Cosmetic Herbs

Cosmetic Herbs

The ancient Egyptians valued cosmetics and perfumery so highly that they were buried with their beauty products, such as kohl and eye pencils, which were kept in ornate vases. Perfumes in the tomb of Tutankhamen were still faintly fragrant after more than 3000 years. The most common ingredients were frankincense and myrrh, which were mixed with sesame, almond, olive, or balanos oil. Gum resins, such as myrrh were added for their aroma and as fixatives for elusive scents. Lily oil was made with myrrh, cardamom, sweet flag, cinnamon, and petals of 2000 lilies.

The earliest forms of perfumes were unguents, which were based on animal fat, heated with aromatic plant ingredients. When cold, they were either used as ointment or formed into cones, that were worn on the head, so that they melted gradually, anointing the body and clothes with scented grease. The ancient Egyptians also had prototypes of most skin preparations that we use today: depilatories made from gum, cucumber, fig juice, and other ingredients; incense-based deodorants; cleansing creams of oil and lime; and hair tonics made from juniper berries, fir oil, or lettuce.

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