The REAL Magic Morocco

In 2005 I first walked into an herboiste shop in Marrkech. Sitting on the benches and listening to the herboist tell us about the contents of glass jars and bins like this I had begun my foray into the world of traditional Moroccan medicine …. and magic. I walked away with two small bottles that I was told would be good for my back pain. I laughed with the seller and casually said, “now if only I had someone to massage my back!”

Traditional, natural medicines have existed in Morocco long before modern medical practices. What I once thought was purely a self fulfilling prophecy has time and time again been proven as western arrogance. Did you know sprinkling turmeric over a cut that won’t stop bleeding will stop it? Or that a tsp of cumin swallowed (straight down) will stop the nasty effects of a stomach bug? Yup it really works.

You’ll also find everything needed for a traditional beauty routine. Sabon bldi the thick black soap above is a must for any visit to a hammam. Even if you have sensitive skin this soap is wonderful. Bars of soap infused with different oils and scents are easy to stock up on. Pencils of kohl, handmade exfoliating implements, and natural dyes of every color imaginable can be had for only a few dirham.

But the real secret of these shops are the magic potions and elixirs made. The evil eye is truly believed to be a force to reckon with and many people visit the herboist to have a mix created for protection. Or perhaps they are in search of love – he can help with that too. Whatever your ailment from cracking of the hands to a broken heart – he has a mix for that.

I walked away laughing that first day in Marrakech with my bottles of oils in my purse…a few hours later I happened to meet my husband. Maybe there really is something to this magic thing?

Want to read more of my posts about travel to Morocco and Marrakech? Visit my Morocco Travel Page!

Marcus

Sunday 8th of August 2021

Hey I hope you are well! Not sure if this page is still running!

I'm going to Marrakech soon and wondered if you had the name of the shop please as well as the location of it?

Thank you!

Tuesday 10th of August 2021

@Amanda Mouttaki,

Thank you so much! Something keeps on stopping me from love and marriage. Whilst I wasn't the biggest believer in the oils initially. There is something to them that can help.

Amanda Mouttaki

hi - there are literally hundreds of shops like this - you won't have any issues <3 Your best bet is the small shops near the spice square (Rehba Kdema) they don't really have names, however.

Karla Graber

Thursday 21st of July 2016

Hi there! I just found you on Pinterest. My best friend goes to Morocco a few times a year and can bring me back stuff.

I am super into natural everything and food related everything. I have requested and received argan oil, rhassoul clay, harissa, opium oil, etc.

What other amazing things should I know about? I do natural hair care, make my own beauty products, and love international cuisine, and I'm getting into herbal remedies. Do you have any suggestions? Thanks so much!

Friday 22nd of July 2016

Henna is great to use in hair and to mix with ghusl. Akar al Fassi is another thing - it's poppy and pomegranate extracts and Moroccan women use it for natural lip color etc. I use it to mix with beldi black soap in the hammam. I think for lighter complexions it adds a nice subtle shine. Rose oil and rose water are also lovely things to get from Morocco. Barbary fig seed oil and orange blossom water too ;)

Moroccan Spices and Health Benefits | marocmama.com

Monday 18th of June 2012

[...] and all of the nastiness stopped. Just like that. Moroccan food is full of different spices and traditional medicine shops can be found everywhere in Morocco. Here’s a little rundown and history of some of the most [...]