Little did we know that apart from working its magic in the kitchen (hallelujah to the ‘adrak lasoon’ paste,) ginger can also do wonders for our skin and hair too. Here are five reasons why, the next time you so sabzi shopping, you need to buy double of this underrated root…

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Ginger for that natural flush
Ginger is rich in antioxidants, namely gingerol, which fights free radicals that can damage your skin, thus slowing the clock on ageing. Since it is also a spicy root it increases the blood circulation to your skin giving it that natural flush (the kind you get after working out) and making it appear bright and radiant.

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A spicy ginger body scrub
Since the properties of ginger can be used for the whole body and not just the face, pamper yourself with a lemon and ginger body scrub.
To a quarter cup of olive oil, add half a cup of sugar, a tablespoon of freshly grated ginger, the zest of one lemon and mix well. Apply it as you would any other body scrub. This spicy DIY is the easiest pick-me-up for your skin as well as your senses.

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Ginger to give acne the boot
For those of you suffering from acne, resort to applying some ginger juice or rubbing raw, sliced ginger on your skin. It is such a strong anti-bacterial and anti-septic agent so it fights and minimises acne causing bacteria on the surface as well penetrates deep within the skin tissue to eliminate them at the root.

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Ginger as a rejuvenation mask
If you’re looking for a quick skin rejuvenation mask, add two tablespoons of honey and one table spoon of lime juice to a large piece of finely grated ginger and mix well. Apply this to your face, let it sit for 20 minutes and rinse off. Although the mask might tingle a little, once you’ve washed your face, your skin will feel super soft and nourished.

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Ginger for a clean scalp
Ginger juice when combined with olive oil and massaged onto the scalp and the tresses is known to stimulate blood circulation (thanks to the spice present in the root), and therefore promotes hair growth. Being an anti-septic, it also curbs any bacterial infections or scalp inflammations, strengthening the root and hair follicles.