Moringa

The Moringa in Ancient Egypt


 * Egyptian Name:**

//Bak//

Nuts of the moringa (Moringa pterygosperma and M. aptera) were esteemed in perfumery, and the oil, known as "ben oil," was used as a base for scents. At the court of Ramses II, we are told, "the people dress in festive garments every day, their braided hair drenched in sweet moringa oil." The oil, applied to the skin, was also thought to repel mosquitoes. It was the sacred tree of the gods Heryshaf and Ptah.

Trees of Ancient Egypt

Fiber and Oil Plants of Ancient Egypt