Indigenous Plants

ancient south african traditions of skincare

Imphepho (Helichrysum petiolare)

Our quality products are adorned with the finest, sacred traditional sage harvested in the foot hills of eGotyibeni Village. Imphepho is sacredly treasured in the South African culture as it is commonly used as a smudging herb to rid space off negative energy, cleanse and protect. Imphepho is used more especially by traditionalist to invoke a trance to communicate with those who have passed over (ancestors).

However, this herb plant has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial properties which treats skin ailment issues. The decoctions of the leaves is used to improve skin texture, beauty, and treat wounds. Research has shown that despite new and improved cosmetic formulations in the modern day South Africa, most people still prefer natural and organic occurring products for their personal care and beautification.

UmMemezi bark (Cassipourea flanaganii)

My mom would always tell me that back in her younger years, they would grind the UmMemezi bark with stones into a powder and mix it with baking powder as a skincare routine, during the weekends. And just to give you a hint, our face mask product was born from her story. The endangered UmMemzi tree grows widly in a small area of South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province, where poor village women in particular, harvest its bark to supply a growing national market. Young Xhosa women mix the powdered bark with a little water to make a pale, reddish brown paste, which they apply to their faces to conceal blemishes, improve complexion and lighten their skin.

Ikhala (Aloe Ferox)

Ikhala, also known as Bitter aloe, Bergaalwyn, is also one of the beautiful focal plants which is one of the best known South African plants with a long history of medicinal use. The gel-like flesh from the inside of the leaves is used in cosmetics products and is reported to have wound healing and soothing properties.