It’s common knowledge that so many pantry essentials like oatmeal, honey, gram flour, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, sugar and coconut oil have significant beautifying properties for skin and hair. These home beauty remedies, when mixed into packs, help refresh and rejuvenate dry, tired skin and stressed tresses.
Spices too have wonderful anti-inflammatory, cleansing and revitalising properties. And we are not just talking about the trusty turmeric. There are so many hidden beauty spices that have not been tapped for their complete goodness yet. Here are all the spices you can use to spice up your beauty regimen!
Saffron
Everything about this spice, from its scent to its flavour and the colour it imparts, is beautiful. Rich in vitamins A, B3 and C, potassium, zinc and other nutrients, saffron has strong medicinal properties and can be used to clear out acne and to brighten complexion. Soak a few strands in milk, apply on your face and neck and wash after 10 minutes to reveal a lit-from-within glow.
Clove
This fragrant spice has powerful anti-ageing and cleansing benefits. Clove oil can be used topically to massage sagging and dry skin. It helps buff off dead skin and facilitates blood circulation to give a radiant glow. Cloves or clove oil can also be used on hair for its antimicrobial properties and is known to reduce hair fall.
Fennel
This spice has great anti-inflammatory benefits. It works well to combat irritation and redness on the skin and reverses the effects of sun damage. It is also used to clear out dandruff and soothe the scalp. Soak a teaspoon of fennel seeds in cool water for 30 minutes and spray it onto your skin for a cooling effect. Else, boil crushed seeds in water for a minute or two, then leave to cool a bit. Use this as a rinse to reduce dandruff and strength the mane.
Cinnamon
Adding a hint of cinnamon to your diet can help reverse signs of skin damage – it helps blood flow, circulation and skin repair. Apart from including cinnamon in your diet, the cinnamon stick can be used for exfoliating and plumping lips when rubbed gently onto the lips.
Garlic
An effective hair remedy, garlic powder has been used as a solution for hair loss since time immemorial. It is rich in amino acid, helps strengthen the hair shaft and has medicinal properties which revitalise the scalp. Make a hair mask mixing garlic powder, lemon juice and olive oil and massage into the scalp. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes and then rinse with your regular shampoo for healthy, lustrous locks.
