Top 6 Herbs For Glowing & Beautiful Skin
Synthetic and artificial cosmetics are out and herbal skin care is in! A number of time tested herbs that have been researched over the years promise a smooth and supple skin, natural radiance as well as escape from most of the skin maladies. Though it is equally important to be aware and restrain from the factors that would otherwise cause harm to your skin. The age old therapies of Ayurveda work as a boon in not only doing away a number of skin maladies like acne, blemishes, skin eruptions etc. but they also promise great help when it comes to nourishing and restoring your natural beauty. Here are some of the herbs that could benefit you by providing soft and smooth skin with a natural glow.
Fresh juice or extract from this herb could prove to be a boon for your skin. Having the property of blood purification, it is also beneficial in curing many skin ailments like acne, allergic rash, swelling and also blemishes. Now days a number of cosmetics contain Aloe vera as the main ingredient. In Ayurvedic texts it has been said that the fresh juice applied on the face can result into fairness and loss of blemishes. This is because Aloe vera is slimy and mucoid by nature, and cold in action. It is bitter in taste and has a pungent after taste. Therefore according to Ayurveda, it is believed to subside the aggravated heat in the body, which is the cause of most of the skin problems. Recommended Dosage: 10 to 20 ml of freshly extracted juice. Local application of the pulp or juice is also recommended.
Neem:
Neem or the Margosa tree is a natural cleanser that flushes out toxins from the body and thus helps clear the skin from maladies like pimples and skin eruptions. It is recommended both for internal as well as external use. The juice extracted from grinding fresh Neem leaves and the paste thus formed can be applied on the skin eruptions. Also the Neem leaves could be pounded and made into small balls, which when taken on an empty stomach proves a wonderful blood purifier. According to Ayurveda, Neem is light in nature and cold in action. The taste is pungent and astringent, whereas the after taste is bitter. Therefore, Neem again proves beneficial in decreasing the aggravated heat in the body system. All the more it is believed to be a natural antiseptic, anti-pruritic and a natural wound healer. Recommended Dosage: 10 to 20 ml fresh juice extracted from the leaves. Also used for local application.
Turmeric is another herb that has for always been associated with beauty. It acts as a wonderful beauty therapy as well as efficient cosmetic use. Turmeric mixed with flour (besan) and sandalwood powder applied to the skin makes it soft and glowing and helps to remove blemishes. This can be supplemented with a little oil or butter. I would also recommend a pinch of turmeric in their daily intake of milk, as the antiseptic and anti allergic properties held by the herb is an effective cure in skin problems. Recommended Dosage: 1 to 3 grams of the powder. Local application as advised.
Sandalwood:
Sandalwood is believed to be a holder of anti-toxic and rejuvenating properties. It is a regular ingredient in many skin crèmes and beauty enhancing products. It proves highly meritorious in curing heat related skin problems like itching, blemishes, allergies and roughness of the skin. You could apply some sandalwood oil mixed into coconut oil or even sesame seed oil and massaged into the effected areas to find relief. Recommended Dosage: 3 to 6 grams of the powder. Local application as recommended.
Rose:
Rose is believed to be light, slimy and cold in action. It is also rich in vitamin C, naturally rejuvenating and virtuous for the skin. The Rose water can be applied externally to the skin for better results and to get a fairer complexion. You could also take two teaspoons of Rose syrup mixed in a glassful of water on an empty stomach once or twice a day. This is an effective cure for heat borne skin ailments like pimples, blemishes etc. Recommended Dosage: 20 to 40 ml of the syrup, 10 to 20 grams of rose- jelly (Gulkand). Local application also suggested.
Saffron:
This is another herb that proves to be a boon to your skin. Since olden times, saffron has been regarded as highly beneficial for the skin. Not only does it add glow to the skin and cure blemishes; it also acts as a blood purifier. The oil of saffron called ‘Kumkumaadi tail’ is to be applied to the face. As an easy remedy, make a paste by mixing saffron in water and apply it to the blemishes. Recommended Dosage: Half to one gram. Local application as suggested.
About the Author:
Dr Sonica Krishan is Author and Speaker in Healthy and Joyous Living through Ayurveda, Meditation, Yoga and other Contemplative practices. She is a leading Ayurveda Professional in India. She is also a Health Writer, Columnist, Editor, Ayurveda Consultant at Herboveda and Holistic Healing Coach. Dr Sonica is open for National as well as International Collaborations with interested people / institutions in fields of Ayurveda, Meditation and Yoga.
Related Posts:
Ayurveda for Women Health and Beauty
Ayurvedic Guidance for Early Aging