Just In
- 6 hrs ago Aditi Rao Hydari Marries Siddharth, Exploring Heeramandi Star's Ethnic Style Statements, Bookmark Now!
- 9 hrs ago Solar Eclipse 2024 Date And Time: Will It Be Visible In India? When And Where To Watch It, Deets Inside!
- 10 hrs ago Balenciaga Tape Bracelet: Is It Worth Spending A Bomb On Adhesive Looking Accessory? Know Our Take!
- 13 hrs ago In China, GenZ Workers Are Ditching Formal Attire For Pyjamas, Know The Reason Behind This
Don't Miss
- Movies Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai Controversy | Pratiksha Honmukhe DELETES Note About Her Exit: People Can Be Cruel…
- Sports R Ashwin Highlights Dual Demands of IPL: 'Training Amidst Advertisement Shoots'
- News More to Pay? Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway Toll Fee Rise Again: New Rates Effective April 1st
- Finance 45% Dividend: Maharatna Powerpack NBFC REC Turned Ex-Dividend; To Raise Rs 1,60,000 Crore Soon; BUY More?
- Automobiles Xiaomi SU7 Electric Car Launched – May End Apple Inc.
- Technology HONOR Pad 9 With Bluetooth Keyboard Up For Grabs At Rs 22,499 in India
- Education RSMSSB Junior Instructor Recruitment 2024; Apply online for 2500 Posts, Check out for more details
- Travel Explore Tamil Nadu's Diverse Wedding Venues
How To Use Bitter Gourd For Amazing Skin & Hair
Bitter gourd or karela, is a vegetable that most of us didn't like as kids and some of us still don't. And our elders would constantly brag about its benefits. Well folks, they weren't wrong!
Did you know bitter gourd has a lot of benefits to offer for your skin and hair? It is an amazing veggie packed with nutrition that can help you tackle various skin and hair issues.
The antioxidant properties of bitter gourd maintain the skin and scalp health, thus leaves you with nourished skin and hair.[1] Also, apart from treating issues like acne it also effectively reduces the inflammation caused due to acne.[2] . Furthermore, the healing properties of bitter gourd help to heal and soothe your skin. [3]
Who would've thought that bitter gourd has so much to offer! Listed below are the ways in which you can include bitter gourd in your beauty regime. But before that, let's have a look at the various benefits bitter gourd has to offer for skin and hair.
Benefits Of Bitter Gourd For Skin & Hair
•
It
gives
a
natural
glow
to
your
skin.
•
It
removes
the
toxins
and
impurities
from
our
skin.
•
It
treats
acne,
pimples
and
blemishes.
•
It
prevents
signs
of
ageing
such
as
fine
lines
and
wrinkles.
•
It
improves
the
elasticity
of
the
skin.
•
It
prevents
the
skin
from
sun
damage.
•
It
promotes
hair
growth.
•
It
prevents
hairfall.
•
It
treats
dry
and
itchy
scalp.
How To Use Bitter Gourd For Skin
1. Bitter gourd and cucumber
Cucumber has a high water content that keeps the skin moisturised. Additionally, it cleanses the skin and soothes skin irritation.[4] This blend of bitter gourd and cucumber will cleanse your skin and leave your skin with a natural glow.
Ingredients
•
½
bitter
gourd
•
½
cucumber
Method for use
•
Deseed
the
bitter
gourd
and
the
cucumber
and
slice
them
into
smaller
pieces.
•
Blend
both
of
these
together
in
a
mixer
to
make
a
paste.
•
Apply
this
paste
on
your
face
and
neck.
•
Leave
it
on
for
10-15
minutes.
•
Rinse
it
off
using
cold
water.
•
Repeat
this
remedy
every
day
for
the
desired
result.
2. Bitter gourd with egg yolk and yogurt
Loaded with nutrients, egg yolk keeps the skin hydrated and soft. Besides, it also protects the skin from UV damage.[5] The lactic acid present in the yogurt helps to tighten skin pores and improves skin elasticity.[6] This mask, therefore, helps to reduce signs of ageing such as fine lines and wrinkles.
Ingredients
•
1
tbsp
bitter
gourd
juice
•
1
tbsp
yogurt
•
1
egg
yolk
Method of use
•
Mix
all
the
ingredients
together
in
a
bowl.
•
Apply
this
mixture
evenly
on
your
face
and
neck.
•
Leave
it
on
for
20-25
minutes.
•
Now,
sprinkle
some
water
on
your
face
and
gently
massage
your
face
in
circular
motions
for
a
few
seconds.
•
Rinse
it
off
using
warm
water.
•
Repeat
this
remedy
every
alternate
day
for
the
desired
result.
