Aleppo Soap, nature and sustainability

Soap For Hope!

We all know that we have contributed to the current global health catastrophe by way of our collective human actions over the last decades. The chemical industry, mass production, and the unimaginable amounts of waste that we produce, but also carelessness in the use of our global resources, have played a major role in this. All these missteps have had an impact not only on the environment, but also on us as individuals – on our health. Since this situation affects all of us, it would be great if we took time to think about how we can improve it through simple actions.

As we continue to look for long-term answers, the current pandemic underlines an urgent wake up call. But first, let’s briefly analyse a possibility for our first collective social response!

There are two examples which have shown us that we have learned nothing from the current health crisis, nor from previous ones,  and do not yet understand how our individual and collective actions contribute to the deterioration of our own health and the global health condition..

It is no secret that within the emergence of “COVID-19” there has as well been another consumer crash in huge supermarkets and retailers*. The hoarding of purchases to an extent which has never before been seen, such as was the case with toilet paper which  has been bought in absurd quantities, may well be described as dramatic. More toilet paper means: more waste, more paper, more trees to be cut down, and a further exacerbation of the environmental disaster that we have collectively initiated.

Besides the aforementioned example of toilet paper, body cleansing and hygiene play a very important role, especially in this critical time. The skin is our largest organ. It protects us from harmful environmental influences and supports our immune system. The daily use of chemical body cleansers kills all of the bacteria on our skin, even the beneficial ones that are essential for a balanced and intact acid mantle. If the skin gets out of balance then the immune system is weakened. What’s more, most body products are packaged in disposable plastic, so we are increasing both our “chemical footprint” and the abundance of plastic waste even faster than before; digging our collective grave even deeper.

But let’s leave the more detailed analysis to the health and environmental scientists.

At Noble Soap, we take our responsibility to people and to the environment very seriously and want our products to contribute to the good of both. The entirety of our  company philosophy and our natural products reflect this perfectly. It is of great importance to us that we raise people’s awareness of the necessity of using healthier products for daily personal hygiene and of avoiding unnecessary waste in the process of doing so. With Noble Soap’s products, that’s easy!

We produce Aleppo soaps of the highest quality from olive oil and laurel oil; no additional ingredients are needed. Our natural soaps are characterized by many outstanding features.

Our soaps are handmade, free of harmful chemical substances, free of palm oil, vegan, sustainably produced, free of animal suffering, biodegradable and come in plastic-free packaging.

The olive oil contained  therein nourishes and cares for our skin down to the deepest layers. Due to the similar cell structures of olive oil and human skin, the latter absorbs the rich oil well. Olive oil contains many important ingredients that have an antioxidant effect and protect the skin against harmful environmental influences and skin-irritating substances, such as vitamin A, omega 3 fatty acids and oleocanthal. Vitamin E neutralizes free radicals, initiates cell renewal and provides a skin rejuvenating effect. Chlorophyll helps the body to detoxify and heal wounds while also supporting cell regeneration.

Laurel oil has been a highly valued “magic” oil that has been used in diverse ways since the dawn of civilisation. However, thanks to its antiseptic, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, it is gaining renewed importance, especially nowadays, as a natural alternative to chemical disinfectants.

Its unique cosmetic ability to regulate sebaceous gland hyper-function while also reducing inflammation, allows laurel oil to aid in the fight against blemished skin and acne. It also reduces dandruff by inhibiting the overproduction of sebum. Additionally, the blood circulation stimulation provided by the oil also has a positive effect on dandruff reduction.

The combination of these two valuable, effective oils – olive oil and laurel oil – , which are processed in accordance with authentic, traditional production rituals, creates the outstanding quality of our Aleppo soap and makes it the best, healthiest alternative to chemical cleansers for the body.

As mentioned at the beginning, answers and actions to the most important global problems are needed and they can start very small, with daily care for our bodies. Nobel Soap products are therefore the perfect sustainable and eco-friendly choice for natural hair and body care. This is why we chose to include the laurel branch in our logo as a sign of authentic natural health and beauty.

