
Rice is one of the most widely consumed cereals in the world. In addition to accompanying delicious dishes, this starch provides many nutritional benefits. When you cook it at home, remember to recover its cooking water to reuse it for useful and practical purposes. In this article we give you 5 unexpected uses for this miraculous liquid.
Rich in minerals such as iron, zinc and magnesium, fibre, B vitamins and starch, rice cooking water can do a lot of good for your body and boost your energy. One thing is certain, its many nutritional elements form real assets in everyday life. You will be surprised to find them!
What are the many ways to reuse rice cooking water?
The many properties of rice are found in its cooking water. So, instead of throwing it away after cooking, think about recovering it to reuse it for useful purposes. An eco-friendly way to limit waste while enjoying all its incredible virtues.
- Drink rice water to relieve stomach pain

Rice water – Source: spm
Rice cooking water is the ideal ally to relieve stomach pain. Thanks to the fibers it contains, this water regulates the intestinal flora and therefore facilitates digestion after a good meal. You can drink the equivalent of a glass every day to relieve possible bloating, irritated intestines and soothe abdominal cramps. This also helps to avoid the risk of dehydration caused by severe diarrhea. In addition, this water will help you replenish energy due to its high content of vitamins and minerals.
- Use rice water as a hair conditioner
Rice water can be used as a conditioner for all hair types. In fact, the starch it contains will make it easier to detangle your hair and give it flexibility and shine after drying. To ensure its effectiveness, let the cooking water sit for a few minutes before rinsing with clean water. In addition to giving your hair shine, this water will deeply nourish rough and brittle hair.
- Apply rice water as a body lotion.

Rice Water Body and Hair Lotion – Source: spm
Apart from adding shine to your hair, rice cooking water has other moisturizing properties. This miraculous liquid can have a soothing and toning effect on the skin. Thanks to the starch contained in this starch, rice water can both cleanse the skin of the face, tighten pores and give it a special softness. It can also soothe sunburned skin and cure irritation and acne problems. Once cooled, you can use it directly on your skin as a cleansing lotion.
- Reusing rice water as a household cleaner
If you are looking for a 100% natural solution to clean your surfaces, opt for rice water. In fact, this liquid can be used as a multi-purpose cleaning product to scrub stainless steel surfaces in particular . To take advantage of its action, pour the still-hot cooking water over the various surfaces in the house, the sink or the hob, for example. Leave it to act for a few minutes before rinsing with a sponge.
- Use rice water to maintain the garden.

Irrigation with rice water – Source: spm
It is also possible to use rice cooking water to maintain your garden. In fact, it can act as a natural herbicide, which will eradicate weeds that invade your paths. You can also collect the cooking water to water your plants, as long as it is cold and unsalted so as not to damage them. The starches in rice water provide plants with carbohydrates that give them energy. In addition, the presence of phosphorus, nitrogen and potassium stimulates plant growth and ensures beautiful flowering.
Thanks to its various nutrients, rice cooking water will benefit your body, skin, hair and even plants. In addition to being an ecological solution, it can replace cleaning products considered too chemical. Try it without further delay!