Skin Care : Medicinal Herbs as cosmetics

The medicinal herb mentioned in ayurveda by experienced sages basically state that the function of ayurvedic herbs is to purify blood and eliminate vitiated doshas (vata, pitta, kapha) from the body as they are mainly responsible for skin disorders and other diseases.

Among the written information on ayurveda also, like in Charakh Samhita, the sage Charakh stated numerous medicinal plants in Varnya Kashaya. The herbs mentioned can be used to obtain glowing complexion. Various herbs for which description and usage can be found in ayurvedic inscriptions are mentioned below:

• Chandana
  
• Nagkeshara
  
• Padmak
  
• Khus
  
• Yashtimadhu
  
• Manjistha
  
• Sariva
  
• Payasya
  
• Seta (shweta durva)
  
• Lata (shyama durva)

There is also the mention of various herbs from Kushthagna Mahakashaya that are effective curatives for skin disorders. Few such herbs are:

• Khadira
  
• Abhaya
  
• Amalaki
  
• Haridra
  
• Bhallataka
  
• Saptaparna
  
• Aragvadha
  
• Karavira
  
• Vidanga
  
• Jati

Like the notifications of charakh and other sages, Sushrut said that Eladi Gana contains:

Ela, tagar, kusstha, jatamansi, tvak, dhmamaka, patra, nagkeshar, priyangu, harenuka, vyaghranakha, shukti, stouneyaka, choraka, shriveshta, khus, goggol, sarjarasa, turushka, kundaru, agaru, ushira, devdaru, keshara, and padmakeshara. All these herbs can eliminate toxins from the body, clear the complexion that leads to a glow on the skin and alleviates puritus, kusstha and boils.

Common herbs used as cosmetics

According to ayurveda there are certain herbs that have their mention in the old ages also, such as:

Indigo
Being blue in color it was used as a bindi / tika (dot) on the forehead and chin.

Madder Root
Being available in color that suits the lips this was utilized as to beautify lips and cheeks.

Hibiscus Rosa Cynensis (Jaswand or Shoe Flower)
With dark color of its own this was used to blacken and maintain hair color.

Raktachandan
This was another natural component available in attractive color and hence was used as fresh, red bindi / tika (dot) on the forehead.

Aloe Vera
With the traits that prevent aging and regenerate growth of cells this was used as a essential component to keep oneself fit and young and protect the skin and prevents and heals skin irritations.

Chandan and Vertiver (Usheer)
It was used as scrubs and face packs that were applied on face and whole body to remove dead cells, regenerate growth of new cells and give a young look.

Haldi (Turmeric)
It was used as a face pack along with usher (vertiver) and also as an antiseptic