Herbs and spices are nothing new to kitchens in black households. One of your elders always had something brewing that had herbs as part of the mix. Sounds bewitching, doesn’t it? Don’t be scared, every meal your grandmother prepared contained magic. How does that help your skin? In so many ways …

Let’s take a look at a skin loving herb and spice and how to use them in recipes bringing beauty from the inside out.

Turmeric Spice for Beauty and Great Taste

Turmeric marries health benefits with great taste. Dried powdered turmeric has a mild taste that can be blended into many foods. Smoothies even get a boost with the presence of turmeric.

Turmeric is being used in beauty products for everything from inflammation, to acne, to soothing dry skin.

Inflammation in your skin is when you see a rash, have an allergic reaction or infection. Turmeric has been known to help with these inflamed challenges.

Turmeric and Rosemary can come together and make quite a nice tasting dish. Here’s a dish by Pierre Franey: Grilled Chicken Breasts With Turmeric and Lime

Ingredients:
• 4 to 6 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, about 1 1/2 pounds
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
• ½ teaspoon chile powder
• ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh or crushed dried rosemary leaves
• 1 teaspoon finely minced garlic
• Salt to taste if desired
• Freshly ground pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Preparation
1. Heat a grill or the broiler.
2. Put the oil in a mixing bowl; and lime juice, chile powder, turmeric, rosemary, garlic, salt and pepper. Stir to blend well and add the chicken pieces. Turn them in the marinade to coat well. Cover and set aside until ready to cook. If they are to be marinated for a long period, refrigerate them.
3. Place chicken pieces on the grill or on the rack under the broiler. Cover the grill or close the door to the broiler. Cook about 2 to 3 minutes and turn the pieces. Continue cooking until done, about 2 to 3 minutes on the grill, possibly a little longer under the broiler.
4. Remove the pieces and brush the tops with the melted butter.

Rosemary Herb Has Strong Flavor For Black Skin and Hair Care Beauty

Rosemary in general can act as a pick-me-up when you’ve had a long day and need a bit of energy. Hold it in the palm of your hand, gently massage them together. Now … inhale slowly and steady. Repeat three times. Feel better?

For your skin and hair, rosemary has natural antiseptic properties. The essential oil is known to promote a healthy, moisturized scalp and reverse premature graying.

Rosemary is a delicious addition to meat dishes. Have you ever had grilled rosemary chicken? It’ also great in tomato sauces, omelets and potato dishes. However, there’s nothing like fresh baked Raisin Walnut Rosemary Bread. Thanks to Betsy Oppenneer, here’s a great recipe for you to try.

Yield: 2 81/2 x 4 ? – inch loaves

Ingredients:
3 cups golden raisins

3 cups scalded milk

2 cups granulated sugar

6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature

3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

4 1/2 cups unbleached flour
2 teaspoons salt

2 tablespoons double-acting baking powder

2 tablespoons crushed fresh rosemary leaves, or 2 teaspoons crushed dried rosemary leaves

2 cup coarsely chopped walnuts

Directions:
1 Add the raisins to the scalded milk.

Cover and cool for about 30 minutes, until lukewarm.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Grease two
81/2 by 4 1/2 inch pans, four 5 by 31/2 inch pans, or six 15- ounce cans.

In a large bowl, beat the sugar with the butter.

Add the cooled raisin mixture, the egg, and vanilla Mix well.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, rosemary, and nuts until well combined.

Spoon the butter mixture all at once and stir just until combined.

Spoon the batter into the prepared pans.

If using cans, spoon the batter into them so that they are just over half full.

Bake 8 1/2 inch loaves for 1 hour to 1 1/4 hours, 5-inch loaves for 35 to 40 minutes, or 15-ounce cans for 25 to 30 minutes or until well browned (the internal temperature should reach 190 degrees.)

Cool 10 minutes, then remove from the pans and place loaves on a rack to cool completely.

Only Two?!

Yeah! After all, you’ve got to get grounded in the type of herbs and spices you like working with. Not all pallets are the same. Start slowly and work your way through an extensive list of herbs and spices that will enhance the natural beauty of your skin.

Let me know what you like and don’t like. I’m curious and I’m sure others will be also. That’s it for this week. As always ..

Dedicated To Your Beauty,

Juliette Samuel
Esthetician/Author/Publisher
Nyraju Skin Care