3. Bitter gourd with neem and turmeric
Neem has antioxidant properties that prevent skin damage. When applied topically, it can treat skin issues such as acne and pimples.[7] Turmeric present in the blend possesses antimicrobial and antioxidant properties that soothe the skin and calm down acne and inflammation.[8]
Ingredients
•
1
bitter
gourd
•
A
handful
of
neem
leaves
•
1
tsp
turmeric
Method of use
•
Pop
all
the
ingredients
in
a
blender
and
grind
them
together
to
get
a
paste.
•
Apply
this
paste
on
your
face.
•
Leave
it
on
for
10-15
minutes.
•
Rinse
it
off
using
lukewarm
water.
•
Repeat
this
remedy
2-3
times
a
day
for
the
desired
result.
4. Bitter gourd and orange scrub
Orange peel contains antioxidant properties that cleanse the skin and remove the dirt and toxins from the skin.[9]
Ingredients
•
1
bitter
gourd
•
2-3
dried
orange
peels
Method of use
•
Deseed
the
bitter
gourd
and
add
the
seeds
in
a
mixer.
•
Add
the
dried
orange
peels
in
the
mixer
and
blend
both
the
ingredients
together.
•
Gently
scrub
your
face
using
this
mixture
in
circular
motions
for
about
5-10
minutes.
•
Rinse
it
off
using
lukewarm
water.
•
Use
this
scrub
once
a
week
for
the
desired
result.
5. Bitter gourd with basil, neem and milk
Basil unclogs the skin pores to remove dirt and impurities from the skin and thus cleanses the skin. Milk is a gentle exfoliator for the skin and has a soothing effect on the skin.
Ingredients
•
1
bitter
gourd
•
A
handful
of
basil
leaves
•
A
handful
of
neem
leaves
•
1
tsp
milk
Method of use
•
Add
the
bitter
gourd
along
with
basil
and
neem
leaves
in
a
blender
and
blend
everything
together
to
make
a
paste.
•
Next,
add
the
milk
in
the
paste
and
give
it
a
good
mix.
•
Apply
the
paste
evenly
on
your
face.
•
Leave
it
on
for
15
minutes.
•
Rinse
it
off
using
lukewarm
water.
•
Repeat
this
remedy
twice
a
week
for
the
desired
result.
6. Bitter gourd with lime juice and tomato
Lime has antioxidant properties that reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and prevent premature ageing of the skin.[10]
Tomato has astringent properties and thus shrinks skin pores to improve skin elasticity and treats skin issues like acne and blemishes.
Ingredients
•
1
tbsp
bitter
gourd
juice
•
1
tbsp
tomato
juice
•
1
tbsp
lime
juice
Method of use
•
Mix
all
the
ingredients
together
in
a
bowl.
•
Apply
this
mixture
on
your
face
before
you
go
to
bed.
•
Leave
it
on
overnight.
•
Rinse
it
off
in
the
morning
using
lukewarm
water.
•
Repeat
this
remedy
2-3
times
a
week
for
the
desired
result.
7. Bitter gourd with aloe vera and honey
Honey contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and makes the skin hydrated, soft and supple.[11] Aloe vera contains various properties that soothe the skin and treat various skin issues such as acne, sunburn, blemishes etc. [12]
Ingredients
•
3-4
slices
of
bitter
gourd
•
1
tbsp
fresh
aloe
vera
gel
•
1
tsp
honey
Method of use
•
Deseed
the
bitter
gourd
slices
and
add
it
into
a
blender.
•
Next,
add
aloe
vera
gel
and
honey
in
the
blender
and
blend
everything
together
to
make
a
paste.
•
Apply
this
paste
on
your
face
and
neck.
•
Leave
it
on
for
15
minutes.
•
Rinse
it
off
using
lukewarm
water.
•
Repeat
this
every
alternate
day
for
the
desired
result.
How To Use Bitter Gourd For Hair
1. Bitter gourd with curd
Bitter gourd mixed with curd promote healthy hair and gives a natural shine to your hair.[13]
Ingredients
•
1
bitter
gourd
•
½
cup
curd
Method of use
•
Grind
the
bitter
gourd
to
obtain
its
juice.
•
Add
this
juice
to
half
a
cup
of
curd
and
mix
everything
together
well.
•
Apply
this
mixture
on
your
hair.
•
Leave
it
on
for
30
minutes.
•
Rinse
it
off
later.
2. Bitter gourd rub
Rubbing a slice of bitter gourd on your scalp will give you relief from a dry and itchy scalp.
Ingredient
• A few slices of bitter gourd
Method of use
•
Chop
the
bitter
gourd
into
slices.
•
Divide
your
hair
into
smaller
sections.
•
Rub
the
bitter
gourd
on
the
scalp
in
circular
motions
for
a
couple
of
minutes.
•
Rinse
it
off
later.
3. Bitter gourd with cumin seeds
This blend is effective in treating the issue of dandruff. Cumin extracts have antifungal properties that help to maintain a clean and healthy scalp.[14]
Ingredients
•
1
tbsp
bitter
gourd
juice
•
1
tsp
cumin
seeds
paste
Method of use
•
Mix
both
the
ingredients
together
well.
