Glossary

A
B
C
D
F
G
H
K
M
O
P
Q
R
S
T
W

ACACIA HONEY
Bees produce honey from nectar gathered or from honeydew. There are many different varieties of honey, with different geographical origins and produced from different plants. Honeys are characterized by their texture, color and flavor. Acacia honey is a clear liquid honey with a floral scent and a sweet, floral flavor. Acacia honey is characterized by its fructose/glucose ratio and its specific pollen spectrum.
AGAVE
"Maguey", the name for the agave plant in Mexico, has been used since the time of the Aztecs, who revered it for its natural resources. Its natural fiber, sisal, is renowned for being very strong and is still used today by local populations for their everyday needs. A juice is extracted from the heart of the plant, called "maguey honey" or "aguamiel" (honey water), so named because its color is similar to the pretty golden color of honey. The agave syrup used in beauty products today is made from this juice.
ALMOND
The Romans referred to the almond as the ""Greek nut"", as apparently the Greeks were the first to cultivate it. Fresh almonds are shaken down from trees in summer, while dry almonds, or almonds in their shells, are gathered in autumn.
ALOE VERA
Archaeological and historical evidence shows that aloe vera was used in different cultures and civilizations. Some of them refer to aloe vera as the "silent healer". The traditional uses of aloe vera were passed down orally in African countries, from where the plant originally came. It continues to be used in the same ways today. Aloe vera belongs to the Liliaceae family (just like the lily), which explains why it is often called the lily of the desert. Aloe vera (meaning "true aloe") is also called Aloe barbadensis or Aloe vulgaris according to botanists. It is considered to be an adaptogenic, i.e. it helps the body to adapt to and deal with stresses.
APRICOT
The apricot tree has been cultivated for around 4,000 years in China. It was then introduced into Asia Minor and finally appeared in France in the 15th century. Named the "orange gold", it has been used for ages to make a protective oil.
ARGAN
This "iron tree", as it is also called, is a true godsend for the Berber people and plays a key role in stopping the advance of the desert. All parts of the tree are useful for the Berber people, and particularly the fruit, from which an oil is extracted.
ARNICA
Arnica montana is a mountain plant that grows in the wild at altitudes of up to 2,800 meters. Arnica has been known since the 16th century for its ability to heal bruises.
ARNICA MEXICANA
Mexican arnica is very similar to European arnica and is also known by the names of "false arnica" and "árnica del país". It is one of the most commonly used medicinal plants in Mexico and is used in similar ways to Arnica montana, which is known for its ability to reduce bruising.
AVOCADO
The avocado was well known amongst the Aztecs and the indigenous people of Central America, who used the flesh of the fruit as food and to care for their skin and hair. Today, we can count over 200 varieties in the world !