By AMANEE ABDALLAH
August 14, 2017
“Spices offer natural remedies for your skin that won’t cost a fortune and can give real results that you might buy at a high-end beauty counter in a fancy glass jar, scented and scant.”
Adding spices to your dish can make it a worthwhile experience: distinct flavors bouncing off your tongue and into your senses. They add that perfect kick of flavor you need. However, spices have historically been known for having a multitude of health benefits including the ability to work wonders for your skin.
Ancient Egypt, China, Mesopotamia, India and Greece have provided records on the magic hidden within all the unique spices found in those regions. They unlocked the secret to an inexpensive skin care regimen you may already have in your kitchen.
Spices offer natural remedies for your skin that won’t cost a fortune and can give real results that you might buy at a high-end beauty counter in a fancy glass jar, scented and scant.
Here are four spices that are delicious and flavorful but also act as natural remedies to give you clear skin:
Turmeric
To not include this super spice on the list would be criminal, especially when famous media outlets are calling it the new “it” food. You’ve probably already heard about this super-food through health gurus or have seen a new recipe on social media.
If you’re Asian, you most definitely know what all the excitement is about. Chinese and Indian medicine have included this special root as a anti-inflammatory treatment, and has become a staple to have in the kitchen for all families in South Asia. Recently, turmeric has reached the forefront of Western media and made its calling to the American public.
How does it help the skin: The root of all problems on the surface derives from the inside. This spice gets rid of harmful bacteria in the body that leads to breakouts. In addition to removing acne scars, the spice is known to reduce inflammation and redness.
How to use it: Add it into a soup, use it for flavoring in chicken and rice, create an easy paste with milk or yogurt or mix it in a smoothie or a cup of tea.
Saffron
Saffron is derived from a flower called Crocus Sativus. The spice is not powdered, as commonly seen from roots. Instead, the flower’s stigmas are plucked and dried to be used. While it’s native to Southwest Asia, today the spice is 90% produced and found in Iran. It’s the most costly spice in the world to produce because roughly 200-500 stigmas are needed to make one gram of saffron.
How does it help the skin: It serves as a toning agent by eliminating blackheads and unclogging pores. Saffron also promotes improved circulation and reduces inflammation.
How to use it: Grind it up and mix it in any face mask you have or add it to soups and teas.
Cinnamon
Whether used in baking or used for sprinkling on lattes, this spice has been a common staple for many families, especially during the holidays. It’s derived from the inner bark of several tree species under the genus Cinnamomum, and is sold either in its natural form or is ground to a powder.
How does it help the skin: Cinnamon is perfect for drying out stubborn pimples and plumping the skin by allowing oxygen and blood to reach the surface. It also opens pores by removing excess oil from skin’s surface.
How to use it: Cinnamon tea is an easy and delicious way to ensure consumption at least once a day or every other day. In addition, an easy face mask to combat dry skin is combining honey with ground cinnamon and applying it to the areas needing treatment.
Ginger
Ginger comes from its flowering plant, bearing green leaves and yellow flowers. The root is grounded into a powder and used in medicine and cooking, serving as a common spice found in predominantly Asian households. It contains around 40 antioxidant properties, making it a well-rounded super-food.
How does it help the skin: It contains around 40 antioxidant properties, making it a well-rounded super-food. It protects against aging, evens skin tone and improves elasticity.
How to use it: Ginger tea is the most common way to consume this way. Adding it to different foods, such as Japanese and Chinese cuisine, as well as mixing ginger paste with honey and lemon juice to create a face mask can produce effective results.
The benefits of using natural products are worthwhile. It’s more affordable than the best bottle of toner or cream on the market and there’s no knowing what additional ingredients are included in the product. Stay away from ingredients you can’t pronounce and indulge in some deliciously spicy skin care!
