Rice water is nothing short of a miracle elixir; it works wonders for everything from skin and hair to plants..
After cooking rice, the starchy water—known as *maand*—is often discarded as waste. However, since the days of our grandmothers, this water has been hailed as a treasure trove of health benefits. While it is currently widely used in K-beauty products to achieve "glass skin," it has many other uses that few people are aware of.
**Use in Skin and Hair Care**
This starch, derived from rice benefits both the skin and hair equally:
**Maand for Glass Skin**
Applying rice water to your face can help achieve a "glass skin" glow. To do this, mix 3–4 spoons of *maand* with one spoon of aloe vera gel and a Vitamin E capsule. Your natural *maand*-based face cream is ready; apply it to your face in the morning and evening.
**Natural Conditioner for Hair**
Use *maand* as a conditioner to reduce dryness and add shine to your hair. After washing your hair, apply the rice water, leave it on for 10–15 minutes, and then rinse it off with plain water.
**Health Benefits**
According to Ayurveda, *maand* is rich in carbohydrates, providing the body with an immediate energy boost upon consumption. Additionally, its light consistency makes it excellent for digestive health; it is easily digestible and helps alleviate stomach-related issues.
It can also be beneficial for those suffering from diarrhea, as it helps prevent dehydration.
**A Lifesaver for Plants**
You might not know this, but rice water serves as an excellent organic liquid fertilizer, as it is rich in potassium, nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium, and various other minerals. After letting the rice water (starch water) cool down, dilute it by adding a small amount of water.
Then, apply this mixture to the roots of the plants once or twice a week. Be careful not to pour undiluted, thick rice water directly onto the plants, as it can form a layer on the soil surface. This would prevent air from reaching the roots, potentially leading to fungal growth.