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France: Scientists recreate the perfume of the pharaohs

Ananova

Monday 07 Oct 2002

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Scientists in France say they have recreated the perfume of the pharaohs
which they believe was used by the ancient Egyptians to boost their
love-lives.

But as the ingredients of Kyphi perfume, said to be an aphrodisiac which
helps wearers relax, include cannabis it cannot be commercially
produced.

Experts from L'Oreal and C2RMF, the Centre for Research and Restoration
of French Museums, succeeded in recreating the legendary Kyphi perfume.

French researcher Sandrine Videault, who for years had attempted to
recreate the aroma, was finally able to do so with the help of Greek
historiographer Plutarch.

The Greek writer had written that Kyphi had the power "to send someone
to sleep, to help them have sweet dreams, to relax them, to drive away
the worries of the day and to bring peace."

The numerous ingredients include pistachios, mint, cinnamon, incense,
juniper and myrrh.

Videault says all previous attempts to use traces of the perfume found
in Egyptian museums had failed because not enough was provided for
analysis.

The expert says the recreation of the aroma is a long process because
there are many different recipes for it: "In some samples only ten
ingredients are used, in others up to 50," she said.

According to written documents the perfume, which came in block form and
unlike modern-day scents was not alcohol based, was worn by ancient
Egyptians in their hair and in intimate places to boost their sex lives.

But Videault said: "Kyphi will never be sold because some of the
ingredients are illegal substances. In any case the smell is probably
much too pungent for the modern world."




 

 

 

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