Red ochre is a naturally-occurring clay-like material found in igneous and metamorphic rocks. It is hygroscopic and readily absorbs water. We source Tasmanian-mined red ochre. Tasmania’s First Peoples used it extensively. Their word for it is ‘ballawinne’, which literally means “blood” — it was seen as the life-giving blood of the earth. They used it by mixing it with animal fat and smeared it onto their hair to create ringlets.
There is even evidence that Neanderthals used it on their skin! We add red ochre in our terrene skin care soap for its functionality, and to symbolise the spiritual significance of the earth to creation beliefs. It:
- Cleanses and nourishes: cleanliness and hygiene were highly favoured among the ancient Egyptians. They made soap paste out of clay and olive oil. The soap would cleanse the body as well as nourish and heal the skin. In modern times, Himba women, of Northern Namibia use red ochre paste to cleanse the skin. It draws out impurities;
- Purifies: red ochre is also seen as purifying in Ayervedic (Indian) traditions — one of the oldest systems of medicine in the world. They call it Geru, or Gairika, and claim topical application gives relief to itching, burns, ulcers, boils and pustular eruption.
Red ochre for skin care is part of human history. Get lost in time and re-discover ancient practices by using our terrene skin care soap!