Noble Zero waste shop

1st Zero waste Store in Brunnen Markt @ Market News

Our flagship zero waste store in Brunnenmarkt/Yppenplatz was featured by Angelika Herburger in MARKTNEWS 5|23, the article highlights the features of our unique sales unit and introduces for our mission in changing the shape of personal care sector towards greener and more sustainable sector, enjoy reading!

No waste, lots of soap in The zero-waste stand at Brunnenmarkt
Noble Soap’s zero-waste stand at Brunnenmarkt has become a showcase for sustainability and good entrepreneurship. Here you’ll find hygiene and relaxation products such as homemade soaps, pumice stones, essential oils and scented candles

Noble bathtube

Venerable handcraft

Ahmad Andoura, the founder of Noble Soap, was born in Damascus and grew up between Damascus and Aleppo. There, his family operated a successful soap-making business that had been in his family for generations. Soap making was an important craft and industry in Syria. The Andoura’s family used traditional methods to produce high quality soaps made from natural ingredients such as olive oil and Laurel oil.

From Aleppo to Vienna

After the complete destruction caused by the war, the founders moved their headquarters to Vienna and reopened the production in cooperation with their old employees in the south of Turkey. The Brunnenmarkt location was chosen because it is a special melting pot of cultures that value each other and works in harmony towards better reality and future.
And due to Noble Soap’s great success, there is now also a store at the Schmelzbrücke in addition to the Brunnenmarkt store.

Noble Soap is committed to the goal of using available resources sustainably and sparingly. On the one hand, this refers to the production of the soaps, on the other hand, to their packaging in the store. The step towards a zero-waste store, i.e. a shop where there is no plastic packaging and where it is best to take your own containers, was only logical. Since there are unfortunately still very few zero-waste stores in Vienna, Noble Soap quickly became the place to go for people who care about sustainability.

The zero waste store’s assortment includes a variety of handmade soaps, all made from natural ingredients. The company relies on high-quality organic oils and plant extracts that are known for their nourishing and regenerating properties. For example, there are soaps with rose, lavender and rosemary oil. The use of synthetic, colorants, parabens or other harmful ingredients is deliberately avoided.

Flagship Sign
The success of the Noble Zero Waste store at Brunnenmarkt shows that sustainability, quality and entrepreneurship can go hand in hand. This has attracted the attention of Several politicians whom have visited the store and praised it as an example of successful integration and entrepreneurial commitment. All of them emphasized that the store is not only a contribution to sustainability, but also an important part of the Grätzl community in Vienna.

🌱Stand 116 Brunnenmarkt/Yppenplatz: Brunnengasse 72, 1160 Vienna
🌱Main store: Schmelzbrücke 6, 1150, Vienna

Aleppo Soap

Full article “PDF/German”: Press here

Noble Soap natural soap shop

Seeded To Grow!

Noble Soap GmbH opened its first natural soap zero waste concept store on Yppenplatz on 3.3.21

In 1998, Ahmad Andoura and his father Nabil Andoura, founded a company in Syria to follow a tradition that goes back thousands of years. They began by producing high quality Aleppo soap from olives and laurel. It is said that people in the Middle East knew how to wash themselves with this soap as early as 2400 BC.

Natural Noble™ soap zero waste concept store on Yppenplatz on 3.3.21. Photo Credit: madamewien.at

The production of the Andouras family began in a factory in Aleppo, where natural laurel forests grow. The company’s headquarters at that time was in Damascus and quickly became a leader in quality. When it became too dangerous for the family in Syria in 2012, they had to leave the country.
Was it difficult to gain a foothold here? Different. Because first you go through loss. With two empty hands, to find the strength to get back up, to start again, it’s not easy, it’s been a hard journey. My father is retired today, but it was very important to me to have him by my side. I want him to be proud of the fact that we are rebuilding something here after fleeing the regime and losing everything in the old homeland. We want to show Vienna and the world the beautiful sides and the wonderful products of our country.

