User:Manuel etraffic/sandbox

Akhal (pronounced “Ah‘k-hal”) is a Moroccan word which means “Land” or “Earth.” The meaning, however, goes deeper than that since the term is also associated with our planet’s naturally-occurring chemicals, as opposed to synthetically created ones. Since ancient times, the indigenous people of Morocco have always known about the healing powers of the earth, the land, soil and dirt. For this reason, Akhal as a word, term or ideal bears ecological, medical and cosmetic significance, not only in Morocco, but the whole world as well.

Modern scientific experiments have been performed to establish the validity of this claim. For example, treatment of mice with a “friendly” bacteria normally found in the soil altered their behavior in a way similar to that produced by antidepressant drugs. Even in the field of cosmetics, the indigenous people of Morocco have for centuries been taking advantage of the rejuvenating powers of various compounds and chemicals that are naturally occurring in the earth (akhal). However, in today’s modern world, all the cosmetics industry does is isolate these compounds so that they can be synthesized in the laboratory and then mass produced.

Numerous studies show that natural compounds are better assimilated by our bodies than their chemical counterparts. On that basis, there will always be preference for sustainable, safe and effective natural ingredients.

The few companies that ventured into this area work hand in hand with local cooperatives in their effort to satisfy rising consumer demand for quality, safety and sustainability. Thus the word Akhal, originally meaning Earth or Land, has also come to be associated with these attributes.