•
Apply
the
mixture
on
your
scalp.
•
Leave
it
on
for
20
minutes
to
dry.
•
Rinse
it
off
using
lukewarm
water.
- [1] Aljohi, A., Matou-Nasri, S., & Ahmed, N. (2016). Antiglycation and Antioxidant Properties of Momordica charantia.PloS one,11(8), e0159985.
- [2] Huang, W. C., Tsai, T. H., Huang, C. J., Li, Y. Y., Chyuan, J. H., Chuang, L. T., & Tsai, P. J. (2015). Inhibitory effects of wild bitter melon leaf extract on Propionibacterium acnes-induced skin inflammation in mice and cytokine production in vitro.Food & function,6(8), 2550-2560.
- [3] Pişkin, A., Altunkaynak, B. Z., Tümentemur, G., Kaplan, S., Yazıcı, Ö. B., & Hökelek, M. (2014). The beneficial effects of Momordica charantia (bitter gourd) on wound healing of rabbit skin.Journal of Dermatological Treatment,25(4), 350-357
- [4] Mukherjee, P. K., Nema, N. K., Maity, N., & Sarkar, B. K. (2013). Phytochemical and therapeutic potential of cucumber.Fitoterapia,84, 227-236.
- [5] Ishikawa, S. I., Ohtsuki, S., Tomita, K., Arihara, K., & Itoh, M. (2005). Protective effect of egg yolk phosvitin against ultraviolet-light-induced lipid peroxidation in the presence of iron ions.Biological trace element research,105(1-3), 249-256.
- [6] Yeom, G., Yun, D. M., Kang, Y. W., Kwon, J. S., Kang, I. O., & Kim, S. Y. (2011). Clinical efficacy of facial masks containing yoghurt and Opuntia humifusa Raf.(F-YOP).Journal of cosmetic science,62(5), 505-514.
- [7] Nasri, H., Bahmani, M., Shahinfard, N., Moradi Nafchi, A., Saberianpour, S., & Rafieian Kopaei, M. (2015). Medicinal Plants for the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris: A Review of Recent Evidences.Jundishapur journal of microbiology,8(11), e25580
- [8] Vaughn, A. R., Branum, A., & Sivamani, R. K. (2016). Effects of turmeric (Curcuma longa) on skin health: A systematic review of the clinical evidence.Phytotherapy Research,30(8), 1243-1264.
- [9] Park, J. H., Lee, M., & Park, E. (2014). Antioxidant activity of orange flesh and peel extracted with various solvents.Preventive nutrition and food science,19(4), 291–298
- [10] Kim, D. B., Shin, G. H., Kim, J. M., Kim, Y. H., Lee, J. H., Lee, J. S., ... & Lee, O. H. (2016). Antioxidant and anti-ageing activities of citrus-based juice mixture.Food chemistry,194, 920-927.
- [11] McLoone, P., Oluwadun, A., Warnock, M., & Fyfe, L. (2016). Honey: A therapeutic agent for disorders of the skin.Central Asian journal of global health,5(1).
- [12] Surjushe, A., Vasani, R., & Saple, D. G. (2008). Aloe vera: a short review.Indian journal of dermatology,53(4), 163.
- [13] Levkovich, T., Poutahidis, T., Smillie, C., Varian, B. J., Ibrahim, Y. M., Lakritz, J. R., … Erdman, S. E. (2013). Probiotic bacteria induce a 'glow of health'.PloS one,8(1), e53867.
- [14] Kedia, A., Prakash, B., Mishra, P. K., & Dubey, N. K. (2014). Antifungal and antiaflatoxigenic properties of Cuminum cyminum (L.) seed essential oil and its efficacy as a preservative in stored commodities.International Journal of Food Microbiology,168, 1-7.
- beauty7 Simple Skincare Hacks Tailored For The Busy You To Get Effortless Radiance
- beauty6 Korean Beauty Tricks To Add To Your Skincare For The Ultimate Glass Skin
- healthWhat Are Demodex Mites? These 8-Legged Creatures Live Under Skin And May Give You Creepy Vibes
- healthWhy Can't We Resist Popping Pimples? Let's Find Out Why We Derive So Much Pleasure From Them!
- beautyDo This Skin Toning Trick Everyday To Get Rid Of Double Chin
- beautyWet Towel Face Wiping For Acne: A Simple And Affordable Solution For Glowing Skin
- beauty3 Simple Home Remedies For Peeling Skin Around Nails That Are Magic!
- healthUnveil the Amazing Health Perks of Eating Mangoes!
- healthWhat Are The Best Foods To Include In My Diet For Healthy, Glowing Skin?
- beautyNon-Alcoholic Wine: Your Key To Age-Defying Skin
- beautyReduce Cellulite With Ease: Home Remedies You Need To Try Today
- healthCan 'Vitamin C Flush' Cleanse Reverse Ageing?