Fruits, vegetables, pulses, nuts, seeds milk are some of the natural foodstuffs that can be beneficially used for their cosmetic value besides adding on to the health of a person. These are described herein in brief:
FRUITS
Custard apple(sitaphal):The seeds of custard apple have detergent properties. Their powder is used to kill lice and prevent dandruff. This powder also serves as a good hair wash when mixed with Bengal gram flour(besan).
Peach (Arhu):‘A complexion like Peaches’ is common expression often heard. The inside of peach peelings should be gently massaged on the face every night for a few minutes. The moisture should not be rubbed off afterwards. This will cleanse the skin thoroughly and free the pores. It also has a gentle astringent action and tightens the muscles of the face slightly thus preventing sagging tissues.
VEGETABLES
Amaranth (‘chaulai’ or ‘laal maat’):This vegetable is useful for hair disorders. Application of the fresh juice helps the growth of the hair and keeps them soft. It also helps the hair to retain the black color and also prevents premature graying of hair. The juice applied over the face with a pinch of turmeric powder bleaches the skin, prevents it from dryness and wrinkles, cures pimples and makes one look fresh. This juice mixed with milk and lime juice, acts as an effective skin tonic to increase and retain its beauty. It should be delicately massaged over the face and neck for half an hour and washed with lukewarm water every night before going to bed.
Coriander (dhania):
A teaspoon of coriander juice, mixed with turmeric (haldi) powder, is an effective remedy for pimples, blackheads and dry skin. The mixture should be applied to the face after thoroughly washing it every night before retiring to bed.
PULSES
Bengal gram (channa dal or besan):The flour of the unroasted Bengal gram (besan) is a very effective cleansing agent and its regular use, keeps the skin free from grime and dirt. It can be effectively used as a substitute for soap. A paste of gram flour and yoghurt applied to an acne prone skin is effective in drying off the pimples and lightening the scars. Washing hair with Bengal gram (besan) flour mixed with butter milk cleans the hair, conditions and softens it and is believed to promote hair growth.
Green gram (moong)The flour of green gram (moong) can also be used as an alternative to soap. Its cleansing property keeps the skin clean and fresh, without causing any irritation to the skin. Those who do not approve of using chemical bleaches can safely use a paste of green gram flour to which 2 tbsp of lemon juice and 1 tsp of salt is added to bleach the color of their skin and for a glowing complexion.
FRUITS
Custard apple(sitaphal):The seeds of custard apple have detergent properties. Their powder is used to kill lice and prevent dandruff. This powder also serves as a good hair wash when mixed with Bengal gram flour(besan).
Peach (Arhu):‘A complexion like Peaches’ is common expression often heard. The inside of peach peelings should be gently massaged on the face every night for a few minutes. The moisture should not be rubbed off afterwards. This will cleanse the skin thoroughly and free the pores. It also has a gentle astringent action and tightens the muscles of the face slightly thus preventing sagging tissues.
VEGETABLES
Amaranth (‘chaulai’ or ‘laal maat’):This vegetable is useful for hair disorders. Application of the fresh juice helps the growth of the hair and keeps them soft. It also helps the hair to retain the black color and also prevents premature graying of hair. The juice applied over the face with a pinch of turmeric powder bleaches the skin, prevents it from dryness and wrinkles, cures pimples and makes one look fresh. This juice mixed with milk and lime juice, acts as an effective skin tonic to increase and retain its beauty. It should be delicately massaged over the face and neck for half an hour and washed with lukewarm water every night before going to bed.
Coriander (dhania):
A teaspoon of coriander juice, mixed with turmeric (haldi) powder, is an effective remedy for pimples, blackheads and dry skin. The mixture should be applied to the face after thoroughly washing it every night before retiring to bed.
PULSES
Bengal gram (channa dal or besan):The flour of the unroasted Bengal gram (besan) is a very effective cleansing agent and its regular use, keeps the skin free from grime and dirt. It can be effectively used as a substitute for soap. A paste of gram flour and yoghurt applied to an acne prone skin is effective in drying off the pimples and lightening the scars. Washing hair with Bengal gram (besan) flour mixed with butter milk cleans the hair, conditions and softens it and is believed to promote hair growth.
Green gram (moong)The flour of green gram (moong) can also be used as an alternative to soap. Its cleansing property keeps the skin clean and fresh, without causing any irritation to the skin. Those who do not approve of using chemical bleaches can safely use a paste of green gram flour to which 2 tbsp of lemon juice and 1 tsp of salt is added to bleach the color of their skin and for a glowing complexion.
Many new natural supplements have been introduced in the past few years as nutrients that could influence skin health. These are vitamin E, vitamin C, lipoic acid, quercetin, DMAE, evodia extract, pomegranate extract, epa, hyaluronan promoters and hyaluronic acid, and nitric oxide inducers.
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