Dullness, uneven skin tone, and stubborn acne – these are just a few common concerns that leave us longing for a clearer, more radiant complexion. Achieving healthy, glowing skin isn't just about aesthetics; it can significantly boost our confidence and contribute to overall well-being. Fortunately, ancient Ayurvedic wisdom offers a treasure trove of natural remedies and time-tested practices specifically designed to address various skin concerns.
Let us take a look at the most effective Ayurvedic ingredients and traditional skincare rituals to attain clear, radiant skin that empowers you to shine from the inside out.
India is a vast country with different climates, from hot and humid in the south to cold and dry in the north. Such contrast in climates affects the types of skin people have, though genetics also play a role. Besides, in Ayurveda, there are three doshas on the basis of which a person’s skin type is determined. Largely, they constitute the body and mind, often referred to as bioenergetic or life forces. The three doshas (and what they signify) are:
Some common skin types among Indians are as follows:
1. Normal Skin: This type of skin is well-balanced, neither too oily nor too dry. It typically has small pores, good blood circulation, and a smooth texture. People with normal skin usually have fewer skincare concerns and may only need basic maintenance.
2. Oily Skin: Many Indians, especially those living in hot and humid climates, may have oily skin. Oily skin is defined by its overproduction of sebum, a natural oil that can lead to enlarged pores, acne breakouts, and a shiny appearance. According to Ayurveda, oily skin is common among people with high pitta. Proper cleansing and oil control are essential for managing oily skin. In addition, anti-inflammatory Ayurvedic solutions like turmeric and aloe vera and even sandalwood can help reduce redness and pimples.
3. Kapha Skin: Similar to pitta, Kapha skin is mostly cold and oily. People with such skin type tends to have whiteheads, pimples, and water retention. Removing obstructions by dry brushing, exfoliating, and activating the lymphatic system can help treat such skin issues better.
4. Dry Skin: In contrast to oily skin, dry skin lacks sufficient moisture and oil. This type of skin can feel tight and rough and may be prone to flakiness and irritation, especially in colder regions or during the winter season. As per Ayurveda, if a person is vata dominant, they may have dry and rough skin, requiring sufficient moisturization to keep wrinkles at bay. Hence, proper hydration is crucial for maintaining the health and comfort of dry skin.
5. Combination Skin: Combination skin is characterized by having oily areas, typically in the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin), and places that are dry or normal, such as the cheeks. Finding a balance between controlling oiliness in the T-zone while providing adequate moisture to the rest of the face is key for managing combination skin.
6. Sensitive Skin: Some individuals of Indian descent may have sensitive skin, which is prone to irritation, redness, and reactions to certain skincare products or environmental factors. Gentle, fragrance-free products and minimalistic skincare routines are often recommended for sensitive skin types.
Get insights on Ayurvedic Remedies for Dry Skin
Ayurvedic remedies can address any specific skin concern effectively, helping unlock your skin's natural glow from within. The best part is that each of these herbs are easy to incorporate into your daily routine. Below mentioned are the best Ayurvedic herbs for glowing skin:
1. Turmeric
This vibrant spice boasts antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it ideal for combating acne and brightening the complexion. Mix 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder with 1 tablespoon of yoghurt and a few drops of honey. Apply the paste to your face and leave it on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water. Use this mask 1-2 times a week for optimal results.
2. Neem
Neem leaves are renowned for their antibacterial and antifungal properties, making them a natural weapon against acne-causing bacteria. Grind fresh neem leaves into a paste and mix it with a tablespoon of raw honey. Apply the mask to your face and leave it on for 15-20 minutes. Afterwards, wash it off completely with water. Alternatively, you can directly apply best neem oil to affected areas for targeted treatment. Use this remedy 2-3 times a week for noticeable improvement.
3. Sandalwood
Sandalwood's soothing and cooling properties are perfect for calming irritated skin and reducing inflammation. Mix 1 tablespoon of sandalwood powder with rose water to form a smooth paste. Apply the paste evenly to your face and leave it on for 20-30 minutes before rinsing off with water. Incorporate this mask into your routine 1-2 times a week for a calming and revitalizing effect.
4. Tulsi (Holy Basil)
This holy herb, also known as basil, has antibacterial and antioxidant properties that help cleanse the skin and fight acne-causing bacteria. Crush fresh tulsi leaves into a paste and mix it with a teaspoon of gram flour (besan) and a teaspoon of rose water. Apply the prepared mixture evenly to your face and leave it on for 15-20 minutes. Then, rinse it off thoroughly with water. Use this mask 1-2 times a week to promote clearer skin and a radiant complexion.
