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.