What Are Botanicals? 

A botanical is any ingredient from nature. At VILES we are botanical purists, meaning we treasure botanical extracts, oils, essences, etc. that are untainted by synthetic processes and chemicals. We love botanicals that are refined with only the utmost reverence for preserving the integrity of the plant while capturing it's many bioactive benefits. 

Modern Products Do You No Favours

Products these days are absolutely brimming with synthetic chemicals. New skincare ingredients are invented in a lab every day. The latest 'miracle' acid or petroleum derivative is probably being discovered in a lab somewhere in Wisconsin by a technician who's salary is paid by a massive cosmetics conglomerate.  

Only in the last few centuries have we been utilizing self care products with ingredients we can't pronounce, rather than ingredients derived directly from nature. Perhaps collectively we should take a step back and reassess. Is our skin getting better? Are we advancing? 

Or perhaps, the skin of an Greek woman centuries ago who has used nothing but olive oil for her entire life has better skin that any of us could dream of today. 

 

The Queen's Beauty Chamber 

Ancient civilizations were deeply attuned to the power of botanicals, often using them in ways that hinted at secrets now lost to time. Cleopatra, for example, is said to have had an essential oil chamber, where she would immerse herself in the therapeutic aromas and healing properties of carefully selected botanicals.

These oils were thought to enhance beauty, health, and even allure, with plants like frankincense, myrrh, and rose often being used for their potent medicinal and cosmetic effects.

Such practices reflect an ancient understanding of botanicals that went beyond simple remedies, recognizing their ability to influence the mind, body, and spirit in ways that modern science is still trying to fully comprehend.

The mystery surrounding these ancient botanical secrets leaves us wondering what knowledge they may have held that remains hidden in the world today.

Botanicals Were A Staple In Ancient Greek Life

In Ancient Greece botanicals played a pivotal role in daily life, particularly in beauty and personal care. The Greeks pioneered the benefits of natural ingredients for skin, hair, and overall health, drawing from their surroundings and the abundant plant life in their regions. Olive oil, a cornerstone of Greek beauty rituals, was used not only as a food source but also for its moisturizing, nourishing, and anti-inflammatory properties. It was commonly applied to the skin after bathing to maintain soft, youthful skin, and was also used in hair care to add shine and prevent dryness.

Odysseus' Herbal Protection

A vivid example of the importance of botanicals in Ancient Greek culture can be seen in the epic tale of The Odyssey by Homer. His encounter with the goddess Circe stands out. Circe, a skilled herbalist, uses her knowledge of plants to both heal and harm, with her ability to transform Odysseus' men into swine through the use of a magical potion made from herbs and potions.

In contrast to this transformation, Circe also helps Odysseus by offering him advice and knowledge of other potent plants. One such plant is moly, a mythical herb that Hermes, the messenger god, gives to Odysseus to protect him from Circe's enchantments. While moly may have been a product of myth, it reflects the deep cultural reverence the Greeks had for herbs and plants in their rituals, not only for beauty but for spiritual and physical protection. This connection to plants as tools of power, transformation, and protection permeates Greek and Roman life.

Beauty was deeply tied to ideas of balance, wellness, and purity, with botanicals serving as essential tools in the pursuit of these ideals. Plants were considered a means to connect with nature's innate power, and this connection extended beyond mere appearance to encompass a broader spiritual and physical harmony.