5. Aloe Vera
This versatile plant provides intense hydration, soothing properties, and healing benefits. Extract fresh aloe vera gel from the leaf and apply it directly to your face. Leave it on for 20-30 minutes before rinsing off with water. Aloe vera can be used daily to keep your skin hydrated, reduce inflammation, and heal acne scars and blemishes.
6. Besan (Gram Flour)
Gram flour acts as a natural exfoliant, gently removing dead skin cells, excess oil, and impurities, revealing a brighter and clearer complexion. Mix 2 tablespoons of gram flour with 1 tablespoon of yoghurt and a pinch of turmeric powder. Apply the paste to your face and let it dry for 15-20 minutes before washing it off with water. Use this mask 1-2 times a week for gentle exfoliation and a radiant glow.
7. Multani Mitti (Fuller's Earth)
Multani mitti absorbs excess oil, unclogs pores, and removes impurities. Mix 2 tablespoons of multani mitti with enough rose water to form a paste. Apply the paste to your face and let it dry for 15-20 minutes before rinsing off with water. Multani mitti is effective in controlling acne, reducing blemishes, and promoting clearer skin.
Ayurvedic skin treatments majorly comprises essential oils, herbal extracts, fruit extracts, and facial oils and these can be used in various ways. For example - to treat aging skin, Ayurvedic anti-aging products containing Gotku kola and Indian gooseberry, can tighten and brighten your skin, making you look younger. To regain bright, glowing skin, Ayurvedic ingredients like Vetiver, Gotu kola, Indian sarsaparilla, and Indian madder can eliminate dead skin cells, enhancing natural glow. For psoriasis, scars, and eczema, you can consider using Goty kola for its powerful wound-healing property.
Also, read Ayurvedic Secrets for Glowing Indian Skin
Healthy skin isn't just about flaunting a flawless complexion to look beautiful in front of others but it's a cornerstone of your holistic, day-to-day well-being.
1. Protection: The skin acts as a protective barrier, shielding the body from external threats such as pathogens, harmful UV radiation, pollutants, and toxins. Healthy skin prevents microbial invasion and helps prevent infections and diseases.
2. Regulation of Body Temperature: Skin helps regulate body temperature by releasing sweat through sweat glands to cool the body when it's hot and constricting blood vessels to conserve heat when it's cold. This thermoregulatory function is crucial for maintaining homeostasis.
3. Sensation: Skin contains sensory receptors that enable us to perceive sensations such as touch, pressure, temperature, and pain. These sensations help us interact with the environment and provide feedback that informs our behaviour and decisions.
4. Immune Function: The skin plays a crucial role in the body's immune defence system. Specialized immune cells in the skin, such as Langerhans cells, help identify and eliminate pathogens that breach the skin barrier, contributing to overall immune surveillance and response.
5. Synthesis of Vitamin D: When exposed to sunlight, the skin produces vitamin D, an essential nutrient that plays a key role in bone health, immune function, and various physiological processes. Adequate sun exposure, balanced with proper sun protection, is necessary for maintaining optimal vitamin D levels.
6. Excretion of Waste: Skin excretes metabolic waste products and toxins through sweat glands, helping rid the body of excess salts, urea, and other substances. Sweating also contributes to the regulation of electrolyte balance.
7. Appearance and Self-Confidence: Healthy skin enhances one's physical appearance and can contribute to self-confidence and self-esteem. Skincare routines aimed at maintaining skin health and addressing specific concerns can improve skin texture, tone, and radiance, promoting a more youthful and vibrant appearance.
Ayurveda offers a wealth of natural solutions for achieving clear, healthy skin that transcends the surface. Rooted in nature and led by the principles of balance, Ayurvedic remedies address skin concerns at their core, enabling long-term health and radiance. Remember, healthy skin reflects overall health. By adopting a holistic approach that prioritizes a balanced diet, stress management, and healthy lifestyle habits, you can further enhance your skin's natural beauty and vitality.
HealthyBazar provides you with the highest quality Ayurvedic products and resources to support your journey towards clear, radiant skin. Explore our curated selection of natural skincare solutions and embark on a path to achieving skin that’s as healthy and beautiful as you are.
Meet an expert Ayurveda physician who specializes in Garbhasanskar and Bejsanskar practices. She is dedicated to providing prenatal and postnatal care and guiding pregnant women and their families towards holistic well-being. Her extensive knowledge of traditional practices, nutrition, and lifestyle promotes optimal fetal development, mental well-being, positive birth experience, and a nurturing environment for the mother and the unborn child through Ayurvedic wisdom. Experience the transformative power of Ayurveda for a joyous and healthy parenthood.
