Throwback Thursday: The Ancient Origins of Natural Deodorant
By Jade Dawes
Throughout history, people have always looked for ways to manage body odour and stay fresh. Today, many of us use natural products, but this isn't a new idea.
The practice of using natural substances to combat body odour started thousands of years ago. Let's take a journey back in time to explore how ancient practices have evolved into the natural deodorants we use today.
Ancient Egypt: Personal Hygiene Pioneers
The ancient Egyptians were true pioneers in personal care. They placed a high value on cleanliness and body odour, which were essential not only for personal pride but also for spiritual and social reasons. To combat body odour, they used a variety of scented oils and concoctions made from spices, citrus oils, and other fragrant substances.
Egyptians applied these oils liberally to their bodies, especially under their arms, to mask unpleasant smells throughout the day. Ingredients like cinnamon, cedar, and myrrh were commonly used because of their strong, pleasant scents and possible antibacterial properties. These substances likely helped to inhibit the growth of odour-causing bacteria, making them effective natural deodorants.
The Broader Ancient World
The Egyptians weren't the only ones concerned with body odour. Across the ancient world, different cultures developed their own methods for staying fresh and fragrant.
In ancient Mesopotamia, people burned incense made from resins and woods to cover body odour. This practice not only masked unpleasant smells but also added a pleasant fragrance to their surroundings.
Similarly, the Greeks placed a high emphasis on hygiene and regularly bathed. They used a combination of oils and powders under their arms to stay fresh. These substances helped to absorb sweat and provide a pleasant scent.
The Romans adopted similar practices, enhancing their famous baths with rich oils and alums. Roman baths were social and cultural hubs where cleanliness and fragrance were paramount. Oils were used to moisturise the skin and impart a pleasant aroma, while alums, a type of mineral salt, likely had antibacterial properties.
