My son Matt brought the deforestation issue to my attention, showing me some YouTube videos which appalled me and made me really think about what I can do to help not hinder the situation.
Around the same time, Matt had some problems with irritation to his scalp caused by shampoos which resulted in continual itching, and soreness. He had a couple of bloody, small, bald patches where he had scratched so much. I had tried various things including: Wash & Go dandruff shampoo, Head & Shoulders dandruff shampoo, Neutrogena, baby shampoos, shampoos which were organic, shampoos which had reduced chemicals. Nothing was helping. My Dad had come home from visiting his sister in Syria, and he'd been given Aleppo soap to use for a heat rash he'd had over there. He gave me a bar of it for Matt to try on his head.
Within about three weeks, Matt's head was absolutely clear! I was so impressed that I made the switch to using it myself too.
Out went all my fancy shower gels, and I've stayed like that ever since, which is about 5 years now. I don't use Aleppo for my hair, I find it doesn't feel nice, it feels like I haven't rinsed the soap out enough, so I think it's not the best for longer hair.
My dad set up a company to import Aleppo soap directly from the small family businesses in Syria which he has visited and wants to support. I buy it from him. Unfortunately since first writing this, the war in Syria has seen the destruction of most of the Aleppo soap manufacturing which were smallish scale family owned operations. It's heartbreaking to see such a long established part of those families businesses disappear almost overnight. One owner has apparently relocated to Lebanon, but we have not been able to verify this. As a result, Dad is no longer able to procure or supply this great product.
Aleppo is a city and province in Northern Syria. The original and first soap was created here over 2000 years ago. The excellence of the soap has been lauded for centuries. The soap is generally made between November to March, taking six to nine months for the soap to dry on racks laid out in cool, naturally aerated arches. In the course of drying, the outside becomes a beautiful deep gold with the centre a rich olive green. These soaps are cut into blocks and stamped with the mark of the maker.
Olive Oil and Sweet Bay Oil, luxurious, mild and gentle. Ethically sourced and brought to you by
WHAT DEB LOVES.
•100% Natural Ingredients • Not Tested On Animals • Vegetarian • No Animal Fats • No Artificial Fragrances •No Artificial Colourings • No Chemicals • No Artificial Preservatives • Lanolin Free • No Parabens •No Sodium Lauryl Sulphate • No Palm Oil – Does Not Contribute To Rainforest Destruction
•Biodegradable • Natural Antibacterial Properties • Environmentally Friendly • Moisturising – Will Not Dry Out Skin •Wash Body, Hair and Even Laundry • Moth Repellent – Store in Drawers & Wardrobe to protect clothing
If you wish to buy some Aleppo soap, I suggest you search on sites such as eBay and Amazon to find it for the time being.
UPDATE: Because of the terrible war in Syria and the destruction of many of the soap making businesses, it is becoming increasingly difficult to source the soap and as a consequence we are no longer able to supply any soap for the forseeable future.
