How to Make Cleopatra's Milk Bath

Cleopatra bathed to soothe her skin.

Born in 69 B.C.E., Cleopatra was the last and one of the most famous pharaohs of ancient Egypt. Both her love affairs and her beauty were well documented throughout the classical world by writers like Tacitus and Cassius Dio. You can replicate Cleopatra's milk bath, the source of her radiant skin, without costly ingredients or complex preparation.

Things You'll Need

• Small bowl
• Wooden spoon
• 2 cups milk powder
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 cup honey
• 5 drops sandalwood essence
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 square of cheesecloth
• String

Instructions

1. Add milk powder, cornstarch, honey, sandalwood essence and vanilla extract into a small bowl. Mix well, using the wooden spoon.

2. Spoon the mixture on to the center of the cheesecloth square. Bring the four corners together and secure with the string to form a parcel.

3. Run a hot bath. Hold the cheesecloth parcel under the running tap, allowing the water to penetrate the mixture.

4. After the bath is ready, squeeze out any remaining mixture from the cheesecloth parcel. Swirl the mixture around in the tub. Bathe for 20 minutes to ensure that the ingredients soak into your skin.

Tips & Warnings

• Use fresh milk as an alternative to powder.

• This treatment is safe and beneficial to sensitive and dry skin.

References

• King's College: Cleopatra
• Soothing Baths For Winters Blahs; "Yoga Journal;" January 1996
• "Secret Potions, Elixirs and Concoctions: Botanical and Aromatic Recipes for Mind, Body and Soul;" M. A. Miczak; 1999
• "The Honey Prescription;" N. Altman; 2010

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish