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
