For centuries, spices in India have not only been used in cooking but have also been valued for their medicinal properties and improving ones health and beauty. Check out some of these suggestions.

To keep skin looking good and youthful

Turmeric is used in cooking as well as in Indian beauty treatments. Turmeric possesses antiseptic properties and helps prevent spots and minor skin conditions.

Sandalwood is also a popular beauty accessory and women keep their skin looking radiant by mixing 1½ tablespoons of sandalwood powder with a pinch of turmeric powder and making a paste by adding 3 tablespoons of water.

For a spiced facial scrub

Soak about 2 tablespoons of fenugreek seeds in natural yogurt and then with the aid of a pestle and mortar grind into a coarse paste. Gently rub onto skin and wash off after 15 minutes.

For shiny hair

Hair oil made with nuts, herbs and flowers has been used for centuries to encourage sleek and lustrous hair.

Coconut oil makes a powerful hair and scalp conditioner and works deeply to nourish hair follicles.

To aid digestion

Indians drink plenty of lassi which is a fermented milk drink made with yogurt to promote a healthy gut and it is also used as a slimming aid.

For a healthier outlook

Indians eat plenty of vegetables which are gently spiced with cumin, cardamom and pepper. Spices are fat-free. Chutneys which are made with fresh herbs such as mint and coriander accompany Indian dishes that are cooked with a very small amount of vegetable or olive oil.

However, if you have no spices…

To ease dark circles around the eyes

Many Indians believe that drinking a glass of hot water in the morning as soon as you rise kick-starts the kidneys and draws out water from the body.