Kidney stones are one of the most common lifestyle diseases people are suffering from these days. However, the good news is that, with the help of some home and herbal remedies, you can treat it naturally!.
In the western world, the annual incidence of Kidney Stone is about 0.5%, where a lifetime risk of developing it is about 10-15%, and it increases by 20-25% in the Middle East. In the Indian population, about 12% are expected to have urinary stones and out of which, 50% may end up with a loss of kidney functions.
Kidney stone is made of hard minerals and salt deposits that form inside the kidneys. They are also known as Urolithiasis or Nephrolithiasis. It has been a global problem affecting human beings since ancient times. It is a condition in which the crystals of uroliths/stones are present in the urinary tract and form uneven calculi.
Kidney stone is also known as calculi. These calculi can differ in size and shape, found anywhere in the urinary tract from the kidney to the bladder. Kidney stone is a significant problem in India and other developing countries. Kidney stones have generally affected 10-12% of the industrialized population.
The Patient does not identify whether he is suffering from kidney stones. After leaving the stone through the kidney, it passes to the bladder with the help of ureters. At the same time, some of the stones remain in the ureters. Further, they block the urine flow out of the kidneys and make it swell; this condition is called Hydronephrosis.
Some of the common symptoms of kidney stones are as follows:
The common causes of kidney stones include:
A slight reduction in urinary oxalate is associated with a significant decrease in the formation of calcium oxalate stones. Hence, one should avoid oxalate-rich foods like Cucumber, Green Peppers, Beetroot, Spinach, Soya Bean, Chocolate, Popcorn, and Sweet Potato. Mainly kidney stones affect the parts of the body like the kidney ureters and urethra.
More critical, kidney stone is a recurrent disorder with lifetime recurrence risk reported as high as 50%. Therefore, there is a higher chance of developing heart diseases due to kidney stones. In addition, kidney stones reduce the formation of minerals and essential elements for bone formation.
In Ayurveda, we can compare this disease with "Ashmari." Ashmari (calculi) comprises two words, i.e., 'Ashma' (stone) and 'Ari' (enemy). Ashman (calculi), called Moothrashmari (Urolithiasis), is a disease of Moothravahasrotas (urinary tract) and involves the formation of a stone. Kidney stone resulting in severe pain as given by an enemy.
Charaka, Sushrut, and Vagbhata describe it in Ashmari Vyadhi. In Asanshodhil (regular not doing Panchkarma) and Adhikari (Unwholesome Diet), person aggravated Kapha dosha mix up with Mutra (urine), enter in Basti (Kidney, Ureter, Bladder), obstruct the urinary tract, and create Ashmari. Sushrut has mentioned that those who do not undergo Panchkarma Treatment regularly, take an unhealthy diet, and follow a faulty lifestyle, are prone to recurrent kidney stones.
Ashmari is one of the diseases under Asthamahagad, i.e., challenging to cure. Ashmari is Vyadhi of Mutravaha Strotas. As Basti comes under Trimarma (three-fold of life).
There are 4 types of Ashmari described in Ayurveda:
1) Vataj Ashmari (Calcium Oxalate Stone): Vataj Ashmari is blackish, hard, irregular, rough structure, and like Kadamb flower, full of a spike. The symptoms of this kind of Ashmari are intense pain in the abdomen and anal region. In addition, they cause burning in the penis, making it difficult to excrete Vata, Mutra, and stool.
2) Pittaj Ashmari (Uric Acid Stone): Pittaj Ashmari looks like Bhallatak. Its symptoms are burning micturition and yellow urine.
3) Kaphaj Ashmari (Oxalate/ Phosphate stone): It is slimy, big, and looks Light green or white in colour. The symptoms are pain in the Urinary bladder and thighs. Acharya Sushruta, the world-first surgeon, described various types of treatment in Ashmari like Ghrut (Ghee/ Clarified butter), Kashaya (Decoction), and Kshara Bhedan (Scratching).
4) Shukra Ashmari (Spermolith) – This stone develops in the seminal vesicle due to the suppression of semen. If semen flow (Shukra Vega) is suppressed, it takes transit movement (Vimargagamana) and lodges in between penis (Medhra) and testis (Vrushana).
Ayurvedic treatment of renal stones has various therapies, including plant-based medicine, diet, and lifestyle changes.
Here are the Ayurvedic home remedies and diet recommendations to treat Kidney stones naturally:
Some Home Remedies for Kidney Stones
Include any fluid such as water, coffee, and lemonade in your diet except for grapefruit juice and soda. They are known to have a beneficial effect. This will help produce less concentrated urine and ensure at least 2.5L/day a good urine volume.
