Bhindi-Jeera (Okra-Cumin) Lepa for radiant complexion

In one of the earlier posts, I had blogged about how Zimbabweans make use of okra (Bhindi) as a homemade beauty aid to drive away wrinkles. Now I'd like to share another such DIY recipe with okra that can actually improve the skin's complexion. In fact, okra, also called as lady's finger isn't the only ingredient used, a few other veggies and a wonder spice like cumin / jeera is also included.

The Recipe:

Ingredients:

Okra (Lady's Fingers) / Bhindi - 2-3
Ridge gourd - 3-4 round slices
Cilantro Leaves / Coriander Leaves - Lemon-sized
Cumin / Jeera - 1/2 tsp

You may also require cucumber water / juice.

Method:
Add 1/2 a bowl of water to a pan and heat it. Now add slices of roundly cut okra in it along with 1/2 tsp of cumin / jeera. Then add 3-4 circular slices of a ridge gourd along with lemon-sized cilantro leaves. Keep stirring continously on a high flame. When the mixture comes to a boil, reduce the flame and let it continue boiling it for around 5-6 minutes until all the goodness of the ingredients gets seeped into the water. When the mixture cools, it's ready to use. You can store it in the refrigerator of 3-4 days.

Apply this watery lepa / lepam all over your skin, including your hands and feet. On your face, you can keep it for around an hour and then after it dries, soak a cotton ball in cucumber juice and apply it all over your face and let it stay for 5 minutes. Then wash off with cool water. You can keep it on your hands and legs for a little more than 1 hour and similarly finish off with cucumber juice application. Do this twice a week for a radiant, glowing complexion.

See also: Two masks for a radiant face

- Smitha

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