There isn't a huge deal of information that has survived on the specifics of what treatments were given to women in the ancient harems in preparation for their lords. However, those few details that have survived can make for an exotic and wonderful home-treatment for any woman who wants to give herself a treat... or one for her own 'lord'.
The one key thing done in harems in many different cultures that had such a thing was henna treatment. Henna is a plant that, when applied to the skin or other parts of the body, leaves a lovely red-brown marking that last anywhere from one week to several, depending on skin type and how frequently you bathe. In those ancient harems (and in many of those countries right through the modern day) henna was used to stain the fingernails red, to cover gray hair and to lend a lovely red tint to younger hair, to make the 'private' areas more red and inviting, to reduce sweating - particularly on the soles of the feet, and perhaps most importantly, to create intricate patterns over the body, especially on the hands and arms; this painting method is often referred to as mehndi. It is not particularly difficult to find henna, or guides on using it, because it is still popular in many parts of the world, and is gaining a considerable following here in 'the West'.
Although not necessarily part of a 'harem home treatment', fenugreek was often fed to the women in harems; aside from being a very pleasant food to eat, it is believed to help increase bust size, and perhaps even aid in milk production should a child be conceived. Some sources say it contains an estrogen-like substance, and this is the source of these qualities. So, perhaps if you are going to give yourself a 'harem home treatment', you should prepare yourself a nice fenugreek salad or something similar to give yourself the full effect.
Among the preparations for a young harem girl, aside from the henna, was a six month (or one year, depending on the source) 'purification' period where they were put on a specific, very rich diet, and rubbed daily with myrrh-infused olive oil. This sounds rather odd to the modern person, but there was actually a very good reason behind it. In those days, most people lived on a very coarse, strong diet; which while nutritious was difficult to digest, and caused them to sweat profusely - and odorously! This six month period on a rich diet helped 'calm' their digestive processes; the myrrh-infused olive oil calmed the vessels in and under the skin, and made their activities much healthier and steadier. In other words, when they got there, they stank... but this treatment for six months allowed them to be more comfortable with themselves and to their lords. So, any 'home harem treatment' should include a body rub of herb-infused oil; I have heard both olive oil and almond oil. Myrrh was common for the infusion, and jasmine also common for a more 'immediate' treatment instead of over the long-term.
Perfumery of various types were also indispensable to the women in a harem. The most commonly used herbs and scents were myrrh, jasmine, and rose where available. They were used in body-oil rubs as just discussed, to scent baths, and as actual 'perfumes'. Myrrh was said to promote overall health, and there is some indication it can also reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Jasmine (and rose), aside from simply smelling lovely, is also an aromatic aphrodisiac.
One of the few existing specific recipes we have today is for a body rub/scrub used in the harems to cleanse the harem girls in preparation of a visit from their lord, which left the skin soft, supple, healthy and smelling wonderful. It is as follows:
Ground, dried citrus peel 1 teaspoon
Ground almonds 3 teaspoons
Oatmeal 2 teaspoons
Clove Powder 1 pinch
Crushed, dried rose petals 1 teaspoon
Nutmeg powder 1 pinch
Almond oil 2 tablespoons
Neroli 2 drops
(or a citrus oil, Lemon or Orange)
Sandalwood (or Patchouli) 2 drops
Blend all ingredients together until you have a paste, adding more oil if needed. Take a bath and dry well. Still standing in the bath, roll the ball of paste all over your body. Massage it into dry areas of skin. The idea is to cover the skin with a very fine layer of paste. By the time you have finished rolling it all over your body the beginning should have dried, and you can go back and brush the fine dust off. Gently wipe off any remaining paste with a soft, dry cloth.
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