ALBAWABA - For many of us today, daily cleansing with soap is a part of our personal hygiene routine, we probably can't even imagine our lives without it.
However prior to the invention of soap, just how were humans able to clean their bodies? It's only fair to say they had and used a variety of substances and techniques.
If you're curious about them, here are some of the most interesting substances that were used back in the day:
1. Ash
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Ashes from burnt wood or plants were one of the earliest substances humans used for cleaning. It was rubbed onto the skin to absorb dirt and sweat, then rinsed off with water.
2. Clay
Clay was used as an alternative to soap for cleansing in ancient Egypt and Rome. It works by removing dirt, oil, and impurities from the skin. The clay was mixed with water to create a paste for the skin, and then washed off with water.
3. Sand
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Sand was also used by early humans as a natural abrasive to clean the body. It was used in a similar way to clay, applied to the skin, and then washed off with water.
4. Egg whites
Egg whites are rich in protein and were used by the ancient Romans for cleaning their hair. They were applied to the hair and scalp, left on for a few minutes, and then rinsed off. The proteins in eggs helped remove dirt and debris from hair.
5. Olive oil
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Olive oil was used by the ancient Greeks to clean their skin. It was poured onto the skin, rubbed in, and then scraped off with a tool called a strigil. The oil was believed to both moisturize the skin and remove dirt and debris.
While soap might not have been a thing yet, it's clear that didn't stop Humans from being creative in using a variety of natural substances for hygiene. It also shows just how resourceful humans can be in adapting to environments and their needs.
