PULSES

Bengal Gram (channa)

The flour of the unroasted Bengal bram (besan) is a very effective cleansing agent and its regular use, as a cosmetic, bleaches the skin. In allergic skin diseases like eczema, contact dermatitis and scabies. Washing with this flour will bring about good results. This is a also useful where pimples are concerned. The flour should be mixed with curd to make a paste. This paste should be applied to the face and washed off after sometime. Washing the hair with Bengal gram flour keeps it clean, soft and free from hair diseases.

Potato (alu)

The juice of raw potatoes has also proved very valuable in cleaning skin blemishes. This cleansing results from the high content of potassium, sulphur. phosphorus and chlorine in the potato. These elements are, however, of value only when the potato is raw as in this state they are composed of live organic atoms. In the cooked state, they are converted into inorganic atoms and are of little value cosmetically.

The juicy pulp of the shredded raw potatoes can also be applied as a poultice in clearing the ageing appearance of the skin. Before going to bed, it may be rubbed on the face and other portions on the body, that have wrinkles. It will help 'melt' the wrinkles, banish age spots and clear the skin. The enzymes in raw potato pulp, combined with the vitamin C and the natural starch, help create a skin food that nourishes the starved cellular tissues of the skin. Furthermore, the alkaline juices of the potato promotes an antiseptic action that gives a glowing look of youth. Much of the decaying skin is sloughed off by the acidec portion of the pulp.

Mint (pudina)

Application of fresh mint juice over the face every night cures pimples and prevents dryness of the skin. The juice is also applied over insect stings, eczema, scabies and contact dermatitis.


Tomato (tamatar)

Tomato as an external application can be used as a cosmetic. Its pulp should be applied liberally on the face and left there for an hour and will give one a good complexion and remove ugly looking pimples in a short time.

Lettuce (Salad -ka- patta)

This salad vegetable is useful in preventing hair loss through deficiencies. A mixture of lettuce and spinach juice is said to help the growth of hair if drunk to the extent of half a litre a day.

Garlic (lasoon)

Garlic has been used successfully for a variety of skin disorders. Pimples disappear without leaving a scar when rubbed with raw garlic several times a day. Even very persistent form of ance, suffered by some adults, has also been healed with garlic. The exeternal use of garlic helps to clear spots on the skin, pimples and boils. The process is further helped by taking the garlic internally to purify the blood stream for a long-term clearance of the skin. A regular course of three garlic capsules per day should help to clear minor skin infections quickly. Garlic rubbed over ringworm, gives releif.

Fenugreek (methi)

A paste of the fresh leaves applied over the scalp regularly, before taking bath, lengthens the hair, preserves its natural colour and keeps it silky soft. A paste of the fresh leaves, applied on the face every night before going to bed and washed off with warm water, prevents pimples, blackheads, dryness of the face, and wrinkles. it improves the complexion and makes one look years younger.
Drumstick (sanjana)

Fresh leaf - juice applied with lime juice is useful in the treatment of pimples, blackheads and keeps one's face fresh.

Curry Leaves (kurry patta)

Liberal intake of curry leaves is considered beneficial in preventing the premature greying of hair. These leaves give vitality and strength to hair roots. New hair roots that grow are healthier with normal pigment. The leaves can be used in the form of a chutney or they may be squeezed in buttermilk or lassi.

Cucumber (khira)

Grated cucumber applied over the face, eyes and neck for 15 to 20 minutes has been found effective as a beauty aid and is the best tonic for the skin of the face. Its regular use prevents pimples blackheads, wrinkles and dryness of the face. Cucumber juice promotes hair growth due to its high silicon and sulphur contents, particularly when mixed with carrot, lettuce and spinach jice.