The usual thing we do after cooking our rice is throwing away the water. What if I told you, that water can bring you to benefit in various ways?
Rice water, or the water left over after cooking rice, has long been considered to strengthen and beautify hair. It was used for the first time in Japan about 1,000 years ago. Rice water has a starchy texture after the rice is soaked or cooked.
Rice water is also becoming increasingly popular as a skin treatment. It’s claimed to calm and tone your skin, as well as improve a variety of skin problems. Rice water is even more appealing because it is simple and affordable to prepare at home.
It’s super easy to make and here are 3 ways you can make them.
- Boiling- Drain the rice after a good rinse. Use four times as much water as rice. Bring the rice and water to a boil, stirring it constantly. Press the rice with a spoon to release the beneficial compounds, then drain the rice with a sieve and store the water in an airtight container for up to a week. Before usage, dilute with ordinary water.
- Soaking- Following the same process, but instead of boiling the rice, soak it for at least 30 minutes before pressing it and straining it through the sieve. Finally, put the rice water in the refrigerator.
- Fermented- Using the same process as soaking the rice but instead of keeping it in the fridge, leave it at room temperature for about 2 days. Once it releases a sour smell, refrigerate it and dilute with water before using.
Benefits
1. Boost energy
Cooked rice water aids digestion, reduces constipation, and protects against a variety of illnesses. Rice water is high in minerals and nutritious carbs, so having a glass of it first thing in the morning can provide your body with enough energy to keep you active throughout the day. Before drinking, just add a pinch of salt for taste.
2. Cornstarch for clothes
Rice water has been used to give cotton garments a beautiful crisp feel for centuries. Simply soak the cleaned garment in rice water and dry it in the sun. It’s the simplest solution for all your cotton garments.
3. Treats acne and pimples
Rice water can help to naturally decrease the appearance of pimples and acne scars. It may be used as a toner to close up open pores. Simply soak a cotton ball in rice water and apply it to the afflicted areas to get rid of pimples and acne. Not just that, rice water can treat rashes, eczema and inflammation too.
4. Face serum/toner
Fill a bottle halfway with rice water, rose water, and glycerine (if there’s no glycerine, no problem!). Mix it all together and add a few drops of orange essential oil. Use it to get clear skin. Most beauty products, especially the ones from Japan and Korea use rice water as a main component due to its many benefits.
5. Hair tonic
This miraculous elixir will be the simplest and most affordable cure for any of your hair problems. Simply massage rice water into your hair and let it on for 20 minutes. In only a few days, this will assist to restore the luster of your hair. Rice water and hibiscus flowers may be used to produce a basic hair tonic. Allow it to sit for a day before spraying it on your hair and washing it off to see the results.
While all this may be tempting, always remember to do a patch test before utilizing rice water fully. Other than that, try this simple yet amazing hack and enjoy the benefits yourself!
Sources: Times of India, Healthline