Every day, millions of people rinse rice before cooking and pour the cloudy water down the drain without a second thought. But in many cultures, rice water has been used for generations as a natural household and beauty remedy.
While it isn’t “liquid gold” or a miracle solution, rice water does contain nutrients and starches that may make it useful in several ways around the home.
What Is Rice Water?
Rice water is the starchy liquid left behind after soaking or rinsing rice. It contains small amounts of:
B vitamins
Minerals
Amino acids
Antioxidants
Starch
The exact nutrient content depends on the type of rice and how it is prepared.
1. A Popular Hair Rinse
One of the best-known uses of rice water is as a hair rinse. Many people report that it helps their hair feel:
Softer
Smoother
Easier to detangle
Shinier
Some small studies suggest compounds in rice water, including inositol, may help reduce surface damage to hair, but more research is needed.
How to Use It