What exactly is the offer? We make 100% vegan, biodegradable, plastic-free products. The soaps are also ideal for different skin types. With the Noble Soap concept, we want to create something new, the products are sustainably produced. For body care, the sauna, the hamam, for the kitchen. I stand 100 percent behind the product, which has been produced in northern Syria for thousands of years. This is our first store here in Vienna, but we have big plans and want to expand soon.
What’s in the Aleppo soap? It contains olive oil from the second pressing, the first is usually pressed for consumption. In this second pressing there are unsaturated fatty acids, vitamin E and minerals that are well absorbed by the skin and protect it. In addition, there is laurel oil, which has antibacterial properties. All ingredients are heated, cooked, shaped and then dried for a year before being sold by the piece.

Natural Noble™ soap zero waste store, Brunnenmarkt 116/Yppenplatz. Photo Credit: madamewien.at

What is your guiding principle? One goes like this: success is a combination of vision and dedication. But you also have to do something for it; it doesn’t come from the sky with a parachute.

Full Article: “DE” https://www.madamewien.at/ahmad-andoura-gekommen-um-zu-bleiben/

Natural Noble™ Soap Logo

The Laurel Crown and our Noble Logo

The Story of our Logo

In the journey to rebuild our business, we faced a major question: should we change our logo? Should we just create a new modern identity rather than keep using the logo created way back in 1998 when Mr. Nabil Andoura first established the company in Damascus? It took us many days and nights thinking about it, asking friends, holding focus groups and consulting experts. In the end decided not to change it. Why? What makes us so attached to our logo aside from it’s prestigious, successful background and the story related thereto? Actually, choosing the same old logo for us was a choice of resistance and commitment to the quality and premium standard of our brand, its legacy, and the story it represents. Nothing could represent our mission more than the crown of natural, evergreen laurel leaves.

In the next few sentences, we will explain to you what makes the laurel leaves and our logo a perfect match.

Laurel illustration

The Laurel Crown

Humanity knew of and used essential oils for their antibacterial properties way before distilling it to produce alcohol for medical use. Back in the old days, warriors on the battlefield rubbed laurel leaves around their wounds and injuries in order to cleanse them, heal them and prevent them from getting infected thanks to the natural antibacterial properties that laurel leaf essential oil has. Read More about Laurel and it’s Oil benefits

And if the warriors survived and were victorious, they used to hang the laurel leaves around their heads on their way back home. Therefore their loved ones recognise their returning with a crown of laurel leaves as with a green, peaceful sign of their victory and glory,

From there the crown of laurels became a symbol of victory and glory. Gods, kings, emperors and brave civilians wore it as a symbol of glory and a message of victory,

Later ancient greek Olympics adapted it to be its official symbol and from there it became a universal immortal sign of glory, health and beauty.

Thus, we in “Noble Soap” found our selfs impressed by the beauty of this ancient story so we chosen the laurel crown to hold our brand name and be part of our logo as a continues sign of beauty, care and nature.

Gastgeschenke Vegan Noble Seife

ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY GUEST GIFTS WITH CHARM

Zero Waste Wedding, Let yourself be inspired by the wedding soap!

In her blog article Alexa Bachmann, photographer and blogger from goldstueck-heidelberg.com shares her inspiring experience for zero waste charming weddings and personal gift in a beautiful inspiring article ..

Fragrant little give-aways, Where do they come from and what advantages do they have?

Today’s blog article is especially close to my heart. I have attended too many weddings and have seen some inspiring concepts, decorations, floristry or catering. As different as the bridal couples are, as different is the celebration type and All the hosts have one thing in common, They want their guests to feel comfortable and enjoy themselves. It should be a harmonious and intimate friendly celebration and maybe you also want to convey a message!

Today, and as consumers we all should share the feeling of responsibility towards our selfs and environment, The wedding is a wonderful occasion to choose products with philosophy and background. You may already have guessed it, it is all about Zero Waste Lifestyle. It is about handmade beauties that promise environmentally friendly and responsible use of resources and animal welfare. You think that doesn’t fit on a wedding and sounds unromantic? Not at all! BE Inspired…And give a Noble soap as a wedding present!

