Care and cure with Ayurveda

NPnews24 Online: The belief that natural ingredients are best for the human body has influenced both beauty and health care. Healing through nature was known and practised centuries ago, and yet, Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of herbal healing continues to flourish. Over centuries of usage, it has been seen that herbal ingredients have many beneficial properties and actually help to enhance the beauty of the skin and hair.

Another important advantage is that they have shown a lack of harmful side-effects. Herbal beauty care, based on Ayurveda, has met with tremendous success all over the world. Herb, flower and fruit extracts, essential oils and other natural substances have been formulated into products for skin, hair and body care, using the latest scientific techniques, both for their healing and beauty enhancing properties.

It has been possible to adopt the principle of natural care and cure because Ayurvedic texts contain details of the medicinal properties of thousands of plant products, minerals and other natural substances. They also tell us about the specific combination of herbs, which increase efficacy. For example, Triphala is a combination of three herbs. The various methods of collection, extraction and processing of the different herbs are also detailed in Ayurvedic texts. In fact, they also contain prescriptions for various ailments, including skin and hair problems.

Ayurvedic products and natural substances have properties that benefit skin and hair both. Some have antiseptic and germicidal effects, while others have anti-inflammatory and soothing actions. Some are powerful cleansers, while others moisturize the skin. Some improve blood circulation, while others promote hair growth. By and large, they have protective and corrective properties. Ingredients in Ayurvedic products also contain vitamins, minerals, enzymes and other valuable elements, which restore and maintain the health of skin and hair.

Ayurveda, the oldest and most developed system of herbal healing in the world, makes use of plant ingredients and other natural substances. The ingredients that we have selected for our beauty formulations not only have specific curative properties but offer an element of safety, as they have shown a lack of harmful after-effects.

Hundreds of plant extracts and oils are used in beauty care. Neem (margosa), for example, is one of the most versatile plant products. Since ancient times, Neem leaf infusions have been used to cure skin diseases and are still used to relieve itching, soothe rashes and clear inflammatory conditions. Neem contains organic sulphur compounds, which have powerful healing properties.

Herbs like Shikakai and Arishtak have been traditionally used for washing the hair, due to their powerful, yet gentle, cleansing action. Amla is another popular ingredient. The ancient physician Charaka referred to Amla as an ingredient that delays ageing, because of its high Vitamin C content.  It is said that the Vitamin C content of Amla is so stable that it is resistant to heat. It is said to promote the healthy growth of hair and prevents premature greying. Trifala, Hibiscus and Brahmi have also been used in hair care.
Brahmi helps to control stress-related hair problems, as it has a calming effect on the nerves.

Sandalwood is perhaps one of the most common ancient Ayurvedic ingredients that have been used in skin care, because of its versatility. It has powerful germicidal and antiseptic properties, soothing and beautifying the skin, while the exotic perfume has a relaxing effect on the nerves.

Rose is one of the most common cosmetic ingredients. Oil of rose is said to have originated in India.
Apart from helping to tone the capillaries, improve blood circulation and help skin texture, the fragrance of rose has a calming effect too. Ingredients like Sandalwood, Basil (tulsi), Mint (pudina), Margosa (neem), Turmeric, Clove,  Eucalyptus, etc., have been used to treat skin conditions like acne.

The West is also waking up to the fact that the modern world needs a holistic system like Ayurveda. In fact, it can be most relevant to modern lifestyles, in terms of countering environmental pollution, toxic build-up and mental stress. Ayurveda also has such a long history of safe human usage. The safety factor cannot be ignored.  In fact, Ayurveda is the healing system of the future too. It is India’s gift to the world.