Turning cucumber into body lotion

Some of the creams and the lotions made from cucumber. Photo by Christine Katende

What you need to know:

  • The tender cucumber can be eaten raw or with salt in salad.
  • It can also be used in daily cooking.
  • Cucumber seeds can be used in oil extraction as well as body lotion writes Christine Katende.

Cucumber is a widely cultivated plant. According to research, cucumber is also known to be an excellent source of vitamins, such as Vitamin C, anti-inflammatory vitamin K, and energy-producing pantothenic acid (vitamin B5). It also has bone building manganese as well as potassium and magnesium that are good for the heart.

However, apart from looking at the market stall as the only place to sell your cucumber, you can add value to the harvested vegetable by making different body products thus fetching more money as Aulesius Bazanyanengo a chemist and researcher affiliated to Amagara skin care limited under the Uganda Industrial Research Institute (UIRI) shares.

The extracts from cucumber are used to produce body cream, body lotion and hand and body lotion which are best for the skin. The three types are made for dry, oily, and normal skin types. Those with normal to dry and oily to normal skins can also have an appropriate type.

Bazanyanengo says the products from cucumbers, once applied, act as stress relievers and coolant (cooling the body temperature).

Uses of cucumber
Sharon Naluwende, a nutritionist at Mulago Hospital reveals the various uses of cucumber. She says they are a good source of vitamin B and ascorbic acid which do not only boost immune system but are also associated with healthy skin condition.

How to grow cucumber
When planting cucumber, Julius Mabuya, an agronomist working with PAAT Soil clinic in Kyengera says you need to choose a site that has adequate drainage and fertile soil because plants are sensitive to wet soil conditions. Good soil will have plenty of organic matter, such as compost. Adding compost to the soil will help get your cucumbers off to a good start.

However, applying organic fertilisers such as manure will also help give the plants nutrients during growth. When you begin preparing the soil, remove any stones, sticks or other debris and then mix ample amounts of organic matter and fertiliser into the soil.

Mabuya explains the different steps of taking care of the plant.

•When planting seeds in the ground, cover with netting or a berry basket to keep pests from digging out the seeds and when seedlings emerge, begin to water frequently, and then increase to a gallon per week after fruit forms.
•When seedlings reach four inches tall, thin plants so that they are one and a half (1½) feet apart.
•If you have worked in organic matter into the soil before planting, you may only need to side-dress the plants with compost or well-rotted manure. You may also use a fertiliser from your garden store which is low nitrogen or high poatassium and phosphorus formula and apply at planting, one week after flowering. Or you can work a granular fertiliser into the soil. Do not over fertilise or the fruits will get stunted.
•Water consistently; put your finger in the soil and when it is dry past the first joint, it is time to water. Inconsistent watering leads to bitter-tasting fruit.

Cream extraction

Step 1: To juice the cucumber, coarsely grate it and place in a strainer or cheesecloth over a bowl. Push the cucumber to release the juice. One big cucumber can get you almost a full glass of juice,

Mabel Kabwere, who has been making her own cream says the method is pretty simple. “Pour into a lidded container and add the coconut milk and aloe vera. Shake to combine. Keep refrigerated,” she shares.

Kabwere adds, you can apply to the skin with a spray bottle or by wetting a wash rag and applying to irritated areas.
Step 2: Combine a half-cup of your chosen oil and two tablespoons of an emulsifier (usually beeswax or petroleum jelly) in a microwave safe container like a glass measuring cup.
Step 3: Heat the mixture on the medium temperature setting, checking every thirty seconds until the ingredients have completely melted.

Step 4: Pour distilled water into the mixture, going slowly and stirring briskly with a fork or whisk until everything has blended together. For a fluffier cream, you also have the option of using a stick blender. Just be sure to use a low setting and to submerge it before turning it on. Otherwise, you could splash hot beeswax and oil everywhere.
Step 5: Let your lotion cool down, during which time it will become thicker, and spoon it into a clean jar of your choice. If you like, you can double this recipe and transfer it into an old lotion bottle with a pump or squeeze lid for easier access.

Precautions
•Never start production with any jewelry such as watches, ear rings or pins on your body to help you avoid any related accidents.
•Read the literature on the raw material package before usage.
•Be careful because any mistake might lead to accident given the high temperature at which the chemicals are.