In some parts of Syria it is an old tradition to send a piece of soap in a box to your wedding guests, This used to be considered as a caring friendly invitation to dress up and get to the wedding,

The first requirement for beautiful host gifts is that they must have something to do with you. They must be personalisable. Have your initials or even a small branding printed on your guest gifts.

Noble Soap produces a wonderful little soap based on olives and laurel oil. A beautiful and particularly natural fragrant solution as a personalised guest gift and those small soaps can be printed with your initials and are very trendy with their recyclable and wonderful design packaging.

That’s why you give soap as a wedding present! who said some traditions cant be inspiring..

Soap Gift item

Wedding Trends and exhibition gift items

Imagine the small kraft paper packages on the tables. Is your wedding concept the popular Greenery, Vintage, Burgundy or Boho Glam? Are you more classic, romantic and timeless? The little soaps fit perfectly into different concepts and leave a fresh note in your location.

As a wedding photographer, why do I choose a soap as a goody for my customers?
basically I wanted to be inspired and inform you that there are beautiful alternatives to traditional (and already a bit boring) wedding almonds. There are alternatives to salt and pepper or mini bubbles.

During my research for inspiration I came across NobleSoap.com and I noticed that I could find soaps, but not in the quality and look that Noble soap offers in their online shop. Moreover, it is a family business and a real traditional environmental craft

No palm oil is used in the production process, the product is made of recyclable materials and is therefore completely free of plastic. When I opened the package of Noble Companion Soap, I was first impressed by the scent of the soaps. My stand at the trade fair had a wonderful scent of olives and laurel. I was particularly pleased that I was able to give them as a gift to my trade fair visitors.

Read the full article in Alwxa’s Blog Page goldstueck-heidelberg

olive sketch
Ahmad Andoura

WHERE OLIVE KISSES LAUREL OIL

A more than 4000 year old beauty product: Aleppo soap. At “Noble Soap”: Authenticity, quality, and sustainability comes together.

Text: Nada El-Azar, photos: Eugénie Sophie

Many businesses are constantly working to visionaries tomorrow by inventing new products just without taking care of our eco system or to the harmony of their new inventions with our environmental being, while our philosophy were quite simple: we looked backwards to examine and develop the essential products that has long proven itself in our civilisation in sustaining our wellbeing and eco living, then naturally produce it after developing and modernising it” says Ahmad Andoura, managing director of the soap manufacturing company Noble Soap. He has specialised in the sale of the Syrian natural aleppo soap, which consists of olive oil and laurel oil. Its tradition roots dates back to 2400 B.C., which makes the so-called “Aleppo Soap” one of the oldest soaps ever. “This soap is an over 4000 year old product that has supported our entire civilization, similar to bread, vinegar and wine”. The special thing about the Aleppo Soap is: The basis for the aleppo soap is the so-called second pressed olive oil produced from the residues of the first press olive oil, which makes Aleppo soap a great skincare circular product produced in a traditional environmentally friendly processes.

TRADITIONAL AND VALUE-ORIENTED

The Viennese company “Noble Soap” can best be described as a “vintage startup”, as it is a direct successor to the company of the same name, which was founded by Nabil Andoura with his son Ahmad Andoura between Damascus and Aleppo in 1998. Before the production facilities in Syria fell victim to the war in 2012, Noble Soap was the premium market leader in the field of Aleppo soap. Today, production has moved to southern Turkey, where it works with local olive growers and cooperation with their team members then The soap is packed and labeled in Vienna, completely without plastic. As always, each soap bar is handmade and is vegan as well as palm oil free.

AN INTIMATE PRODUCT

Soap particularly is an intimate personal product,” says Ahmad Andoura. In some parts of Syria, it was common to send a piece of soap in a box to wedding guests. “This is considered a friendly invitation to get dressed up and come to a wedding,” explains Ahmad. For sensitive skin or skin affected by diseases like eczema or psoriasis, the gentle Aleppo soap is a good alternative to conventional shower gels. The olive oil gently cleanses the skin of harmful bacteria, while the precious laurel oil has an antiseptic effect. In the Noble Soap assortment you will find, in addition to the classic, odorless Aleppo soap, variants with rose, saffron or lavender, and the product range continues to grow – it’s worth taking a look at the online store.

