
Other uses of henna include skin and nail color. For example, the Neolithic people of Catal Huyuk used henna to decorate their hands. Some Muslim women use henna for fingernails.
Henna has been found on mummies dating to 3351 B.C. It is thought that henna was used in the preparation of burial. This is likely the reason that nails of mummified pharaohs have henna markings.
A modern revival of henna is based on its popularity in India and Pakistan. Today, henna is available in cosmetic products, including lip stains and henna-based nail polish.
Originally, henna was used to create intricate designs on the body. These designs often resembled animal shapes. In the ancient world, henna was associated with goddess cultures, such as Anat. They were believed to protect against the Evil Eye.
Although the origin of henna is unknown, there is evidence that henna was used centuries before the Islamic religion. Its use was documented in the Ebers Papyrus, which dates to 1550 B.C. and contains hundreds of detailed descriptions of remedies.
Cochineal bugs
Cochineal bugs are red-colored bugs that live in Central and South America. They are parasitic insects, but they have been used for centuries to dye foods and cosmetics. Currently, cochineal is grown in Mexico, Peru, and South Africa.
During the colonial period, forced labor was the norm in the dye-making process. For example, the Mexican province of Oaxa was known for its cochineal production. This led to a global trade in the insect.
Unlike synthetic dyes, which are made from synthetic ingredients such as petroleum, cochineal is a natural product. The insects were bred over many generations for quality.
Cochineal was a major part of trade during the ancient South American period. It was also used by the Aztecs for painting and as a dye. Indigenous peoples in Mexico developed complex systems for harvesting the insects.
Cochineal is also referred to as carmine. This red dye is made from the chemical carminic acid, which is extracted from the bodies and eggs of the insect. Carmine is a precursor for tin oxide, which is used to deposit pigment on fibers and fabric.
Today, there are several companies that use insect-based dyes in their products. Starbucks is one company that has gained attention for using an insect-based dye. A spokesman said that it is safe for consumers to use.
There are two families of crimson-dye producing insects. One is the Dactylopiidae family, which is related to the kermes insect. The other is the Margarodidae family.
Etruscan
A recently discovered Etruscan cosmetics case has provided archaeologists with a glimpse into a civilization that thrived in Italy before the Romans took control. The case features a variety of bronze elements and bone carvings. In addition to containing rings and tweezers, it was stuffed with a vase of cream believed to be at least two thousand years old.
While a cosmetic case isn’t exactly a new discovery, a team of Italian archaeologists has found that it is the first to use a chemical analysis to discover the original compounds of an ancient ointment. They have published the findings in the Journal of Archaeological Science.
The Etruscan cista was a cylindrical bronze box, twenty centimeters in diameter, that held cosmetics. The box was curved on the back and rested on a projecting shelf. Its front had an incised triangle and a row of cut out waves.
One of the most intriguing aspects of this discovery is that the lotion in the case was made using an ingredient that was commonly available in Italy before the Roman empire. Moringa oil, a native plant of Africa and India, was used for its high vitamin content.
While ancient Greece and Rome were not particularly forward thinking in terms of female cosmetics, Etruria did. Their culture was one of a kind. This was due to the fact that the area was populated by both Greeks and Romans, which led to a more socially liberal society.
Egyptian
Cosmetics were an important part of ancient Egyptian culture. It was believed that cosmetics had magical powers and that they helped in improving the appearance of the wearer.
Cosmetics were made of oils, grease, and minerals. The ingredients improved the beauty of the skin and protected it against harsh climate. Oils kept the skin moist, whereas grease provided texture.
Egyptians used oils on their bodies for many purposes. They also wore perfumes. These perfumes were used as deodorants and as protective agents against insects. Some Egyptians also applied oils to protect their skin from sunburn.
Ancient Egyptians used eye makeup in the form of mascara, eye glitter, and lipstick. Some women also applied ocher for rouge.
Among the cosmetics, mascara was the most popular. In Egypt, eye makeup was regarded as a symbol of celestial regeneration. To achieve this effect, the lashes were lined with a black pigment.
Other cosmetics included creams, lotions, and oils. Moisturizing creams and oils were scented with frankincense. Likewise, anti-wrinkle creams were formulated with crococodon dung, juniper leavers, and olive oil.
Cosmetics were also used for religious ceremonies. In some cases, gods were anointed with makeup in holy temples.
Egyptians took great pride in their appearance. Their make-up, hair, and nails were well-manicured. Even the Pharaohs had their own manicurists.
Archeologists have found make-up palettes and containers in ancient tombs. It is interesting to note that Egyptians used different oils for different social classes. For the lower class, castor oils were used.