It would be best if you eliminated spinach, berries, chocolate, wheat bran, nuts, beets, and tea from your diet.
Three servings of dairy per day will help lower the risk of calcium stone formation.
Take calcium supplements regularly but only after consulting with your physician and registered kidney dietitian.
High protein intake will cause the kidneys to excrete more calcium which may cause more stones to form in the kidney. So, one should eat a moderate amount of protein.
High sodium intake increases calcium in the urine, increasing the chances of developing stones. Therefore, it would help if one had a low salt diet, and it is also important to control blood pressure.
It is recommended to take 60mg/day of vitamin C because the excess amounts of Vitamin C helps produce more oxalate in the body.
Along with the diet and lifestyle changes, you should also consider some Ayurvedic medicines. These medicines will not only help you to treat kidney stones but also help to avoid recurrence.
The following are some medicines you may consider to treat kidney stones:
The active ingredients include Hajrul Yahud Bhasma (silicate of lime), Yavakshar, Shwet Parppati, and Pashanbhed Churna. Anupan of this Kwath is Kulthi Kadha which has Kaphahar and Bhedan properties.
Dosage– 2 tsp. twice a day with water.
The active ingredients included are Nagarmotha (Root), Sounth (Rhizome), Kali Marich (Seed), Pippali (Fruit), Haritaki (Fruit), Bibhitaki (Fruit), Amla (Fruit), Shudh Guggul, Gokharu (Panchang). In addition, Gokshuradi Guggulu acts as an Antispasmodic and an Antibiotic. It has a Diuretic (Mutral) property.
Dosage – 2 tablets twice a day with water.
Its active ingredients include Varun, Pashanbheda, Sunthi, and Gokshura. Varunadi Kwath is Diuretic in action. In addition, it has a penetration (Bhedan) activity. So, it helps to disintegrate the stone.
Dosage – 2 tsp thrice a day with a half cup of water.
Dos and Don'ts
Also Read: Constipation: Causes, Triggers, and Treatment with Ayurveda
According to Ayurveda, lifestyle modification through diet, internal medicines, and Basti therapy is highly effective in managing renal stones. In addition, proper counseling and guidance should be provided to kidney stone patients, including Pathya – Apathya (dietary management) correlation with Ashmari management. Furthermore, home Remedies for Kidney Stones can help prevent further complications and recurrence of the disease. Find lifestyle tips and Ayurvedic products at HealthyBazar. All the products on-site are genuine, and one can also consult with the best Ayurvedic and Unani doctors.
Dr. Shivani Nautiyal is a renowned Ayurvedic physician, Panchakarma therapies specialist, and detox expert who has made significant contributions to the field of natural holistic healing and wellness. With her profound knowledge, expertise, and compassionate approach, she has transformed the lives of countless individuals seeking holistic health solutions. She is a Panchakarma expert, which are ancient detoxification and rejuvenation techniques. She believes in the power of Ayurveda to restore balance and harmony to the body, mind, and spirit.
Every person who fulfills his or her potential can cope with the everyday stresses of life, work productively, and contribute to his or her community. Mental health is the foundation for an individual’s effective communication, learning, emotions, thinking, and self-esteem. It is integral to all aspects of human life, whether in interpersonal relationships, emotional well-being, or effective contribution to society. There are various Ayurvedic tips for improving physical and mental health that help to keep the mind and body healthy.
The word mental illness is often used as an umbrella term for all diagnostic mental disorders involving significant behavior changes. These changes include thought processes, emotions, behavior, and functional problems.
A study was conducted by the Neuropsychiatry branch of medicine dealing with mental disorders on April 6, 2020, on people who were in lockdown. The study estimated that 40.5% of the participants had either anxiety or depression. About three-fourths (74.1%) of the participants reported a moderate stress level, and 71.7% reported poor well-being.
Mental well-being is defined in Ayurveda as ‘Swasthya’ that includes physical and spiritual well-being. Life, according to Ayurveda, is a conglomeration of the four interdependent components. These components are the body (Shareera), the sensory & motor faculties (Indriya), the mind (Satva), and the soul (Atma). A healthy life needs excellent complementary support for all these factors. Thus, the concept of health encompasses physical, mental, sensory, and spiritual domains.
It also indicates that a person with Swastha Mana (healthy mental state), Prasanna Aatmendriya (delighted soul with the proper functioning of sense organs), Sama Agni (proper metabolism), Sama Dhatu (proportionate body organs and tissues), and Sama Kriya (good physiology) is perfectly healthy.
