Fermented Rice Water: Have You Experienced The Beauty

May 03, 2022

Benefits Of This 1200 Year Old Magic Potion?

Rice water is one of the oldest beauty ingredients in many cultures and yet some are unaware of its miraculous benefits on skin and hair. While cooked rice is highly nutritious for your body, the residual water is beneficial if you wish to tone your skin and boost your hair growth.

Women in China, Japan and Southeast Asia have been using rice water as a hair treatment for centuries. It is used to cure common skin and hair ailments all over the world. The Chinese use it as a hair rinse. In fact, the Japanese have been using it for over 1200 years. If you’ve read the book and are aware of the culture, it is also known to be the Geisha’s secret to soft, smooth, glowing and evenly-toned skin.

Regular use of rice water can remove dandruff, strengthen the strands, boost growth and vitality which eventually improves the appearance. Rice water is rich in vitamins, including vitamin B and C. It also contains potassium, magnesium, iodine, zinc, manganese, selenium and fibre. This treasure of nutrients helps in nourishing the follicles and repairing damaged hair cells. The antioxidants present in the rice water get rid of the toxins from the scalp preventing premature grey hair and alopecia.
Impressed? Read on to know the mind blowing advantages of this simple yet magical potion in detail!

What Is Fermented Rice Water?

Basically, rice water is the white starchy fluid that appears at the top of the rice after it is cooked. Japanese female rice farmers use this fluid to take baths. In Chinese province of Huangluo, Yao women are known for their long, natural and shiny hair even in their 80s. They have also made it into the Guinness Book of Records because of their long hair. But they don’t use the rice water, they use fermented rice water. Now, what’s that? Fermented rice water is prepared exactly like the rice water but it has been left to ferment until it turns slightly sour. This process enhances the benefits of rice water.

How To Make Fermented Rice Water?

To make fermented rice water, rinse the type of organic rice you want to cook - white, basmati, brown etc. If you are not using organic rice, make sure you rinse it a few times to get rid of the chemicals.

Soak a bowl of rice in water for about 20 minutes.
Strain and pour the water into a container.
Now, boil the rice in excess water and collect the white starchy fluid after draining the rice off.
Soak cooked rice in distilled water until it turns milky.
Drain the rice and collect the water in a glass container or store it in a glass jar.
Refrigerate it immediately.
You can use it immediately but if you wish to enhance its nourishing power, ferment it.
To do so, leave the rice water at room temperature for 2-3 days. The water will turn sour and rich in probiotics, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

Benefits Of Rice Water For Skin

Fermented rice water for face can tighten your visibly large skin pores, brighten your skin tone, smoothen the skin, get rid of stubborn acne for you and act as an anti-ageing treatment.

Bare Tip: Cleanse your skin first with a mild cleanser and then gently apply the rice water using a cotton pad. Let it dry before washing it off.

Benefits Of Rice Water For Hair

All the protein, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants present in the fluid helps it in boosting the vitality of hair. Rice water for hair growth is best recommended in Southeastern Asia. It can be used as a conditioner as it effortlessly tames frizzy hair and nourishes the scalp. It makes your hair look shinier!

Bare Tip: Clean your hair with a sulphate-free shampoo before massaging rice water on it. Leave it for a few minutes and then wash it with warm water followed by a silicone-free conditioner.

FAQs on Fermented Rice Water

Can I use fermented rice water on my hair everyday?

Rice water might be one of the best treatments for your hair, so, yes, it is possible to use it everyday. However, remember that not everyone observes similar benefits with rice water. It varies from person to person.

Does fermented rice water go bad?

Yes, it does. It’s a natural product made of organic rice. Hence, it doesn’t have a long shelf life. Make sure you refrigerate the water as soon as you’re done preparing it and use it within 7 days.

Can I drink rice water daily?

Consuming rice water effectively helps diarrhea, cures fever, boost metabolism, bacterial infections and eczema, but it may contain traces of arsenic. Drinking a lot of rice water with arsenic can lead to cancers, hypertension, heart disease, Type 2 diabetes and vascular disease. So make sure your rice is coming from a trusted source.

Go on, soak your rice!