Bint el Sudan Nigeria

Its many uses are shrouded in the mysteries of religion and ritual; in the beginning it was believed to be used by women for the enhancement of their personal beauty and sex appeal. Later, it became a natural wedding gift where perfume is used for both bride and groom.

Because of this, it acquired a reputation as an aphrodisiac, for it was liberally used on wedding nights. BES became widely used at circumcision ceremonies too, where the entire family would heavily scent themselves with their favourite perfume - and that of nearly the whole of Africa.

Perfume is so much a part of the African way of life that Bint el Sudan was used whenever perfume or oil was, when required for custom, religion or hygiene purposes.

In more primitive areas, perfume has the "power" of driving out the "bad man"; Bint el Sudan thus acquired magical properties.

In Northern Nigeria (Sahara), where dry winds and the sun parch and crack the skin, Bint el Sudan pomade (with a glycerine base) is used to moisten and soften the skin; Bint el Sudan also acquired medicinal properties. It is known to make an excellent bath oil and is extensively used as a dressing for the hair