Herbs for Dry skin

DRY SKIN IS A SIGN THAT YOUR SKIN IS THIRSTY AND NEEDS GOOD NOURISHMENT.

1.Almond oil hydrates and soothes the skin.It helps restore moisture and relieves irritation, inflammation, and itching caused by dryness.

2.Cocoa butter is used in various body lotions and lip balms. cocoa butter's velvety texture and moisturizing properties have made it a popular ingredient. Rich in antioxidants, it soothes cracked and dry skin. 

3.Sunflower oil is rich in vitamins A,C,D and E and helps repair damaged skin and retain moisture.

4.Wheat Germ oil softens and rejuvenates the skin. Rich in antioxidants, it helps soothe irritation, relieves itching and promotes new cell growth.

5.Neem oil relieves dry skin and soothes itching, redness and irritation. It also helps prevent wrinkles and moisturizes dry skin.

6.Aloe vera is a natural UV inhibitor. It hydrates, softens and helps retain the skin's natural moisture.

7.Cucumber cools, refreshes and help maintain skin's moisture. It has healing and soothing properties which will help heal damaged skin.

8.Pumpkin seed oil is great for your skin as it contains fatty acids, Zinc, Vitamin E and Beta-carotene. The oil helps retain moisture and effectively hydrates dry skin.

9.Shea Butter improves skin elasticity and maintains the skin;s moisture balance and effectively moisturizes sensitive skin.

10. Grape seed oil possesses astringent properties, helping tighten and tone skin. Its ability to lock in moisture makes Grape seed oil extremely useful and effective as a skin moisturizer.

ALOO TIKKI (Spiced potato cutlets)

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Serves: Four

Ingredients:

- 30 ml oil + extra for frying
- 4 tsp cumin seeds
- A pinch of asafoetida
- 100 g green peas, chopped fine
- 2 tsp chopped ginger
- 4 green chillies, chopped fine
- 3/4 cumin powder 
- 4 tsp chaat masala powder
- Salt to taste
- 400 g potatoes, boiled, peeled and grated
- 20 g coriander leaves, chopped finely
- 100 g corn flour
  
Method:

1. FOR STUFFING- Heat 30 ml oil in a pan and ADD 2 tbs cumin seeds.When they splutter, add asafoetida, green peas, ginger and green chillies, and saute until peas are crispy. Add cumin and chaat masala powders and salt. set aside.

2. TO MAKE TIKKI- Mix grated potato with remaining cumin seeds, salt, coriander leaves and corn flour. Take a portion of Tikki mixture and make a medium size ball out of it.Stuff some stuffing inside the ball and gently flatten the Tikkis into a round shape.

3. Deep-fry tikkis in hot oil  till golden brown. Serve hot.

Popular Maharashtra snack.

Sabudana vada

Preperation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time: 20 minutes

Serves: Four

Ingredients:

* 1 cup sago pearls (sabudana), soaked overnight and drained
* 2 potatoes, boiled, peeled and mashed
* 1/2 cup peanuts, dry roasted and blended to a course powder
* 1 tsp cumin seeds
* 3 green chillies, chopped fine
* salt to taste
* 1 tsp lemon juice 
* Few coriander leaves chopped 
* 2 tsp rice flour
* Oil, to deep fry.

Method:

1. Mix all ingredients except the rice flour and the oil together until everything is combined.
2. Shape the mixture into small patties, using the rice flour to dust your hands if necessary.
3. Heat the oil in a deep pan and deep fry about 3-4 vadas at a time on medium heat so that the vadas are cooked inside and both sides are golden brown. 
4. Serve hot with mint-coriander chutney and hot tea.

sabudana image