Wellness in Your Kitchen

We are inundated with ways to part with our hard earned cash, all in the name of looking younger and feeling better. Could it be we need go no further than our own kitchen cupboards to get a wellness fix?  

As an acne prone teenager growing up in Leicester, when Clearasil was about the only remedy stocked in my local Boots, my mum used to whip up a homemade face mask using gram flour and turmeric to help keep the spots at bay. A time old Indian recipe passed down from her mum to her, it was kept in the fridge and applied religiously a couple times a week.  Despite my mum’s diligent work, it didn’t clear up my acne completely but it did brighten up my complexion, make my skin smoother and a little bit clearer.  Thanks mum! Kicking off with my mum’s face mask recipe, we’ve rounded up some other store cupboard gems that will nurture inside and out…

Kit’s Mum’s Mask Recipe

Makes enough for one application, if you have any leftover/make a batch, store in the fridge.

  • 2 tablespoons gram/chickpea flour
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 4 tablespoons milk

Mix together to form a paste.  Apply onto the face for 30 minutes then rinse off or remove with a damp flannel (use a dark coloured one to avoid staining!).

Turmeric

Not just for curries! Turmeric has been used for thousands of years in India as both a spice and to treat numerous ailments. Turmeric has amazing anti inflammatory and wrinkle erasing properties so it’s well worth popping in your face mask, just not too much as it does stain!

Honey

Well known for its antibacterial and nourishing properties, honey could be the saviour your skin has been waiting for. Use Manuka Honey (UMF15+) as a weekly face mask especially if you suffer from blocked pores, acne or dehydrated skin. Apply Manuka/raw honey onto the skin for 20 mins before washing off.

Lentils

Quite often given a bad rap for not being very exciting, did you know the humble lentil is full of protein and iron? Great for building up that lion’s mane of hair! Make a simple, spicy dhal, soup or delicious lentil burgers to enjoy the benefits of this store cupboard staple.

Cinnamon

A fragrant spice that we associate with delicious pastries and exotic cuisines! Did you know that studies have found cinnamon to increase collagen production which in turn increase skin firmness and elasticity? It is also thought to be an amazing antioxidant and great at combatting acne bacteria! Combine with honey (see above) for an amazing acne fighting face mask!

Chickpeas

The humble chickpea……..it may look like a harmless pulse, however, thanks to it’s plant hormone isoflavone, it is great at increasing your collagen production which in turn increases skin thickness and elasticity. Add to a curry, tagine or delicious chickpea and feta salad to get your collagen boost!

Here is one of my favourite recipes combining two of my featured ingredients turmeric and chickpeas.  I have also thrown spinach into the mix due to it being rich in magnesium and iron which will help with fatigue.  Super tasty and ready in 20 minutes, this is a staple recipe in my house!

Chickpea and Spinach curry – serves 2

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon ghee or vegetable oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1 large onion diced
  • 2 crushed cloves of garlic
  • 1 teaspoon of grated ginger
  • 1/2 tin of 400g chopped tomatoes
  • 1 tin of 400g tin of chickpeas
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
  • 3/4 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon chilli powder (vary according to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon garam masala
  • Ground black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Method:

Add the oil into a medium lidded pan over a medium heat, when hot add the mustard and cumin seeds until you hear popping.  Add the onions and brown for 10 minutes.

Add the garlic and ginger and stir fry for around 3 minutes before adding in the chopped tomatoes.  Add 200ml of water and simmer for 10 minutes or until the oil and tomato have separated.

Add all the spices followed by the chickpeas, cook for 5 minutes then add the spinach and cook until the spinach has reduced in size and is tender.

Serve with chapatis, rice and natural yogurt – delicious!