Check the full interview in the “Das biber” magazine page “German”:

https://www.dasbiber.at/content/wo-olivenoel-lorbeer-kuesst

Viennale

Natural Noble™ in Viennale 20

Natural Noble™ Soap Sponsor Vienna International Film Festival “Viennale 20”

This year “Viennale 20” faces the challenge of the Covid pandemic adding big pressure on the organisers to apply high standards of health safety measures, which they do perfectly with an authentic spirit and motivation to their mission for art and social development And together with Noble Soap GmbH, the Natural Noble™ Soap Gift bars are distributed within the Viennale gift bags in favour of personal hygiene, health, nature and social development, for us in Noble Soap we are committed to support our communities needs and glad to be part of VIENNALE 20 sponsors.

This year, Viennale 20 Chosen The Viennale’s mushroom as their visual outfit, The poster subject of the Viennale 2020 is a cheerful collection of stylized toadstools (Amanita muscaria), which have always been iconographically associated with psychedelic experiences. Just as cinema, with its surprising perspectives, inspires unexpected insights and visions and opens perspectives into new worlds. These aspects of transformation, astonishment and liberation are what the Viennale wants to evoke with their poster subject. The Viennale’s mushroom, neither animal nor plant, is reminiscent of both, although it stubbornly remains something else – something that can continue to transform itself.

Fungi live in symbiosis with other animal and plant beings, or they are their parasites, including those of humans. Fungi play a fundamental role in the cycle of nature and in the exchange of nutrients in the environment: they are the originators of decomposition and they transform organic matter. Fungi live in dark environments, a characteristic they have in common with the cinema.

Read More in about Viennale 20 Concept:

https://www.viennale.at/en/v20-sujets

Viennale 20 Sponsors

https://www.viennale.at/de/partner/sponsoren

Not just soap, but a high standard of sustainability

In Wien entstehen jeden Tag neue Betriebe mit spannenden Geschäftsideen.

Dieser Artikel wurde von der Wirtschaftskammer Österreich (WKO) auf news.wko.at veröffentlicht.

Nicht nur Seife, sondern ein hoher Anspruch an Nachhaltigkeit

„Wer Qualität herstellen will, muss seine Produkte lieben und sie bis ins kleinste Detail verstehen”, betont Ahmad Andoura, Geschäftsführer von „Noble Soap”. Der Unternehmer versteht sich als „symbolischer Brückenbauer”. Die Vision des ursprünglich 1998 in Aleppo gegründeten Unternehmens fortzusetzen und es erneut auf eine starke Basis zu stellen, sei keine reine Business Strategie, sondern Teil der Familiengeschichte – Herzblut inklusive. „Bevor Alkohol als Desinfektionsmittel verwendet wurde, waren es natürliche Öle, die der Haut und dem Körper wohlgetan haben”, sagt Andoura, der sich mit Wien sehr verbunden fühlt: „Nichts entspricht dem Stilbewusstsein des historischen Wiens so sehr wie die Liebe zum Detail. Genau diesen Anspruch haben die Produkte von ,Noble Soap’.” Nachhaltige Herstellungsprozesse, frei von schädlichen Inhaltsstoffen und eine mehr als 2400 Jahre alte Produktgeschichte bilden die Eckpfeiler der Hautpflegeprodukte von „Noble Soap”. Die Seifen aus Oliven und Lorbeer sollen aber nicht nur als Edelprodukte vertrieben werden. Andoura stellt sie auch diversen Wohlfahrtsorganisationen zur Verfügung. „Denn in schweren Zeiten ist jeder aufgefordert, einen Beitrag zu leisten.”

