Ancient Health Secrets

Ancient Health Secrets

There are different health and beauty practices that were done by people in ancient times that still remain a mystery in the present. Women throughout the ages have had secrets that gave them healthy hair and radiant skin. For instance, ancient Arab ladies used camel urine to have black, shiny hair, while Venetian women used lion urine on their tresses before sitting under the sun, to produce blonde highlights. Nightingale droppings were used by Japanese geishas to easily remove their makeup, and Egyptians used rosemary, almond, and castor oil to stimulate hair growth and achieve shinier and softer hair.

There are various personalities in history who are famous for their beauty. One of them is Queen Alexandra of Denmark. Even at the age of 78, she is still admired for her appearance. She has a girlish figure and soft skin, despite her old age. Her sense of fashion inspired many women during her time. For instance, she was able to hide her childhood scar on her neck by wearing fashionable high chokers. Her hair pieces gave her hair a better look, to match the huge hats that were in fashion during the time.

During Queen Alexandra’s time, enameling was a common practice among women. It is a type of face painting that helps in achieving younger, whiter skin. This is done through the application of a white base on the face, followed by rogue for rosy cheeks. Sometimes, thin blue lines are painted to imitate blood vessels, and to give skin a translucent look. Queen Alexandra preferred a pinkish look when she enameled her face.

The process of enameling begins with an alkaline wash. Then, a yielding paste is used to fill the wrinkles and depressions on the face. Typically, lead is used to achieve a more striking appearance; a red tint is applied after the white layer covers the face. If one wishes to apply the same technique in the present, enamel can be made from a mixture of bismuth oxychloride, glycerine, rose water, and a concentrated extract of violet.

However, aside from enameling, the greatest secret to Queen Alexandra’s beauty is her healthy diet. She never eats red meat, so she substitutes with chicken, duck, turkey, and game. Her meal always contains vegetables such as cabbage, beans, peas, and spinach. She avoids pudding and pastries for dessert, and replaces them with fruits, nuts, and raisins. Hot milk is her usual drink rather than coffee, cocoa, or tea. She also observes regular exercise.

Having the looks of a queen is not impossible with these ancient health secrets and beauty tips; they can still be practiced in the present without spending much.