11 Weird But Effective Ancient Beauty Rituals (You Won’t Believe #6!)
Are you curious about the beauty rituals of ancient civilizations? Here are 11 weird but effective beauty rituals from women of the past.
For thousands of years, women around the world have been searching for effective treatments for skin and hair health, ways to fight against aging, and secrets to increase overall beauty.
The difference between women in the past and those today is that our ancestors had access only to natural ingredients, whereas today, we often turn to chemical-filled products to address some of our most common concerns.
These beauty rituals might seem unusual, but they have been around for hundreds (if not thousands) of years, and are still used to this day. From using bird droppings in skincare, bathing in donkey milk, and using leeches to improve circulation, here are some of the weirdest (but effective) beauty rituals from around the world.
This Post Is All About 11 Weird But Effective Beauty Treatments From Around The World.
1) Bee Venom Facial
It has been documented that ancient civilizations such as the Romans, Chinese, Greeks and Egyptians have used bee venom to treat various health concerns due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
Fast forward to today, bee venom facials have gained popularity in Europe and Asia and are said to help increase circulation, aid in the formation of collagen, reduce overall skin inflammation and improve skin texture. Some even go as far as saying it is a natural alternative to Botox. (Yes, please!)
2) Bathing In Milk
In ancient Egypt, milk baths were often used to soothe and soften the skin. At the time, bathing was not only a matter of hygiene but was associated with spiritual cleansing. Milk baths were one of Cleopatra’s favourite beauty rituals to soften her skin and preserve her youthfulness.
Donkey milk was most commonly used in this beauty ritual due to the presence of Lactic acid to help exfoliate the skin, and it was often mixed with essential oils, honey and other herbs for additional healing properties. Today, milk baths are offered in spas worldwide and contain many of the same ingredients used in ancient Egyptian times.
3) Snail Mucus On The Skin
Throughout history, civilizations such as the Greeks and various South American tribes have used snail mucus to help treat various skin conditions due to its hyaluronic acid and antioxidant properties, which aid in skin moisture and protect the skin barrier. Today, this beauty hack has resurfaced in Korean beauty products and is gaining popularity worldwide.
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4) Fish Pedicures
Originating in Turkey, small fish called “Garra Rufa” have traditionally been used to remove dead skin cells and aid in foot health. Today, you can experience this unique practice at the many fish foot spas around the world, definitely one of the most unique beauty rituals!
5) Nettle Hair Rinse
The use of nettle leaves dates back to ancient Romans and Greeks, who not only used this herb for its internal healing properties but also on the hair and scalp. Nettle is a nutritional powerhouse containing iron, vitamins C, A, B and other nutrients that are believed to help with scalp health and promote hair growth.
This is a great at-home herbal beauty ritual as it’s cost-effective and easy to make.
How To Make Nettle Rinse For Hair Health
1. Place a handful of nettle leaves in a large mason jar or medium bowl. (Ensure to wear gloves if you are using fresh leaves as the little needles on the leaves will sting!)
2. Fill the jar or bowl with boiling water
3. Let it steep for 5-10 hours (Once done, it should be a very dark green color)
4. After shampooing your hair, pour the rinse over your head and massage into scalp, leaving on in for a few minutes before rinsing.
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6) Bird Poo Face Masks
In ancient Japanese Culture, geishas used the droppings from a bird called the nightingale as a way to lighten and smooth the skin. The droppings, which were mixed with water and applied to the skin, are said to have lightening and exfoliating effects from the enzymes in the bird’s waste.
Today, this ancient beauty ritual is still in practice, particularly In Asia, as the nightingale droppings are refined and added to various skincare products. It’s also gaining popularity amongst skincare gurus and celebrities, making it a growing trend in the beauty industry.
7) Beet Root As Makeup
Using beetroot as makeup dates back to the Egyptians and Romans, who often used plants as a way to add color to their lips and cheeks. Today, many DIY recipes call for the addition of beetroot as it is highly pigmented and is the perfect organic alternative to commercial makeup that often contains synthetic dyes.
8) Egg Yolks For Hair Health
Throughout history, many cultures around the world have used egg yolks as a way to soften and add shine to the hair due to its fat, protein and vitamin content. Today, using egg yolks for hair health is still a common practice in many cultures and is a great DIY alternative to commercial products, helping to revive dull hair.
READ: 7 Insanely Good Wellness Tips for the Ultimate GLOW UP
9) Using Leeches For Circulation
For thousands of years, civilizations worldwide have used leeches as a way to improve circulation and promote healing. In ancient Greece and Roman cultures, a healthy complexion, which was believed to be in part due to healthy circulation, was a key component to overall beauty and well-being.
Many cultures believed that these leeches could expel bad blood, treat fevers, alleviate headaches, and help treat other various medical ailments. Today leech therapy is still used in plastic and reconstructive surgery to help prevent blood clots and aid in circulation.
10) Turmeric Masks
Another beauty ritual that has been around for thousands of years is the use of turmeric for skincare. In ancient India, women would use a paste of turmeric on the face due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. To this day, it is still a common beauty hack for those looking to achieve clear and bright skin.
11) Pearls For Skincare
Another beauty secret that dates back thousands of years is using pearls in skincare. Ancient Chinese culture used pearls on the face to help brighten and improve skin texture, provide hydration and provide anti-aging benefits. The pearls would be crushed and used alongside other ingredients to create pastes which would be used as face masks or creams. This is a beauty ritual that is still used to this day and is present in many skincare products sold worldwide.
