In the modern era of skincare and hair care, social media platforms like Instagram are flooded with various beauty trends. From people spraying mysterious liquids on their hair to others applying oil in their belly buttons, these videos often go viral. While they might seem like fleeting internet trends, many of these practices are actually rooted in ancient wisdom. These are the same remedies that grandmothers have been using for generations. Interestingly, modern science is now acknowledging the effectiveness of these traditional methods, leading many large companies to incorporate these natural ingredients into their commercial products. Here is a detailed look at 5 desi beauty trends that actually show visible results when followed correctly.
Clove Water for Hair Growth
One of the most prominent trends involves using clove water to transform thin and lifeless hair into thick, dark, and healthy tresses. While the idea of boiling cloves and spraying the resulting water onto your hair might seem unusual, it's backed by significant biological benefits. The primary reason for its effectiveness is a powerful bioactive compound found in cloves called Eugenol. This compound plays a crucial role in scalp health, while clove water helps in eliminating Malassezia, a type of fungus responsible for dandruff. Plus, applying this water helps in improving blood circulation in the scalp, which directly contributes to better hair growth and strength.
The Science of Oil Pulling for Glowing Skin
Oil pulling is an ancient technique that's gaining renewed interest for its ability to provide naturally clear and glowing skin. Known as Kavala Graha in Ayurveda, this process involves swishing coconut oil in the mouth. Although the sensation might feel strange initially, the logic behind it's quite scientific, while many bacteria present in the mouth and on the teeth have an outer layer made of fat or lipids. When you swish coconut oil, the oil acts like a magnet, sticking to these bacteria and pulling them out of the oral cavity. This practice not only eliminates bad breath but also reduces overall inflammation in the body, while this reduction in internal inflammation manifests externally as healthier, more radiant skin.
Belly Button Oiling for Holistic Beauty
Another traditional practice that has resurfaced is applying oil to the belly button before sleeping. Using neem or mustard oil in the navel is said to make the skin glow. According to Ayurveda, the belly button is a vital center of the human body. While modern science is still exploring the direct connection between the navel and skin health, Ayurvedic principles suggest that the navel is a focal point. Applying just 2 drops of oil in the belly button can provide essential fatty acids to the body, relax the nerves, and improve digestion. A healthy digestive system is directly linked to skin health, allowing the skin to glow naturally from within.
Natural Makeup Removal with Coconut Oil
Using kitchen oils on the face might seem counterintuitive to some, but coconut oil has proven to be an exceptional makeup remover. While the market is saturated with expensive chemical cleansers that can often damage the skin, extra virgin coconut oil offers a safer and more effective alternative. Experts suggest that the lipids present in extra virgin coconut oil are highly effective at dissolving waterproof mascara and heavy makeup. This allows for the removal of makeup without the need for harsh scrubbing, ensuring that the skin remains hydrated and undamaged during the cleansing process. These traditional methods prove that sometimes the best beauty secrets are found right in our kitchens.
