A Tradition Rooted in History

At the Healing House, we revere ancient wisdom that supports modern wellness practices. Among these time-honoured traditions, body exfoliation stands out as a ritual that has transcended centuries and cultures, offering benefits that go far beyond mere skincare.

In African traditions, particularly those of North and East Africa, body exfoliation has been practiced for centuries with natural, indigenous ingredients. In Morocco, hammam rituals centered around the application of black soap followed by exfoliation with a special mitt called a “kessa.” This process wasn’t merely about physical cleanliness but represented spiritual purification and community bonding.

Indigenous African communities have long harvested natural exfoliants from their surroundings—crushed baobab fruit shells, rooibos leaves, and various plant materials were combined with oils and butters to create effective scrubs. These traditions were passed down through generations, with each region developing unique blends based on local resources.

Myrrh is a fascinating substance with deep historical, spiritual, and mythological significance that continues to find relevance in modern practices. Myrrh is an aromatic resin obtained from trees of the genus Commiphora. Throughout history, it has held profound spiritual importance.

Across cultures, myrrh has symbolized:

• Purification and cleansing
• Transition between worlds
• Sacrifice and suffering
• Healing and protection
• Divine connection

Introducing Terres D’Afrique

At the Londolozi Healing House, we have carefully selected partners who share our commitment to both excellence and ethical practices. Terres D’Afrique stands as a beacon of these values, bringing the efficacious botanicals of Africa to the Healing House.

 

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Founded on the principle that “there is wisdom and power in nature’s balance,” Terres D’Afrique approaches skincare with profound respect for both natural ecosystems and indigenous knowledge. Unlike many cosmetic companies that source ingredients from commercial farms that clear native lands, Terres D’Afrique practices sustainable hand-harvesting from wild growth plants, preserving the biodiversity in ecosystems where their ingredients naturally thrive.

The brand works directly with communities like the Muswodi Dipeni Village in Limpopo, the Ka-ben Village in Swaziland, and villages in Namibia’s Kunene Region—places where people have discovered and utilized these powerful plants for generations, some for thousands of years. The expertise these communities possess—knowing where to find the best trees and the most effective techniques for harvest—is unparalleled. Their work is done with the utmost respect for the land, which is also their home.

This approach not only protects fragile ecosystems but honours indigenous intellectual property. Terres D’Afrique ensures transparent and equitable benefits sharing in accordance with the Nagoya protocol, never pressuring producers into exclusive agreements that might compromise their autonomy or traditional practices.

Even the packaging reflects Terres D’Afrique’s commitment to sustainability—using recyclable glass and aluminum, limiting plastic to only caps and pumps, and sourcing any necessary paper from certified sustainably managed forests (FSC).

 

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The Terres D’Afrique Experience

We adore the warming sensation and sumptuous, indulgent texture of their Namibian Myrrh (Ombumbiri) Body Scrub.

Jemma Thorpe

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The Terres D’Afrique Namibian Myrrh (Ombumbiri) Body Scrub we use at The Healing House embodies this philosophy of respect and sustainability while delivering exceptional results. Each ingredient tells a story of careful sourcing and ancient tradition:

Baobab seeds :These are used to gently exfoliate. Baobab seed sourced from our neighbouring province in Limpopo, harvested by the Venda community. The majestic baobab tree is a symbol of life in the arid African Savannah, where little can thrive. The tree absorbs and stores water in its mammoth trunk, enabling it to produce a nutrient-rich fruit in the dry season, hence its name “The Tree of Life.”

Rooibos Leaves: Native to South Africa, rooibos has been used by indigenous peoples for its medicinal properties for generations. Rich in antioxidants, these finely ground leaves help combat free radicals while providing gentle exfoliation that respects the skin’s natural barrier.

Jemma Thorpe

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Baobab Oil: Extracted from the seeds of Africa’s iconic “Tree of Life,” baobab oil has been a skincare staple for centuries. Terres D’Afrique sources this precious oil through sustainable partnerships with communities like the Dambale Village. The company donates 1% of its sales to the Baobab Foundation, supporting projects including the construction of a pre-school in this community—recognizing that many harvesters are women who also bear childcare responsibilities.

Namibian Myrrh (Ombumbiri): This precious aromatic resin, harvested from Commiphora wildii trees in Namibia, has been used by the Himba people for generations as both a fragrance and medicinal ingredient. Unlike its more common Middle Eastern cousin, Namibian Myrrh (Ombumbiri) has a distinctive sweet, woody scent with subtle spicy undertones. The Himba women have traditionally incorporated this sacred resin into their beauty rituals, recognizing its skin-nourishing and aromatic properties.

The Healing House Experience

When you enter our tranquil River Room at The Healing House, you’re participating in a ritual that connects you to thousands of years of human wellness wisdom, delivered through products that honour both people and planet.

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Our therapists apply the Terres D’Afrique Namibian Myrrh (Ombumbiri) Body Scrub using techniques inspired by traditional practices, working in gentle circular motions toward the heart to maximize both physical and energetic benefits.

The carefully calibrated blend of sugar, baobab seed, and rooibos flakes works in harmony to provide optimal exfoliation without harshness. As the scrub is massaged into your skin, the natural scent of Namibian Myrrh creates an atmosphere of subtle luxury, while baobab oil ensures your skin remains nourished and protected.

After your treatment, you’ll notice not just softer, more radiant skin, but a sense of renewal that transcends the physical—a feeling well understood by those who practiced these rituals across the centuries.

A Ritual of Renewal

In traditional cultures, exfoliation wasn’t merely a cosmetic practice but a ritual of renewal and transformation. The removal of dead skin symbolized the shedding of the old self, making way for regeneration and new beginnings. This metaphorical significance gave exfoliation rituals a place in rites of passage and seasonal celebrations across many ancient societies.

At The Healing House, we honor this deeper dimension of exfoliation. Our River Room treatments are designed not just to beautify the skin but to provide a pause in the rush of modern life where you can experience a renewal of your largest organ—the skin—and emerge refreshed in body and cleansed in spirit.

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By choosing The Healing House experience, you become part of a larger story—one that stretches from ancient traditions to modern ethical practices, from rural African villages to our tranquil River Room. The ingredients may be packaged differently than they were in ancient times, but their essence and benefits remain unchanged, and now they carry the added benefit of supporting responsible stewardship of our planet’s precious resources.

Visit The Healing House to experience this ancient ritual reimagined for contemporary wellness, and discover why some traditions truly do stand the test of time.