Manas is derived from the root ‘man,’ adding the suffix ‘Asuna’ having the meaning, ‘to perceive,’ ‘to lead to knowledge,’ and ‘to analyze by special knowledge’. There are various synonyms of Mana such as Chitta, Chetas, Hrit, Hridd, Manas, and Satva.
“Chittam chetah hrdayam svantam hrnmanasam manah iti”. (Amarakosha 1/4/3)
The meaning of the above shloka is, “Mana is the entity through which knowledge is obtained, which is closely related with Atma. Through Atma, one can perceive. Mana is the superior analyzing faculty, the seat of soul or Atma, and controls the whole body. It accommodates the special senses and is the seat of knowledge.
Ayurveda proves that the existence of the mind is the existence of knowledge (Lakshanam Manaso Jnana). Ayurvedic tips for mental health helps to maintain the brain’s health and improve its functionality.
While explaining the concept of Swasthya, Ayurveda has also included the following attributes of mental health:
It is known even from earlier times that body and mind influence each other. Psychological suffering is often expressed through somatic problems. In individuals with difficulty recognizing and expressing emotions, physical manifestations are often seen. These manifestations include loss of sleep, decreased/increased appetite, loss of libido, vague aches, pains in the body, etc.
Some physical diseases such as eczema, psoriasis, autoimmune diseases, blood pressure, etc., are thought to worsen by mental factors such as anxiety and stress.
The current mental state of a person can influence how bad a physical disease is at a particular time. Hypochondriasis, Conversion disorder, Somatization disorder, etc., are believed to be rooted in mental problems. Certain chronic conditions and life-threatening conditions, such as Cancers, Renal Diseases, etc., also affect the mind retrospectively.
The mind can also exert a positive or negative impact on the effect of a treatment on the body. The positive effect of a placebo on treatment is due to the impact on the mind. The innate positivity also guides the positive response of a patient to therapy.
The concept of Satvavajaya Chikitsa in Ayurveda is centered on the mind by promoting positive vibes to the individual. Ayurveda believes in the individual as a whole, encompassing body and mind together, and treatment is also aimed for both.
Ayurveda believes that it is essential for an individual to have a healthy mind and body for overall well-being. So, people suffering from a disease can counter that disease with the power of reason and willingness.
Here are some of the Ayurvedic tips that you can follow to keep your mind healthy:
According to Ayurveda, good health foundations include a nutritious diet, adequate sleep, and a balanced lifestyle. In Ayurveda, the management of digestive and metabolic fire is the starting point to achieve dosha balance for mental and physical health.
Align with natural rhythms; spring could be an anxious time with Vata Dosha imbalance and winter with Kapha Dosha imbalance.
Here are some tips on balancing these Doshas:
Medhya Rasayana or brain tonics inherently boost immunity. Some other herbs also are beneficial for brain health to improve memory, concentration, and other brain functions.
These herbs include:
Try Abhyanga (self-massage), Nasya (oil or herb application in the nostrils), Shirodhara (pouring of warm medicated oil on the forehead), and a full Panchakarma (a comprehensive, individualized therapeutic cleanse). These therapies will help to remove mental and physical fatigue. They also cure various psychological and physical diseases like stress, anxiety, joint pain, headache, insomnia, etc.
Ayurvedic scholars attribute the decline in our collective physical and psychological immunity to losing our connection with nature and the ability to withstand stress. Ayurveda also encourages healing relationships with nature and commitment to sustainability.
According to Ayurveda, undigested food is the root cause of toxins spread across the body. These toxins are making the body unhealthy and sick. It may cause infections, illnesses and finally weakens the immune system. Hence, detoxification is essential, and you can do it by regularly consuming lots of fresh fruits, vegetables, and juices.
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Ayurveda has many benefits. There is nothing better than going the Ayurveda way of eating healthy and taking care of physical and emotional health. Being the oldest medicinal system globally, Ayurveda helps build internal power and strength. Holistic healing helps to increase immunity for the body to combat many diseases and infections. There are many causes of mental and physical health loss, including genetic factors, poor mental health, pollution, poor diet, lifestyle, and metabolic issues. You can overcome all these problems with the help of the above self-care tips for mental and physical health that are easy to follow.
Dr. Shivani Nautiyal is a renowned Ayurvedic physician, Panchakarma therapies specialist, and detox expert who has made significant contributions to the field of natural holistic healing and wellness. With her profound knowledge, expertise, and compassionate approach, she has transformed the lives of countless individuals seeking holistic health solutions. She is a Panchakarma expert, which are ancient detoxification and rejuvenation techniques. She believes in the power of Ayurveda to restore balance and harmony to the body, mind, and spirit.