Ayurvedic medicine is said to be one of the world’s oldest holistic healing systems. Up until today, it is still used as India’s traditional health care system. Basically, Ayurveda is not your common way of treating diseases.
The idea behind this is to use diet, herbal medicines, exercise, meditation, and other methods as a way to maintain balance in the mind, body, and spirit.
To this date, the Ayurvedic pharmacy consists of more than 600 herbal formulas and 250 single plant remedies. All of which are categorized according to their effects on the body. These plants and herbs are said to provide the body with a lot of health benefits including better skin and healthier hair.
How Does Ayurveda Help Your Skin?
Before we proceed with the different ayurvedic herbs, it is important to note that ayurvedic skincare or any other treatments are based on skin type.
Usually, we categorize skin types as either dry, oily, combination, or sensitive. According to Ayurveda, a person’s skin type can be determined through the three doshas: Vata (wind), Pitta (fire), Kapha (water and earth).
- Vata – This skin type is said to be dry, rough, and uneven. As a result, the Vata skin type is more prone to fine lines and wrinkles if not moisturized constantly.
- Pitta – People with pitta can be categorized as sensitive skin type. It is the type to be extremely prone to sunburn, acne, and rosacea. Hence, cooling and healing herbs are very much needed to maintain their balance.
- Kapha – This type tends oily, dull, and thick making it more prone to pimples, whiteheads, and enlarged pores. Thus, a deep cleanse and exfoliation is needed to remove impurities.
Ayurvedic Herbs for Glowing and Younger-looking Skin
Ashwagandha
First on the list is Ashwagandha which is known for being a great stress reliever. But aside from that, it also has rejuvenating benefits for the skin because of its high antioxidant properties. These antioxidants will protect the skin from free radicals giving you a glowing and youthful complexion.
How to Use: Mix 2 teaspoons of Ashwagandha powder with 1 teaspoon of dried ginger and one teaspoon of dried lemon peel. Then, boil the mixture with 1 cup of water. Let it cool and apply it to your face.
Amla
Amla or amalaki, also known as Indian gooseberry, is a fruit packed with vitamin C and antioxidants. It promotes skin-tightening and reduces signs of aging. Moreover, being adaptogenic in nature, amla also safeguards the skin from side effects of excess stressors and pressure.
How to Use: For smooth and radiant skin, mix amla powder, honey, and yogurt altogether in order to create a face mask.
Chandan
It is more commonly known as sandalwood. With its deep and earthy scent, chandan makes it to the list because of its cooling and brightening effects.
It helps lighten dark spots and can help treat uneven skin tone for a more flawless and fairer complexion. Aside from that, it also helps soothe the skin after being exposed to the sun’s harmful UV rays. Feel free to read our informative article where we discuss sunscreens and lots of other interesting stuff.
How to Use: For a flawless and fair complexion, make a paste out of Chandan powder with either milk or rose water. Apply a layer onto your face and leave it for 15 minutes. Then, rinse.
Tulsi
Popularly known for their medicinal benefits, tulsi can also nourish and improve your skin’s texture. It also helps fight off visible signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles. Furthermore, tulsi can act as a natural cleanser that unclogs your pores and remove excess impurities.
Even if you’re not struggling with acne or any other skin blemish, it can tighten your skin because of its anti-aging properties. With this, it is no doubt that tulsi is a superfood that your skin will surely love.
How to Use: The easiest way to use Tulsi is to make holy basil water. This is done by simply bringing tulsi leaves to a boil. You can use the water to refresh and purify the skin at any time of the day.
Neem or Neemba
Neem is a popular medical herb known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties. It is also referred to as the “miracle tree”. For over 5000 years, Neem leaves have been a component in many Ayurvedic remedies. It is said to seep into the skin and remove dead skin cells in order to reveal the skin’s brighter and youthful glow.
How to Use: You can make a paste by simply taking some neem leaves and mixing it with rose water. You can apply and use it to your skin regularly for better results than you’ll surely love.
Gotu Kola
Dubbed as the herb of longevity, Gotu kola is known for its many other names such as Centella Asiatic, pennywort, and tiger herb. This is another popular Ayurvedic remedy that contains a component that stimulates the production of collagen and elastin. Studies suggest that Gotu kola is effective in reducing acne, preventing stretch marks, reducing varicose veins and injuries on the skin.
How to Use: The easiest way to make a Gotu Kola face mask is to take Gotu kola leaves, powder them and combine them with some honey.
AUTHOR BIO:
Hi there! I’m Laura from BBRI.org, I love exploring and learning the world of skincare, dieting, and well-being in general. My goal is always to spread that useful knowledge to the best of my ability and save people’s research time. I’m also passionate about Karate and anything Japanese 🙂
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