Link zum Artikel: https://news.wko.at/news/wien/Neu-im-Bezirk46.html

Olive Fruits

Facts About olives

The olive tree has been mentioned as being a holy tree across several religions, ancient myths and stories. Its precious fruit and magnificent oil are known, esteemed and used for its multitude of benefits as a food and in skin treatments the world over. This majestic evergreen tree has a positive and valuable impact on human health and overall well-being.

olive oil * olive origin: Mediterranean region * olive plant * oil production * skin care * olive oil properties * Hydroxytyrosol * Linoleic acid * Vitamin E * Chlorophyll * Vitamin A * Omega 3 * Oleocantha

The origin of the olive tree is not clearly identifiable, but the eastern Mediterranean is often cited as its motherland. However wherever its origins may lie, the Mediterranean region is certainly the home of the olive tree, since by far the largest percentage of the 850 million olive trees worldwide are rooted in its soil. Additionally, the first recorded mention of the olive in antiquity were found on clay tablets close to the city of Aleppo, Syria.

Today, the main producers of olive oil are Spain, Italy, Greece, Turkey and Portugal, in addition to Syria, Tunisia and Morocco. The aforementioned countries produce over 95% of the world’s “liquid gold”. The climate of these countries lends itself well to the olive tree’s growth. The trees adore the typically dry summers and mild, humid winters of the Mediterranean basin.

In order for an olive tree to bear fruit, it takes about 10 years; however, under suitable conditions, an olive tree may grow to be several hundred years old.

A grown olive tree can produce 50-70 kg of fruit from which the oil is then extracted. The fruits harvested from a single tree can produce 5-10 litres of oil. The harvest usually takes place from the beginning of autumn until January of the following year, depending on the geographic location, variety of olive and weather.

THE ORIGIN OF THE OLIVE

Olive trees have been cultivated for over 5,000 years, which makes it the oldest crop in the world. Olives and the oil they produce have developed their reputation over time and in different contexts.

 The important cultural role that the plant plays is reflected in history and mythology:

In Greek mythology, Athena, the goddess of wisdom wins the favour of the inhabitants of Attica by giving them an olive tree. Thus, she became the patron of Athens.

In various religions, the olive tree is considered sacred. For example, in the Torah the olive is referred to as one of the seven species that the Eternal promises would be found in Canaan. In the Old Testament, it says that Noah sent out a dove to cross the sea and find land. This dove then returned carrying an olive branch, thus proving the existence of land and symbolizing reconciliation with God. Also, in the Qur’an the olive tree is mentioned several times, oaths are found on the olive tree, and the oil of this blessed plant is described as being almost lightening without being lit.

It’s no wonder why the olive branch is a symbol of friendship and peace between nations.

The name of the olive plant comes from the latin, “oliva”, and thus has the meaning “oil tree”.

It is conceivable that the tree was named after its precious potential since the olive was used for oil production right from the beginning of its use in human agriculture and the use of olive oil follows the trees dispersion.

THE PRODUCTION OF OLIVE OIL

Olive oil production has not changed much over the centuries. Firstly, the leaves and other debris is removed from the harvested olives. Then, the harvest is washed before being crushed in a mill. The pits remain in the fruits throughout this process, rather than being removed. This process of roughly working the fruit is designed to open up the cells of the fruit, so that the oil can more easily escape the vacuoles. Next, the resulting pulp is distributed across grass mats. These mats are then piled atop one another and pressed. The liquid that is released during this step is then allowed to rest. This allows the oil to settle on the surface and be removed.

Today, another method may be used instead of the traditional pressing. In this method, after the olives are minced by the mill then are spun in a centrifuge. This spinning allows the oil to seperate itself more easily from the other ingredients.

PROPERTIES OF OLIVE OIL

Olive oil is excellent for skin care. Due to structural similarities between olive oil and human skin cells, the rich oil is able to be easily absorbed. This helps support healthy cell function and a good moisture balance, making the skin smooth and leaving a soft, tender, pleasant feeling.

While olive oil is not a sunscreen, it can aid in defending the skin from UV radiation and has  an anti-ageing effect. The application of olive oil to the skin immediately after sunbathing, may even reduce the risk of skin cancer thanks to its antioxidant properties.

The natural compounds found in olive oil have many benefits. The following substances are just some of the ingredients in this nutritious oil that have a great impact on the skin and body:

Hydroxytyrosol

Has antioxidant properties and shields the skin from oxidative influences, such as UV light, environmental influences and irritants.

