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Sylvia Rose
Nov 9, 20245 min read
Cornstarch: Cuisine, Beauty, Cleaning Uses
Cornstarch, also called corn flour, is a common ingredient worldwide. A fine, white powder derived from the endosperm of corn kernels,...
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Sylvia Rose
Oct 18, 20245 min read
Talc (Magnesium Silicate): Beauty, Art & Industry
Talc or hydrated magnesium silicate is a naturally occurring mineral, primarily composed of magnesium, silicon, and oxygen. With its...
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Sylvia Rose
Oct 16, 20246 min read
10 Ancient Spices of Trade, Health & Beauty
Spices come from distant lands along ancient trade routes. These commodities bring flavor to food, health and beauty to consumers and...
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Sylvia Rose
Sep 29, 20244 min read
Hydrogen Peroxide: Chemistry, Production, Risks
Hydrogen Peroxide (H₂O₂) is one of the most versatile chemicals today due to powerful oxidizing properties and a wide range of...
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Sylvia Rose
Sep 27, 20243 min read
Steam Distilling Floral & Herbal Essential Oils
Distilling essential oil can be used for aromatherapy, in cuisine, beauty, healing or to set a mood. Here's the methodology to capture...
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Sylvia Rose
Sep 25, 20243 min read
Oil of Philosophers: Alchemy Health & Beauty
Oil of Brick is known as Oil of Philosophers by alchemists and Oleum de Lateribus (Oil on the Sides) by apothecaries. This medicinal and...
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Sylvia Rose
Sep 22, 20245 min read
Antimony (Stibnite, Kohl) Ancient Metal of Science & Beauty
Antimony (Sb) from the ore stibnite, is one of the elements known by the ancients, a primary source of black powder kajal or kohl. With...
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Sylvia Rose
Jul 27, 20244 min read
Caterina Sforza: Renaissance Alchemy
Caterina Sforza (1463-1509) is a remarkable figure of the Italian Renaissance, leading a colorful and controversial life. Alchemy is...
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Sylvia Rose
Apr 15, 20244 min read
Alum: Tanning, Dye & Beauty Salts
Alum is an ingredient in processes such as dyeing fabric, tanning hides and water purification. Alum is ubiquitous in ancient and...
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