CUCUMBER (Cucumis Sativus) - Ambhos

 Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) or popularly known as kheera in Hindi is a juicy, thin-skinned, green coloured vegetable. It is a creeper believed to have originated in the Indian subcontinent. It initially had a wild growth which was later domesticated. Owing to it's hydrating, soothing, anti-oxidant and hypoallergenic nature, it is being since centuries to prevent or cure different ailments.

With summers around the corner, cucumbers are going to occupy our shelves in abundance. We have basically known cucumber as a salad essential. While we are aware of vast variety of health benefits of cucumber like:

1. It keeps our body hydrated- With 96% water content cucumbers provide enough water content.

2. Aids in weight loss - Loaded with nutrients, fibres and having negligible fat makes cucumbers a perfect go-to food when trying to get back to shape.

3. Maintains blood pressure levels- Due to high potassium and water contents, it can regulate blood pressure.

4. Improves kidney health - High water content in it makes it easier for the kidneys to flush out toxins.

5. Prevents cancers - It acts as an antioxidant. The seeds of cucumbers contain Vitamin C which boosts immunity on the whole.

6. It is also recommended to the people suffering from arthritis. It has Vitamin K and silica which promotes healthy joints.

Though the list is long yet it is not the absolute list. With 96% water content, it is also rich in vitamins, minerals and electrolytes which are vital nutrients for our skin and hair.

Cucumbers are a beauty essential. A large number of skin and hair care merchandise containing cucumbers bears testimony to this fact. From hair-masks to face-packs, facials to toners and moisturizers, it can act as any beauty product depending on how it is applied. Here are ways to reap optimum benefits from the cucumber as a skin-care product:

1. Slices of cucumber can be put on eyes for 5 to 10 minutes daily. These help in reducing dark circles, lines, blemishes or puffiness around it. It relaxes and hydrates the eyes as well. Alternatively, we can also use cotton balls dabbed in cucumber juice.

2. Icecold slices of cucumber dehydrate. Thus resting with these on your eyes reduces under eyebags or swelling on the eyes. These also aid in skin tightening.

3. For face-packs and to remove black heads, grate cucumber and mix it with oats. After washing your face with lukewarm water apply this mixture and leave it for 20 minutes. Rinse it with cold water.

3. Use cucumber juice as a toner and as a moisturizer specially if you have dry skin. Cucumber juice nourishes the skin and closes the open pores as well. Apply this on your skin and leave it as long as you are comfortable with it.

4. Applying cucumber juice on scalp and hair leaves us with shinier and healthier hair. Leave the juice for an hour and then shampoo or wash out.

5. Add lemon juice to cucumber juice. Apply this face mask for 20 minutes followed by rinsing it off. It rejuvenates the skin. Cucumber juice also assists in getting rid of sunburns, rashes and redness due to exposure to the sun.

6. Splashing cucumber water on the face gives freshness.

7. Including cucumber in your diet detoxifies. Thereby providing a natural glow to the skin along with other benefits.

8. Use a combination of Aloe Vera gel, cucumber water and coconut milk along with Vitamin E as a body lotion especially if you have dry skin.

9. Pressing a cucumber slice against your palate for 30 seconds is known to prevent bad breath.

10. Do not throw away the cucumber peels or the residue after extracting juice. Add honey, yoghurt and oats to it and use this concoction as a face mask. It removes freckles and blemishes and revitaliizes the skin.

How to prepare cucumber water and juice at home?

For cucumber water- Keep slices of cucumber in cold water for sometime. Remove the slices and use the water.

For cucumber juice - Rinse cucumber thoroughly with water. Grate it and squeeze the grated fruit using a clean cloth to obtain cucumber juice.

Though it is very rare  but cucumbers can show allergic reactions too. Test it over a small patch of your skin. Watch out for any allergies and continue the use if found non-aggressive. It is always better to be safe than sorry, so take appropriate precautions:

1. Cucumber juice can be used on daily basis as a toner and a combination as a moisturizer. But it is recommended not to use face-masks or face- packs daily.

2. Consuming excess of cucumber can result in issues related to stomach.

2. Do not store cucumber water or juice for a long time. Try to prepare it freshly for every use. You can always use products available in the market.

3. Never purchase yellow cucumbers with cuts. These should vary from light green to dark green in colour.

With minimal efforts , few precautions and without costing a fortune , cucumbers can truly be your key to a healthy, glowing and naturally beautiful hair and skin along with other benefits.