Ammama’s Recipes: Timeless Beauty from Our South Indian Heritage

Introduction
At Amohas, our journey began with family wisdom — particularly the cherished recipes passed down by our Ammama (grandmother). She believed that true beauty lies in simplicity, purity, and harmony with nature. These time-honored remedies, drawn from her South Indian heritage, remain as relevant today as they were generations ago. Each recipe is a gentle ritual — combining ingredients found in the kitchen with intention and love.

 Chickpea Flour & Rose Water Pack

Purpose: Gentle exfoliation, oil balance, and skin brightening.

• Ingredients

2 tbsp chickpea flour (besan)

1 tbsp rose water 

1 tbsp Honey

A pinch of sandalwood powder (optional)

• Method

  1. Mix chickpea flour with rose water into a smooth paste.

  2. Apply evenly on face and neck.

  3. Leave for 15 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water.

Ammama’s note: “This pack soaks up excess oil while keeping skin soft and glowing.” Scientifically speaking this helps excess oil absorption, and gently exfoliates and brightens the skin.

Castor Oil for Eyebrows & Lashes

Purpose: Nourishment and natural thickening.

• Ingredients

  • A few drops of pure castor oil

  • Vitamin E (one capsule or couple of drops)

• Method

  1. Dip a clean cotton bud or mascara wand in oil blend.

  2. Gently apply to lashes and brows before bedtime.

  3. Wash off in the morning.

Ammama’s note: “A nightly ritual for bold brows and thick lashes, no makeup needed.” Ricinoleic acid in Castor oil and Vitamin E's anti-oxidant benefits help to strengthen the hair follicles making them look healthier and fuller.

Sesame Oil & Coconut Oil Blend

Purpose: Deep nourishment for hair and scalp.

• Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp sesame oil

  • 2 tbsp coconut oil

• Method

  1. Warm the oil blend slightly.

  2. Massage into scalp and along hair length.

  3. Leave for 1 hour or overnight, then wash with mild shampoo.

Ammama’s note: “This combination keeps hair strong, black, and lustrous.” Scientifically speaking sesame oil has anti-bacterial effects it improves microcirculation and boosts hair growth, on the other hand coconut oil reduces frizz, prevent protein loss and also nourishes the hair.

Ghee for Healing Lips

Purpose: Natural balm for chapped lips.

• Ingredients

  • A pea-sized amount of homemade ghee

• Method

  1. Apply directly to lips before sleeping.

  2. Let it sink in overnight.

Ammama’s note: “Simple ghee is the most luxurious lip balm you’ll ever need.” Ghee is rich in fatty acids and has anti-oxidant effects which work synergistically to moisturize and heal cracked/chapped lips

 

Turmeric & Yogurt Brightening Pack

Purpose: Glow and even tone.

• Ingredients

  • 0.5 tsp turmeric (wild or kasturi turmeric preferred)- This may stain so girlies use sparingly :)

  • 2 tbsp yogurt

• Method

  1. Mix into a creamy paste.

  2. Apply to clean face, avoiding eye area.

  3. Leave for 10 minutes, rinse with cool water.

Ammama’s note: “Turmeric is auspicious and healing — it blesses the skin with radiance.” Scientifically speaking lactic acid in yogurt gently exfoliates the skin, while turmeric is anti-microbial and acts on acne causing bacteria while boosting skins hyperpigmentation concerns

 

Conclusion: My Amma and Ammama both always said beauty is skin deep. Apart from these remedies eating the right food and eating at the right time are both important for glowing inside out. I try my best to follow these remedies  and happy to share these quick tips . More than anything else, however being a good person inside out , that's a glow no DIY recipe can give.