Tebrima — 17 Medicinal Herbs Explained: What Each Plant Does for Your Skin
17 medicinal plants, one blend — bringing centuries-old knowledge to your bathroom.
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What is Tebrima?
In Moroccan hammams, Tebrima has been used for at least 500 years before exfoliation — as a herbal paste that prepares the body before the Kessa glove does its job. The word "Tebrima" refers to a specific mixture of dried and finely ground medicinal plants, which hammam visitors either rub dry onto their body or mix with water to form a paste.
What's special about this powder is its complexity: no single plant makes it effective — it's the interplay of 17 carefully selected herbs that enhance each other's effects. Some of these herbs cleanse, others soothe, and still others stimulate circulation or firm connective tissue. The result is a deep action that no synthetic scrub can replicate.
The 17 Medicinal Herbs in Detail
Every plant in Tebrima powder has a clearly defined task. Here you can find out what each individual plant does and why it is indispensable in this mixture.
Group 1: Deep Cleansing & Detoxification
Six of the 17 herbs form the foundation of the blend: they open pores, loosen dead skin cells, and prepare the skin for subsequent active ingredients.
Rosemary measurably stimulates microcirculation in the skin. The rosmarinic acid it contains acts as an antioxidant and protects skin cells from oxidative stress. At the same time, rosemary has a mild antiseptic effect that inhibits impurities — especially important for the back and shoulders.
Eucalyptus leaves contain cineol, a natural active ingredient that visibly refines pores and binds excess sebum. It's no coincidence that eucalyptus is used in steam in hammams — even in powder form, it opens the skin to subsequent plant extracts.
The antioxidants in bay leaf — including quercetin and catechins — bind free radicals on the skin's surface. Bay also has a slightly astringent effect that tightens the skin after exfoliation and visibly refines the complexion.
Menthol from peppermint activates cold receptors in the skin, creating an immediate refreshing effect. At the same time, it has a mild antimicrobial action and refreshes the skin. In Tebrima, peppermint provides the invigorating effect you feel immediately after use.
Thyme contains thymol — one of the most powerful natural antimicrobial active ingredients available. It reliably combats skin-damaging bacteria without destroying the natural skin flora. Particularly effective for blemish-prone skin on the back and shoulders.
Myrtle has been known in Moroccan medicine for centuries and was already a component of body care formulas in ancient Egypt. Its tannins intensely cleanse pores, and its essential oils give the skin a subtle, woody-fresh scent.
Group 2: Soothing & Anti-inflammatory
Six other herbs have targeted anti-inflammatory and soothing effects. They are particularly important for skin prone to redness, irritation, or sensitivity.
Chamomile flowers contain bisabolol and chamazulene — two of the best-researched anti-inflammatory natural substances for the skin. In Tebrima, they buffer the potential irritating effect of the scrub and ensure that the skin remains calm and relaxed after use.
Lavender works in two ways: it soothes both the skin and the nervous system. Its linalool compounds reduce redness and relieve feelings of tension. In Tebrima, lavender is also the main fragrance — the scent that makes the hammam experience authentic.
Mallow flowers and leaves are rich in mucilages that form a protective film on the skin. This makes mallow the ideal counterpoint to the abrasive components in Tebrima: it prevents the skin from drying out or reacting excessively red after exfoliation.
Wormwood — in Arabic "Schiba" — is traditionally used in Morocco for skin problems associated with inflammation. Its bitter substances and sesquiterpene lactones have antiseptic properties and support skin regeneration. In small amounts, it is a powerful active ingredient in Tebrima.
Cistus grows wild in the Moroccan Atlas Mountains and is a classic medicinal herb there. Its resin contains labdanum — a compound with proven antimicrobial and skin-regenerating effects. Cistus helps minor skin irritations to subside quickly.
Dried orange blossoms — called "Zhar" in Morocco — are much more than a fragrance additive. They contain flavonoids that protect the skin from UV-induced inflammation and have a slightly moisturizing effect. In Tebrima, they are responsible for the soft feeling of the skin after application.
Group 3: Regeneration & Firming
The last five herbs work on the deeper layers of the skin: they promote cell renewal, strengthen connective tissue, and provide the skin with long-term density and elasticity.
Henna leaves contain lawsone — an active ingredient that forms deep bonds with keratin proteins in the skin. The result: the stratum corneum is densified, the skin appears more even and feels smoother. In Tebrima, henna acts as a natural conditioner for the skin.
Sage contains ursolic acid, which has been shown to stimulate collagen synthesis in fibroblasts. This means: regular Tebrima applications with sage can improve skin elasticity in the long term. Additionally, sage regulates sebum production — important for skin prone to mixed conditions.
