Below are 4 uses of banana leaves shared by nutritionist Sangeeta Tiwari (India).
1. Mask
- Make a mask by mixing banana leaves with honey.
- Apply this mixture evenly on your face and leave it for 15 to 20 minutes then rinse with cool water.
Banana leaf mask helps soothe irritated skin, reduce inflammation and provide moisture, making skin bright and smooth and fighting signs of aging.
2. Soak the skin
- Boil banana leaves in water and let the water cool.
- Use this water for foot and hand soaks or add to bath for an all-over soothing experience.
Soaking in banana leaf water helps detoxify and hydrate the skin. The anti-inflammatory properties can relieve minor irritations, while the antioxidants can promote a healthy, youthful appearance.
3. Use in cooking
Use banana leaves to wrap foods for steaming or baking. For example, wrap fish, rice, or vegetables. Cooking with banana leaves helps impart a unique flavor to the food and can also help retain moisture, preventing the food from drying out. The natural compounds in banana leaves can provide an extra layer of protection against harmful bacteria and support overall health.
4. Store cooked food
“When you use banana leaves to serve hot food, the antioxidants are absorbed into the food,” says Sangeeta Tiwari. Banana leaves also have natural antibacterial properties, which help keep food safe from harmful bacteria. Plus, they don’t require the use of detergents to clean, as just rinsing with water is enough.