Linoleic Acid

Helps reduce age spots. It counteracts skin irritation and light damage, as well as reducing the size of blackheads.

Vitamin E (Tocopherol)

Combines with free-radicals, thus rendering them harmless. Additionally, it aids cell renewal and is rejuvenating for the skin.

Chlorophyll

Helps the body with detoxification and the healing of wounds while also supporting cell regeneration.

Vitamin A

Present in olive oil in a mild, natural form. This helps tighten the skin and prevents excess sebum production.

Omega 3 Fatty Acids (Unsaturated fatty acids)

Slow down the aging process in human cells.

Oleocanthal

Discovered just 15 years ago, this ingredient of olive oil is said to have similar active components to the medicine “ibuprofen”.  It ensures inflammation mediation and platelet regeneration. Additionally,  Oleocanthal attacks and destroys cancer cells within 30 minutes. Its natural occurence in olive oil is harmless to the body.

For thousands of years, the olive has been cultivated not only has a nutritious food item, but also for its beneficial, nourishing and protective value in skin care. Keeping this well-tried tradition will keep skin shiny and healthy.  

daphni and apollo myth mosaic

Daphni and Apolo Myth

The stories of the Hellenistic and Roman authors of ancient times have inspired many artists today. One of the most popular stories that comes from Greek mythology is the myth of Daphne and Apollo.

Apollo was the Greek god of archery, medicine, music, art, poetry, and, of course, sound. It was also said that Apollo was a remarkable warrior. Apollo’s status as the god of archery led to conflict with the god of love, Cupid. Cupid believed that he himself should have been the patron of archery, due to his superior skill with the bow and arrow.

Apollo's love to Daphne
statue of Apollo and Daphne

In this myth, Apollo insults Cupid, who returns later to seek his revenge armed with two arrows: one made of gold that inspired love and one made of lead that inspired hatred. Cupid shoots Apollo with the golden arrows causing him to fall in love with a river nymph named Daphne. Daphne, on the other hand, is shot with the lead arrow, thus causing her to hate Apollo.

Despite Daphne’s hatred of him, Apollo’s love did not fade. In an effort to convince her of his love, he followed her, longing for her, but she continually rejected him and fled. Eventually, Cupid took pity on Apollo and intervened to help him catch up to Daphne, as the god, Apollo, was bound to her via the golden arrow and could not leave her be.  

In an effort to save herself Daphne called upon her father. “Help me, Peneus! Open the earth to enclose me, or change my form, which has brought me into this danger! Let me be free of this man from this moment forward!” And with Peneus answered her plea and “a heavy numbness seizes her limbs; her soft breasts were surrounded by a thin bark, her hair changed into the foliage, her forearms changed into branches; her foot, just now swift, now clinged because of sluggish roots.” She was turned into a noble laurel tree.

This, however, was still not enough to make Apollo’s love for her fade. He vowed still to honor Daphne forever.

“Always my hair will have you, my lyres will have you, my quivers will have you, laurel tree. You will be present to two Latin places when the happy voice will sing a triumph and they will visit the great ceremonies at the Capitoline Hill.”

Using his own godly powers of eternal youth and immortality, Apollo decided to render Daphne evergreen. And this is why the leaves of the bay laurel tree will never decay.

This myth shows the beauty and importance of the laurel tree in ancient history.

Additionally, it teaches us the delicate nature of the laurel and its importance.

This is the same way we should treat our body; using only the most natural products created out of the most natural and sustainable ingredients. Just like Apollo, we should love the laurel tree. And just like Daphne, we should use the delicate flower to treat ourselves in the best possible way.

Like in the old days, people still use laurel leaves (also known as bay leaves) for cooking. And we at Noble, produce and collect the best natural laurel oil from the fruits of the laurel tree in order to make our authentic range of natural handmade soap and other personal care products. With our products, we try to assure a rewarding personal care experience through a natural, sustainable cleansing treatment with love and appreciation for our bodies and for the environment.