Black cumin — in Arabic "Habba Sawda" and referred to in the Prophet's Hadith as a "remedy for everything except death" — contains thymoquinone, an active ingredient with strong anti-inflammatory and cell-protective effects. In Tebrima, it supports skin regeneration after exfoliation.
While argan oil is known worldwide, the leaves of the argan tree are almost exclusively used in traditional Moroccan medicine. They contain saponins and phenols that tighten the skin and create a slight AHA-like effect — gentle, but noticeable.
Dried ginger concludes the round of 17 herbs. Its gingerols stimulate blood circulation in the dermis, thereby improving the nutrient supply to skin cells. At the same time, ginger acts as an antioxidant and protects the skin from premature aging due to environmental influences.
How to Use Tebrima Correctly
The effect of Tebrima depends not only on its ingredients — it also depends on how you use it. The classic hammam ritual is ritualized for good reason: every step has a function.
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Moisten and warm the skin
Shower for 5–10 minutes with warm water before applying Tebrima. Warm water opens the pores and softens the stratum corneum — this maximizes the absorption of the herbal active ingredients. -
Mix powder into a paste
Mix 2–3 tablespoons of Tebrima powder with lukewarm water to form a creamy paste. The consistency should resemble yogurt — not too liquid, not too dry. You can also add a few drops of argan oil for extra nourishment. -
Apply and let sit
Apply the paste to the body with circular motions — from the feet upwards. Leave it on for 5–8 minutes. During this time, the herbal active ingredients loosen dead skin cells and prepare the skin for the actual exfoliation. -
Exfoliate with the Kessa glove
Lightly moisten the Kessa glove and rub it over the skin with medium pressure — you will see dead skin cells rolling off. This is a normal and desired effect. Start at the shoulder and work your way systematically down to the foot. -
Rinse and lock in moisture
Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and finish with a short cool rinse — this closes the pores. Immediately after, apply a light body oil while the skin is still slightly damp. The freshly exfoliated skin will now optimally absorb moisture.
Why the Combination is Crucial
You could buy rosemary, buy lavender, buy chamomile — and still not achieve what a well-thought-out Tebrima powder delivers. The reason lies in the synergy of the active ingredients.
For example, when eucalyptus opens the pores and mallow simultaneously protects the skin from overstimulation, both plants work against opposing skin reactions — the result is intensive cleansing without redness. When sage stimulates collagen synthesis and black cumin dampens the inflammatory response after exfoliation, skin renewal visibly accelerates.
This knowledge has been refined in Moroccan hammams over generations. The women who created Tebrima blends were the first dermatologists — they worked empirically, with the resources provided by the Moroccan flora.
What this means for your skin: a single Tebrima application does not replace a month of consistent skincare. But two to three applications per month over a period of eight to twelve weeks measurably change the skin's appearance — more even texture, finer pores, visibly smoother surface.
What you need for the complete Hammam ritual
Tebrima unfolds its full effect only in combination with the right products. Here are the three essentials for your bathroom hammam:
Tebrima Exfoliating Powder
The original — all 17 medicinal herbs in one blend. The basis of the hammam ritual.
View nowKessa Exfoliating Glove
The traditional hammam glove — indispensable for fully activating Tebrima.
View nowBeldi Soap
The black olive natural soap — classic step before Kessa in the authentic hammam routine.
View nowFrequently Asked Questions about Tebrima Ingredients
Are all 17 herbs included in every Tebrima powder?
No. The exact composition varies depending on the region, manufacturer, and tradition. Some blends contain only 8–10 herbs, while others have up to 20. The quality of a Tebrima powder depends on the quality of the individual herbs — freshly dried, undyed, without synthetic additives. Always look for a complete INCI list and buy from suppliers who are transparent about their ingredients.
Can I use Tebrima on sensitive skin?
Yes — but with adjustments. Dilute the powder into a very liquid paste, leave it on for only 3–4 minutes, and exfoliate with very light pressure. Start with one application every 14 days. Herbs like chamomile and mallow in Tebrima are particularly beneficial for sensitive skin — they buffer the exfoliating effect and soothe irritated skin. Test the paste beforehand on a small area on the inside of your forearm.
How long does Tebrima powder last after opening?
Unmixed Tebrima powder, if stored correctly, lasts 12–18 months. Important: store in a dry and dark place — moisture is its biggest enemy. Close the packaging tightly after each use. Once the powder has been mixed with water to form a paste, you should use it immediately — do not store it. Mixed paste can attract bacteria and quickly lose its effectiveness.
