Health articles > Skin care with herbs

Skin care with herbs

Skin is the largest organ in human body .Naturally fresh and healthy skin is protector of body and a thing of beauty. Texts of ayurveda recommend many herbs and natural remedies to protect our skin from acne, pimple, scars, marks and wrinkles. These herbs and herbal remedies not only help in the above mentioned conditions but also effective in other skin ailments like psoriasis, eczema etc.

Structure of skin
It is essential to know about structure of skin before analysing the causes which make changes on skin. Skin is made up of multiple layers of epithelial tissuess. Microscopic section of the skin shows two distinct parts. Epidermis is the top most layer. The upper layer of epidermis contains dead cells which gradually cast off. These cells are gradually replaced by fresh new cells produced by basal layer which is the lower layer of epidermis.

The Dermis lies below epidermis and consists of net work of collagen fibers which is responsible for elastic properties of skin. Sebaceous glands associated with hair follicles and sweat glands, are all present in dermis and get blood supply from the subcutaneous tissue present below dermis. Sebaceous glands get activated during puberty and produce an oil like substance called sebum.

According to ayurveda acharya Sushruta, the skin has seven layers. These layers when get affected by imbalanced doshas (vital energetic forces of body) give rise to different skin diseases.

Herbs like tulsi, neem, saffron, turmeric, sandal wood, amla etc help to keep the skin healthy and disease free. Here is the list of benefits these herbs provide.

Tulsi: Tulsi helps in many skin disorders. It is effective in skin rashes, insect bites and itching. Leaves of this plant are effectively used in ring worm infections and lucoderma. Paste and Juice of Tulsi leaves help to reduce acne, pimples and scars.

Neem: The neem is proved to be beneficial in treating skin diseases because of its antibiotic, antifungal and blood purifying properties. According to ayurveda principles vitiated Kapha and pitta cause skin diseases. Neem pacifies vitiated kapha and pitta, thus helps to cure skin ailments. It promotes wound healing as it is antibacterial and astringent. In psoriasis it reduces itching, irritation, roughness of skin and heals the psoriatic patches. In same way it heals eczema too. It reduces infection and inflammation of acne. Neem helps to maintain the health of scalp skin and prevents dandruff.

The combination of neem and tulsi help immensely to control diseases of skin

Saffron: Saffron helps to reduce dark pigments, dark circles under eyes, acne and pimple. It helps to increase fairness and glow of skin.

Turmeric: Blood nourishes the skin and it is known fact that pure blood always keeps the skin glowing and radiant. Turmeric purifies blood, nourishes skin and gives it a healthy natural glow and radiance. A traditional face pack of India consists of gram flour, pure turmeric powder, milk and honey. This reduces inflammation of skin, acne, pimples and prevents many skin ailments. This pack prevents formation of wrinkles.

Sandal wood: Sandalwood has many antimicrobial properties. Ayurveda acharyas recommend use of sandal wood as a part of natural skin care regimes to heal and soothe many skin ailments and conditions. One of the primary uses of this wonder herb is that it can kill germs, soothe inflamed skin, and clear blemishes left even by stubborn acne. Regular use of sandalwood helps to get clean and clear skin.

Kumkumadi Lepam is an authentic ayurvedic preparation for acne, pimple, dark circles, pigments, scars and marks

Amla: The juice of amla fruit reduces burning sensation of skin. It strengthens the hair follicles and reduces the inflammation of scalp skin. Amla boosts immunity of skin and helps to prevent acne and pimples.

Balanced diet, healthy life style, walking etc coupled with use of skin friendly herbs, help to keep the skin healthy, radiant and young looking.

This article is copy righted. The author Dr.SavithaSuri is an Ayurvedic Physician and web master of http://www.ayurhelp.com