Kumkum or sindoor is a common cosmetic used by Indian women, especially those who are married. It is also used as an offering to god and is usually store-bought. But did you know that commercially bought sindoor has a number of health hazards, including skin rashes and allergies? So, to help you avoid those side effects, here is a great way to make sindoor at home, the way my mom does.
What it contains and how it helps
Made with whole turmeric, borax, sesame (til) oil, alum and lemon juice, this mixture is natural and safe to use.
Apart from that, turmeric has antiseptic properties that not only keep infections at bay, it also helps cool the body and keep the 'ajna chakra (the spot between your eyebrows) cool when applied as a bindi. Here are the health benefits of wearing a bindi. Also, borax (not to be confused with boric acid) is a good antiseptic agent and has antifungal and antiviral properties. And alum is a great antiseptic agent and is commonly used as a method to beat common infections on the skin. Here's how to use turmeric and lemon juice to beat fungal infections.
Lemon, on the other hand, gives the entire mixture that lovely red colour and is extremely great for your skin and health. The sesame oil used is good to help moisturise your skin and keep the mixture free of any infection causing agents. Here are some health benefits of lemon for your skin and health.
What you'll need
Method
Tip: If you buy sindoor or kumkum commercially, a good way to test for its authenticity is to take a little bit of it on a white piece of paper. Now fold the paper and rub the two halves together. You should see only a yellowish stain of haldi and no other colouring. Have other DIY related questions? Post them here.
Image source: Shutterstock
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