Read on for five herbs and spices that could be the secret to your best skin and hair ever.
Cinnamon
“Cinnamon is a potent
antioxidant that helps reverse signs of sun and environmental damage to
the skin,” says Jessica Weiser, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at
the New York Dermatology Group. “Cinnamon also increases blood flow and
circulation to increase cell turnover and skin repair.” Try adding a
teaspoon a day to your morning coffee or oatmeal.
Garlic Powder
As far as home hair remedies
go, garlic is about as old as they come. Rich in cysteine, the amino
acid that gives hair its strength, it can fortify your strands when
ingested and has topical benefits as well. According to a study
published in the Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprology,
garlic applied topically has been shown to prevent hair loss and even
stimulate more hair growth when placed on hair follicles. To make your
own garlic hair mask, combine 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder with two
ounces of oil (either olive or coconut). Heat the mixture for 30 seconds
in the microwave, massage into your scalp, and leave on for 20 minutes
before rinsing out.
Pepper
Spicy peppers—think chili, paprika, and cayenne—are rich in vitamins A and C and are great at fighting free radicals. Try to work one to two peppers into your meal rotation to see benefits. You can also use red pepper flakes or cayenne to help exfoliate dead skin. Try mixing salt and either one of the peppers into olive oil for a warming body scrub.
Turmeric
Turmeric has long been hailed
in Indian cultures for its anti-inflammatory properties. To get in on
the glow-getting benefits, mix one teaspoon of turmeric powder with
three tablespoons of milk, two tablespoons of flour, and a few drops of
honey. Pro tip: Use yogurt (which is full of probiotics) instead of milk
if you want something to help fight acne. To spice things up in the
kitchen, throw a half teaspoon of ground turmeric into your morning
smoothie or omelet.
Fennel Seed
Another excellent
anti-inflammatory ingredient is fennel. Great for reducing skin
sensitivity, Weiser recommends getting one to four grams per day into
your diet. These spicy seeds pull double duty as a hair care treatment,
too. Crush fennel seeds and combine with boiling water to make a rinse
that will help reduce dandruff and strengthen strands.
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