Home Remedies for Beauty
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Enjoy this home remedies blog by Alandi student Prema Shakti! Prema is a senior student and will graduate shortly.
The concept of beauty in Ayurvedic medicine is well documented. The knowledge of using herbal remedies, minerals and animal products are as old as the human existence.
In Ayurveda, cosmetic preparations are used for sensual enjoyment as well as for worship. Cosmetology is the study and application of beautification treatments. Gods and Goddesses have been known to use cosmetic procedures in the scriptures. Beautiful women are praised in ancient texts as a virtue.
Beauty consciousness is detailed in dincharya (daily routines) and ritucharya (seasonal routines). Ayurveda strives to rid the body of toxic buildup (ama) through shodhana (purification therapies). Diet is also used to improve and maintain the beauty of an individual. Panchakarma procedures such as garshana, abhyanga, svedana are implemented for beautification of the skin.
Ayurveda determines beauty by prakriti (mind/body constitution), sara (structural proportions), twak (skin complexion), praman (measurement) and dirghayu lakshyana (sign of long life).
Ayurvedic Cosmetics may be grouped into the following categories:
1. Beautification of complexion and longevity of youthfulness
2. Hair health and care
3. Skin care, specifically for teenagers and puberty
4. Soaps, shampoos, makeup, dyes and perfumery, etc.
5. Miscellaneous products
Beauty gives pleasure to the senses and has been sought after by humans since the dawn of time and plays an important role in finding a mate for procreation. In Ayurveda there are medicinal treatments for acne, treatments for diseases and conditions of the skin, herbal preparations for a glowing complexion, toners, anti-aging treatments, burn treatments, eye treatments, and face oils.
A few Ayurvedic remedies for beautification:
Moisturizer: Combine equal parts of rosewater and sesame oil in a spritz bottle. Shake it well before using and spritz your face. This is easy to keep in your purse so the face can be spritzed frequently.
Acne: Apply a paste of clove powder in honey over the affected area.
Skin care: The high content of beta-carotene, folic acid and iron help maintain the skin’s health protecting it from damage. Apply a mash of apricots to your skin and let it work for about 10 minutes. Rinse the paste with lukewarm water and enjoy the feel of soft, moist skin.
Face Mask: Mix triphala powder with honey and a splash of rosewater to create a paste. Apply to face.
Anti-wrinkle treatment: Combine rose petal powder with goat’s milk and apply as a facial mask, rinsing off after ten minutes. Alternatively, mix a jar of rose petal powder and powdered goats milk (e.g. Meyenberg brand) for a facial mask that is available whenever you need it.
For lustrous eyes or to remove dark circles: At bedtime, apply ghee over eyelids and under
eyes.
This piece was written by a student of the Alandi Ayurveda Gurukula in Boulder, Colorado. Learn more about studying ayurveda at our home school, or access your deep wellness with the support of our student practitioners in the Alandi Ayurveda Clinic.
