There’s a spa in your kitchen

Simple domestic remedies can lead to clear, glowing and healthy skin

he world is turning to holistic remedies and natural ingredients –whether it is diet supplements, pain relievers or beauty products. In India we have always had an innate knowledge about natural remedies. So in a two-part column, I will give you a list of fruits, veggies and oils you can use to enhance your beauty. And the best part is, these are things that can be found in everybody’s kitchen.

Coconut

This ingredient is vital to south Indian cooking, and long, lustrous hair has always been synonymous with regular massage of coconut oil. You can use coconut oil to also heal cracked heels and chapped lips. The natural emollients found in coconut oil reduce dryness of the skin. Take a tablespoon of coconut oil and massage it into your heels. Wear socks and leave on overnight. Doing this regularly will soften the skin and reduce cracks.

Keep a tiny bottle handy by your bedside with some coconut oil in it. During winter when your lips get dry and chapped, apply a little coconut oil on them before going to bed. Another great benefit of coconut oil is that it can also be used for a full body massage to reduce dry skin.

Avocado

Though we don’t use it in our cooking, living in Australia means you do include this fruit in salads when it is in season. Avocado has known benefits that help the female reproducing system and it is full of good fats.

It is also good when used as a face mask. Take some ripe avocado, mash well and mix with two teaspoons of honey. Apply on the face and neck and leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse off and you will find your skin looking much softer and plumped up. That is because of the natural oils in avocado and the moisturising effect of honey.

Banana

Another ubiquitous fruit, always a staple in most homes, is the humble banana. If one is getting overripe, don’t throw it away. Instead mash half a banana, mix it with some yoghurt and warmed up honey, and apply over the face and neck. Leave on for 15 minutes, then rinse it off first with warm water and then with cold water to close the pores. You will find that you have softer glowing skin.

Aloe

Vera

Several people have aloe vera growing in their gardens, but few are aware of its beneficial properties. If you scald your skin or have sunburn, just snip off some aloe vera and apply the fresh gel that oozes out onto your skin for instant relief. It has soothing and moisturising properties. You

During winter when your lips get dry and chapped, apply a little coconut oil on them before going to bed use some overripe ones for your hair if you plan to throw them away. Just mash a few strawberries and mix with a tablespoon of mayonnaise. Apply on the strands of your hair like you would apply a conditioner, then wash it off after 30 minutes with shampoo. Try this once a month for a glossy mane.

Almonds could apply it in this natural gel form on your face on a cold winter’s day to relieve dryness of the skin.

For a mask that gives you glowing skin, take a teaspoon each of honey and milk, a pinch of turmeric and a few drops of rose water. Add aloe vera gel scooped out from the leaf and apply the pack on to your face. Leave on till it dries up, wash off and see the difference.

Strawberry

Now most of us like to eat this fruit with cream or blend it with milk and yoghurt, but you could

Yes, these nuts are expensive and one would much rather eat them. But the ones that have gone bitter or old, could make a very good face pack. Grind the almonds and mix with a teaspoon of dairy whitener and water. Make a paste and apply onto your face and neck. Let the mask dry and harden, leaving it on till it feels tight on your skin. Splash water on your face to wash off. Do this for a week at a stretch, and you’ll find that it removes unwanted blemishes and patchy tanned skin, and leaves your skin soft to touch and glowing.

I do this everyday, so I can vouch for it.