Turmeric
For most of us, it's a curry ingredient. For mums it's the best ingredient to use as an antiseptic for cuts and grazes. In fact mums love turmeric's antiseptic properties so much they use it to reduce inflammation of spots and to keep bacteria away from the face. Now many of us would avoid putting turmeric on our faces for fear we end up looking like a character out of The Simpsons, but science has proved that no only is turmeric great as an antiseptic, it can also be used in sunscreens as an active soothing ingredient in the removal of superfluous hair. Turmeric paste is also traditionally applied to both bride and groom before their wedding to make them glow on the big day and to make sure that they stay in good health.
Chickpea Flour mask and scrub
Chickpea Flour (or Chana dal flour) may be great for making little fried pakoras, but mums also use this along with rose water and lime juice to make a mask to dry out oily skin and prevent spots. Chickpea flour can also be used at a grainy consistency to exfoliate the skin, improve the tone of the skin and to remove superfluous hair.
Sandalwood (Chandan)
Sandalwood may remind some people of the smell of jossticks which they use in prayer or at meditation time, but Sandalwood oil is also used in a small amount in a number of perfumes to heighten the headspace of many fragrances. It can also relieve the symptoms of acne, dry skin and eczema.
Yoghurt
Eating yoghurt helps your skin and hair renew itself thanks to essential zinc, calcium and proteins that it contains. Yoghurt can also be used directly on the hair as a softening conditioner for dry brittle damaged hair, just grab a pot on the way to the shower and after shampooing massage the yoghurt into the ends from the ear down leave on for five minutes and then rinse thoroughly for noticeable softer hair. If you have an itchy or dry scalp, yoghurt can also be applied directly to the scalp to sooth, rebalance and hydrate, reducing itchiness and flaking. Mums have been using yoghurt for a very long time, especially during pregnancy and there is even a ritual in some Hindu customs for the mother to be to wash her hair with yoghurt a few months before the birth.
Amla
Amla, the Indian gooseberry, has been used as a key ingredient in hair oil for hundreds of years and our mums have been advising us to put oil in our hair for years. Amla is a fantastic antioxidant which is packed with Vitamin C and when applied to the hair, it's anti aging properties ensure that your roots are strengthen, the shaft of the hair is conditioned and the colour remains rich and dark.
Beeswax
Beeswax has been used for centuries as a moisturiser, as once applied it locks in moisture and keeps the skin hydrated and is especially good for chapped lips. In modern day cosmetics it is used as an emulsifier and thickener for creams and lipstick.
Rose Water / Witch Hazel
Rose water has been used by our mums as a fantastic cleanser and toner for years. It may not be astringent enough to remove makeup, but its natural acids mean that it is hydrating, anti-inflammatory and acts as an antiseptic therefore minimising pores and removing bacteria from the skins surface.
Neem Soap
Wonder why our mums never got spots? Dietary differences aside our mums used a great soap made from the oil of the Neem tree, which is known for its anti inflammatory, anti fungal, antibacterial and antioxidant properties. These properties made possible for our mums to banish spots, keep their skin looking young and supple and to 'mop up' those free radicals.
Sweet Almond oil
Sweet almond oil is a fantastic moisturiser, which smoothes and softens the skin from head to toe without leaving a greasy residue and is especially good for mature skin as it boosts vitality and encourages a youthful complexion.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is the trick our mums use to getting full, thick, shiny hair. It's also great to help strengthen hair if your hair is thinning. Our mums have encouraged us for years to do a hot oil massage once a week. Heat some up in a bowl and give yourself a scalp massage once a week. Sleep with it on and wash in the morning! It will help seal the cuticle and rid those split ends not to mention making your hair thick and healthy.
Source: www.shaaditimes.com
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