In Eastern culture, rice has been used for thousands of years to relieve inflammation associated with skin diseases and for cleansing and softening the skin. It is said that the female rice farmers in Japan would bathe in the water that was used to clean the rice, leaving their skin smooth and healthy.
Rice has been cultivated all across Japan for over 2000 years, and is one of its most crops. It is so ingrained (pun) into Japanese culture that it was once used as a form of currency. It is a staple in Japanese cuisine, and the Japanese for cooked rice (gohan) has become synonymous with the general meaning of ‘meal’.
For centuries, Japan was closed of from the rest of the world but there were stories that escaped its borders of beautiful women with glowing skin and long, lustrous hair. It was said that these women held ancient secrets of beauty and youth, igniting the imagination of people across the world.
Women in ancient Japan used many different natural ingredients in their skin and hair care regime, many ingredients that are still used today. Rice bran, camellia seeds, plants and seaweeds were used as beauty care. Many modern manufacturers of cosmetics still turn to these ancient ingredients when creating their products – and for good reason.
The Beauty Of Rice
Since 2800 B.C. the medicinal value of rice has been recognized by physicians in the Far East. It was used by royal physicians for healing purposes and was believed to restore tranquility and peace to those who were easily upset. Records taken during this time show that rice was used for skin and hair care, specifically by women.
The women of the imperial court would grow their hair as long as possible, letting it flow straight down behind them in long, shiny black tresses. It is said that they combed their hair every day using Yu-Su-Ru, which is the rinse water obtained from washing rice. Now, we have found science to support this tradition as Yu-Su-Ru has been found to reduce surface friction and improve hair elasticity.
Bioactive components in rice bran have long been used as antioxidant in skin care products. Rice bran contains phytic acid, which works to exfoliate and increases blood flow to the skin. You don’t have to eat rice to get it’s healing benefits, it can be used externally in the form of a powder or poultice.
Rice flour, dusted thickly over your skin’s surface, has a very cooling and soothing effect in inflammatory conditions of the skin as well as burns. Rice water is prescribed by Ayurvedic practitioners as an effective ointment to cool off inflamed skin surfaces.
Make Your Own Rice Soak Bath
This DIY spa treatment for your skin combines the potent healing powers of green tea the known health properties of rice for a great at-home skin treatment.
You’ll need:
- 1 cup of organic rice
- 2 tablespoons of organic jasmine green tea
Make a muslin bag using a 20×20 cm piece of muslin cloth and some string. Run a hot bath and hand the bag directly under the tap, letting the water run through the bag. If you can’t hang it under the tap, simply let it steep in the water. Lie down and let your body soak up the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
This bath will help exfoliate any dead skin cells, soften dry skin, and protect against skin disease. It has been used for centuries and for good reason! Give it a try and turn back the clock on your skin.
SOURCE: http://www.herbhedgerow.co.uk/rice-natural-beauty-throughout-history/
