Strange Beauty: The Fenugreek Seed Cure-All

What: Fenugreek Seeds

Why: The high-protein seeds of the fenugreek plant have been used in traditional medicine for everything from diabetes control to hair-loss prevention, but it was just recently that I learned the seeds can be used topically, and mashed into yogurt to create an exfoliating paste for skin or a masque to encourage hair to a) grow quickly and b) grow in curly.

We love a good beauty cure-all, but we haven’t always got the time to get out the mortar and pestle.  When it’s an all-in-one item in a reliable bottle that’s needed, Davines SU Replenish Hair & Body After Sun Wash ($24) is an amazing, apricot-oil-filled, moisture-rich wash for both your hair and skin.

Now just don’t expect it to cure bronchitis (another use for fabled fenugreek.)

For other – more convential -beauty solutions, check out our guides on lip balms, self-tanners, and acne treatments.