Rice Water: Can It Cure Eczema, Rashes, Other Skin Diseases?

Rice water is the residue or leftover "starchy water" obtained by draining boiled rice or by boiling rice until it completely melts into the said liquid state. For centuries, the benefits and usage of rice's extra water have been widely known in areas ranging from beauty balm, cleansing, probiotics, and skin problem remedies.

Also called kanji, munji, or maand, rice water's origin dates back hundreds of years ago and was originally made by women in China, Japan, and other parts of Southeast Asia. While the leftover starchy water has its origins in ancient Asian civilizations, it has already reached the Western world, as well as in other parts of the globe.

Despite rice water's known health benefits, little is known if it can completely cure deadly or serious skin diseases like eczema, rashes, inflammation, or even skin cancer or melanoma. However, there is existing research that suggests that water residue can improve or even repair the damaged skin of some people.

Rice Water Scientific Literature

(Photo : Image by Uwe Conrad from Pixabay)

As mentioned earlier, rice water has a holistic effect throughout the body. One of these benefits includes improving digestion, which can relieve diarrhea, constipation, or other gastro-related ailments. This is evident since it contains more substantial minerals and carbohydrates compared to conventional boiled rice, as seen in many Asian cuisines.

In recent years, it was reported that some beauty companies claim rice water even has "anti-aging properties." However, there is little scientific evidence to support the alleged anti-aging effects, according to Medical News Today, which mentioned that there are "few high quality studies" regarding the effects of rice water.

The limited scientific literature on rice water means additional and large research needs to be carried out by scientists to determine if whether it is more than just a hype spread by anecdotal observations and experiences.

Also Read: Hybrid Rice Strain Could Improve Rice Yields and Help Low-Income Farmers

Potential Skin Disease Treatment

Amid the gray area surrounding rice water, one may not avoid the question if the liquid residue can serve as a potential treatment for various skin diseases. Some studies or expert opinions from health authorities may shed light on the matter.

According to Healthline, no evidence exists today that would explain how far rice water is truly effective. Yet, a 2013 study published in the National Library of Medicine proved that rice wine, a fermented version of rice water, can help improve the progress of skin damage from the Sun.

More Research Needed

Meanwhile, an unconfirmed study found that 'rice starch' can repair the skin's natural barrier. Another study in 2002 allegedly found that patients, suffering from atopic dermatitis, saw improvements in their skin after bathing in rice water.

Due to the lack of data, future studies about the overall benefits of rice water, especially on skin diseases and skin aging, may need to include several factors such as its effect on a particular species (other than humans). Furthermore, researchers may also consider if existing skin allergies, age, and other health conditions may alter the effects of starchy water.