Ginger is a mighty root, used in teas and tonics to help soothe the stomach, kick out colds and clear the sinuses. It’s no joke. Spicy, pungent and essential for cooking, ginger can also be used in for DIY beauty recipes. Of course, check your sensitivity to ginger first before putting on your face or settling into a bath!
DIY Ginger Recipes For Your Face:
Ginger has amazing antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties and helps generate circulation — three things your face will benefit from.
- Even Out Tone, Especially Hyperpigmentation: You can apply a small sliver of ginger directly on spots (keep away from eyes), then rinse. For an all-over treatment, you can create a ginger toner: take 1 cup of fresh ginger juice, mix it with 1 Tbsp.honey and dab on skin with a cotton pad. You can apply generously and allow to sit for 30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
- Radiance-Boosting Ginger Mask: Ginger is known to make skin radiant and applying it topically can make your skin glow. Simply take 1 Tbsp of ginger juice with 2 Tbsp of rosewater, and a half Tbsp of honey. Mix well, then apply evenly to your face. Leave on for 20 minutes and rinse.
- Ginger Facial Scrub: An easy (and delicious) scrub can be whipped up in your kitchen with 2 Tbsp. olive oil, 4 Tbsp. brown sugar and 1 Tbsp. of ground ginger. Simply wet skin, exfoliate with your scrub, and then rinse thoroughly.
READ MORE: 25 Ways to Use Olive Oil as a Beauty Product
DIY Ginger Recipes For Your Body:
Some of the best DIY ginger tricks are for the body – invigorating, relaxing and, of course, it smells amazing!
- Detox Ginger Bath: Take 1/2 cup of Epsom salt and add 2 tsp ground ginger (either from your spice collection or you can grind it yourself!). Fill the tub like usual and pour your ingredients in. The ginger increases circulation and boosts immunity while Epsom salts soothe muscles and give you some much-needed magnesium.
- Refreshing Foot Bath: If you happen to have mustard powder (Colman’s works great), you can add a little fresh ground ginger for a fantastic foot bath. Sounds weird, sure, but its warming-soothing stuff will make you a believer. Use 1 Tbsp. mustard powder with 2 tsp ginger (a little of this mixture goes a long way), add to warm water and let your feet soak for 15 minutes.
- Ginger-Lemon Body Scrub: Take ¼ cup olive oil, ½ cup sugar, 2 tsp grated ginger and the zest of a lemon (plus a little squeeze of the lemon juice), mix well and apply while in the shower.
- Warming Massage Oil: Ginger can warm the body topically, so massage oil will be a tension-reducing dream. You can take 1 inch of peeled ginger, cut into slices, a dozen or so dried rose petals (you can also use rose oil), and 1 cup of almond oil. Mix together in a mason jar or bottle and let sit for a week. Then it’s ready to use on arms and legs, avoiding delicate areas.
- Cinnamon-Ginger Bath Salts: This is another great trick to couple ginger with Epsom salts. Take ¼ cup Epsom salts and add 3 tsp of grated ginger, then a ½ tsp ground cinnamon (from your spice rack). You can also add a squeeze of orange or lemon (or the oils from these fruits) for an added sensory bonus. Add to your bath, soak for 15 minutes.
READ MORE: 14 Ways to Use Bananas as a Beauty Product
DIY Ginger Recipes For Your Hair:
- Shampoo Booster: Say goodbye to split ends! Add 1 part to 3 parts of your shampoo to help get rid of frayed ends. It also adds a moisture boost.
- Hair Growth Treatment: Since ginger stimulates blood circulation, you can create a scalp treatment that will help hair growth and improve texture. Take 2 Tbsp. of ginger juice to 6 Tbsp. jojoba oil. Massage into the scalp and let sit for 20 minutes (overnight if you want). Then rinse thoroughly.
