We’re all about celebrating your natural beauty, and what better way to do so then to look at some of the most loved and widely-used natural beauty secrets from around the world.
Always wondered about the secret behind shiny locks or the cure for dark circles? We’ve put together 9 of the most popular treatments and remedies that will leave you looking and feeling great!
1. Turmeric
Turmeric possesses both anti inflammatory and antibiotic properties and can also be used to lighten and brighten the skin.
For a brightening face mask, mix it with flour, honey and milk to create a paste. Add in yoghurt to fight acne. Apply the paste to the face and leave on for 15-20 minutes. Wash off with warm water.
Got the sniffles? This home remedy, known as Golden Milk (or haldi doodh) is the best natural antibiotic and immunity-booster. Use it for headaches, sore throats, colds and coughs. Mix a cup of milk with ¾ teaspoon of turmeric, 1 teaspoon of honey and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. Boil the ingredients on a stove and let it simmer for a bit before enjoying as a hot drink.
2. Neem
Known for its miraculous skin-remedying properties, neem is the key to treating acne, removing toxins from the body and controlling dandruff.
For acne, boil the leaves until they turn green. Cool, strain and store it in a bottle to be used as a daily facial toner.
For hair loss, dry scalp and dandruff boil the leaves in a honey and water mixture. Cool and strain and apply it to the scalp before shampooing.
3. Honey and Lemon
The natural bleaching effects of honey and lemon make this mask one of the best ways to achieve lighter, brighter skin – or to remove an unwanted suntan!
Mix two tablespoons of fresh lemon juice with a tablespoon of honey and massage onto the face for a few minutes. Leave on until dry and then rinse off with warm water. For better results, repeat the process daily.
4. Amla, Almond and Coconut Oil
While coconut oil conditions the hair leaving it thicker, softer and stimulating hair growth, almond oil possesses omega-3, protein and Vitamin E to fight dandruff and treat a dry scalp. Amla oil fights hair loss, stimulates growth and prevents premature grey hair.
Apply either or all of the oils to your hair, massaging it into the scalp. Leave on overnight and wash off in the morning.
5. Henna
Swop out your branded chemical hair dye for a natural, healthier alternative. Henna can be used on all types or textures of hair, and is safe and chemical-free.
Henna hair dye reduces hair fall, treats split ends and maintains the natural moisture and shine of your hair – It’s an all-in-one hair treatment and hair dye!
6. Multani Mitti
Multani mitti (or Fuller’s Earth) has a range of amazing skincare benefits including fighting acne, removing blemishes and dark circles and reducing inflammation.
For acne and pigmentation, blend it with rosewater to create a paste and apply to the face. Leave it to dry before washing off.
To get rid of dark circles, mix multani mitti with half a grated potato, lemon juice and a teaspoon of fresh cream. Apply the paste to the under eye area and leave on for 20 minutes.
7. Tulsi
Tulsi leaves can be used to whiten teeth or as a nourishing acne treatment. Blend the leaves with milk to create a paste and apply to the face to treat acne.
Alternatively, dry the leaves and powder them, adding orange peel to form a paste. This paste can be applied to the teeth for whitening and stain removal.
8. Kojic Acid
Kojic Acid is made from Japanese rice wine or sake, and over the centuries has proven itself to be an excellent skin whitening agent. By inhibiting the production of melanin in the skin, over time you’ll start to see a lighter skin complexion with this active lightening ingredient.
You can buy the powder in its natural form, or use products like soaps and creams which contain Kojic Acid which help lighten ones skin.
9. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has a myriad of skin and hair benefits. Use it as a moisturiser for dry skin or apply some to a cotton pad to remove makeup. The oil not only removes makeup but nourishes the follicles of the eyebrows and eyelashes, stimulating growth and thickness.
Its antibacterial properties make it an excellent spot-fighting remedy and, when applied to the face it penetrates deep into the skin to hydrate, nourish and boost collagen.
Lastly, coconut oil is most famously used as a hair mask, where it turns dry, lifeless hair into shiny, voluminous locks.