Report From The Kitchen #7 - Compendium of Materia Medica And Ancient Uses Of Tallow

Report From The Kitchen #7 - Compendium of Materia Medica And Ancient Uses Of Tallow

Last week we went old-school with some old English library books.  This week we are going to go way back to ancient times and the Ming Dynasty.  Instead of talking about Royal Jelly, however, we are going to tackle ancient uses of tallow.  

Chinese herbal medicine texts, such as the "Compendium of Materia Medica" by Li Shizhen, mention tallow as a remedy for various skin conditions, including eczema, psoriasis, and dry skin. Archaeological evidence supports this, with the discovery of a 2700-year-old face cream in a nobleman's tomb, composed of animal fat and moon milk, suggesting tallow-based skincare products were used by the elite to maintain skin health. 

If you are wondering why I have been focusing on historical texts lately it is because it is important to understand that people have used tallow for skin care and other uses for 1000s of years.  BIG CORP wants you to believe that they can invent something in a lab that works better than what nature can do.  They can’t.  Tallow will never be able to be replaced by synthetic materials.

What Makes Tallow So Great?

OK, we are going to nerd out again for a bit.  Feel free to skip over this paragraph if you want but it's important for you to know the reasons why tallow is so good for your skin.  It is composed of triglycerides and fatty acids. These fatty acids are similar to those found in human sebum, making tallow highly compatible and easily absorbed by the skin. It also has Oleic acid, which enhances skin penetration and allows other beneficial compounds to be delivered effectively.  The palmitic and stearic acids present in tallow form a protective barrier, helping to prevent moisture loss and shielding against environmental irritants.

Modern science has allowed us to discover the mechanism by which tallow works for skin care, but they weren’t concerned too much about the “how” it worked in ancient times.  Only that it worked.  Tallow was readily available from domesticated animals and our forebears recognized its ability to heal wounds, soothe irritation, and maintain skin suppleness.  This availability made it a practical choice for skin care, especially in cultures with advanced agricultural practices.

Our ancestors didn’t stop there.  Tallow balm was also often combined with other natural ingredients, such as herbs, essential oils, or honey, to enhance its therapeutic effects.  It was mixed into balms, ointments, and soaps.

Using Tallow Was A Worldwide Ancient Practice

In ancient Egypt, skincare was an integral part of daily life.  Both men and women engaged in elaborate beauty rituals and tallow played a crucial role.  It was used in natural soaps for daily baths and preparing the skin for further treatments. After bathing, Egyptians applied face creams made from tallow as sun protection in the harsh desert climate.  Historical records (recipes) and archaeological findings (jars), confirm this use. 
The Greeks were known for their advancements in medicine and appreciation for physical beauty. Tallow was used in skincare to maintain the health and appearance of the skin.  Greek physician Galen documented its use in making ointments and salves for treating various skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis.

Not to be outdone, the ancient Romans used tallow as a common ingredient in skincare products.  Additionally, tallow was used in soap production, combining it with ashes to create early forms of soap, used not only for hygiene but also for treating skin ailments.
For more recent historical uses we only need to look at frontier America.  Tallow was a vital resource, deeply integrated into the daily lives of settlers, homesteaders, and pioneers. The frontier was characterized by isolation, limited access to goods, and a reliance on self-sufficiency. Tallow became a staple due to its abundance in a landscape where resources were scarce and every part of an animal was used to survive.  For frontier women, tallow also doubled as a basic cosmetic. Some mixed it with ash or charcoal to create a rudimentary eyeliner or brow filler.  
Here at The VanMan Co. we proudly follow in those early settlers footsteps by offering different tallow options, like our classic Tallow & Honey Balm and Bison Tallow. 
unscented bison tallow balm
Unlike BIG CORP, who are trying to invent the next best thing, we look to the wisdom of the past to keep turning out natural products that our customers love.  You can depend on us to stay true not only to our roots, but to our ancestral roots as well.

What’s VanMan Cooking Up Next?

Next issue we are going to talk more about Tooth Powder.  Until then always remember . . . 

The van never stops,

VanMan

 

Leave a comment

Please note, comments must be approved before they are published

This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

VanMan's Blog

You may also like

View all