I choose to love myself every day. I let go of all reasons and excuses for not looking and feeling beautiful. Accepting myself as I am right now is the first step in growing and evolving.

Our bodies flourish when we are intentional with our care. Using wholesome, natural elements, we can care for our bodies in a way that allows us to emanate our best selves. Rice water, the opaque liquid that is a byproduct of soaking rice, is an element we should be adding to our ritual. Rice water contains amino acids (the building blocks for proteins), Vitamins B and E, and antioxidants. 

For Hair

With all the vitamins and antioxidants in rice water, it’s no wonder it has many benefits for your hair. Rice water can be used to stimulate hair growth and hold off thinning hair. Another reason we love adding it to our shower ritual is for the strengthening and softening benefits that rice water has. Rice water is also beneficial as a gentle cleanser that can wash out impurities and ease irritation.

There is almost no wrong way to incorporate rice water into your shower or bath ritual. To use rice water as a cleanser, apply a generous amount to your hair and massage your scalp for about five minutes. Rinse out and add conditioner as usual. You can also leave rice water in your hair for up to twenty minutes for deeper benefits like you might see from a hair mask. One caution, some people with already dry scalp can see added dryness from rice water. In that case, add rice water to your regular shampoo. You’ll get the benefits without the risk of additional drying.

For Skin

Rice water is an all-around champion when it comes to skin care with all its vitamins, antioxidants, and amino acids. Reducing redness and dryness, softening skin, and minimizing the look of pores are just a few of the many benefits of adding rice water to skincare ritual. The antioxidants in rice water also add to its anti-aging and anti-inflammatory benefits. 

You can use rice water as a cleaner by splashing it on your face and following with  fresh water rinse. It can also be used as a toner after your regular cleanser. 

How To Make Rice Water

Rinse 1 cup of rice under running water for one minute. Add the rice and one cup of filtered water to a container. Let the rice soak in the water for at least a few hours. Strain out the rice. Now you can cover the rice water and place it in your refrigerator to use. For some added benefits, keep the rice water out at room temperature for 24 hours, allowing it to ferment. Then pop it in the fridge so it is ready for you to use!

You won’t need to change your washing schedule around your rice water rinse — simply use it after shampooing and conditioning, whether that’s once a day or once a week. When applying the rice water, try to really focus in on your scalp and work your way out. Let it sit for two to five minutes, and then rinse. You’ll probably notice immediately how strong and thick your hair feels.

To take away the pungent smell and make  rice water smell better, you can either add a few drops of your favorite essential oil, infuse the rice water with an herbal tea or add lemon/orange/lime peels to your fermented rice water mix. Using either of the three methods will not only give your rice water a better smell but also give the rice water a nutrient boost. A few of our favs we like adding in Lavender, Ylang slang, Lemongrass, Peppermint and Jasmine oil.

Go ahead, turn on a steamy shower and add rice water to your ritual.

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