NATURAL REMEDIES FOR COMMON SKIN DISORDERS: THE NATURAL WAY

This article was published in the Nagaland Post on August 13, 2017.

SKIN CARE IS LIKE DIETING: YOU HAVE TO INVEST TIME AND EFFORT. THERE IS NO INSTANT MIRACLE CURE.

Skin is one of the most important presentable organs of the body and plays a significant role in one’s personality. Hence, skin diseases (twacha rogas) affect individuals not only on a somatic level but also on a psychological level. Skin is the mirror of inner health, reflecting everything that happens inside, including our emotions. Therefore, healthy skin is essential in the present-day scenario. Ayurveda emphasizes a proper nutritious diet, peace of mind, and daily and seasonal regimens for maintaining health and healthy skin.

Ayurveda, the science of life, also deals with the concept of beauty. We are born with soft skin, but as we grow, it is exposed to the environment and seasonal changes. A little maintenance is required to keep our skin healthy. Ayurveda has a very different approach to skincare compared to modern medicine. Rather than using topical agents alone, like creams, lotions, and oils, Ayurveda treats and prevents the underlying skin problems at their roots.

LIFESTYLE IS PART OF THE REMEDY

Diet:

A healthy, well-balanced diet is essential for skin health.

• Nourishment: Eat plenty of sweet, juicy fruits and multiple grains (millet, barley, wheat) to provide a variety of minerals. Include a variety of cooked vegetables with spices in your daily diet. Vegetables like spinach, carrot, tomato, and cabbage provide essential minerals, vitamins, and proteins for your skin. Green leafy vegetables are rich in fiber and minerals like iron, which help nourish blood and skin tissues. Consume light, easily digestible proteins such as milk, paneer, cheese, and mung dal. Turmeric is highly beneficial for the skin as it is purifying and a potent antioxidant. Drinking cow’s milk daily with natural sweeteners like honey, and avoiding sugar, is good for skin health. Additionally, abstain from intoxicants like coffee, tea, and similar beverages.
• Rehydration: For maintaining moisture and elasticity of the skin, internal rehydration is a must. Drink water, consume sweet, fresh fruit juices, and include high-quality fats such as ghee or olive oil in your diet. For external rehydration, daily massage with skin massage oil enhances absorption and increases glow and luster.

Exercise:

Exercise increases blood flow to the skin and encourages the removal of toxins through sweat. Make daily exercise a part of your skin health program.

Stress Management:

Stress results in an inflammatory response in the body and adversely influences digestive and immune functions, leading to poor skin health. Stress is immediately reflected on the face. Stressed individuals often have trouble sleeping, and lack of sleep causes additional stress. Therefore, it is important to address both factors simultaneously. Sleep well, do meditation, and practice easy breathing exercises.

Brush Skin:

Dry skin brushing before a morning shower is a simple technique to stimulate lymphatic circulation, helping the body clear the buildup of toxins that can aggravate skin conditions.

Use of pH-Controlled Soaps:  

Humans are covered in a diverse array of skin microbes, many of which promote skin health. Frequent washing or use of strong alkaline soaps can remove beneficial microbes from the skin's surface, leading to infection by pathogenic organisms.

Supplements:

A personalized supplement regimen can boost your health status and address the causes of skin ailments.

Local Applications:

• Honey: Used topically for healing wounds, burns, and ulcers. It also has antifungal and antibacterial properties.
• Curcumin: The active compound in turmeric is a polyphenol with anti-inflammatory activity.
• Haridrakhanda Rasayana: Commonly used to treat allergic skin diseases and itching. Regular long-term consumption (2-4 months) can make the skin lustrous.
• Drakshasavam: Indicated for piles, fistula, indigestion, bleeding diseases, intestinal worms, and wounds.
• Tikta Ghrita: Beneficial for liver problems, blood and gastrointestinal ailments, inflammation, hormonal problems, improving complexion, and healing the skin. Can be applied externally for greater results.
• Triphala Churna: Rich in antioxidants and vitamin C. A good detoxifier, mild laxative, blood cleanser, and beneficial for the liver. A great addition to any skin-healing herbal regimen.

SIMPLE HOME REMEDIES FOR HEALTHY GLOWING SKIN

Avoid chemical treatments and fairness creams as they only provide a temporary effect and may damage your skin and cause early wrinkles.

1. Aloe Vera and Turmeric: Blend 20 grams of Aloe vera pulp with half a teaspoon (3 grams) of turmeric powder, heat for a minute, and apply externally. Leave for 20 minutes, then wash off with water.
2. Nutmeg and Aloe Vera: Apply a paste made by rubbing nutmeg and the root of Sariva with fresh Aloe vera juice to the face daily to treat black and whiteheads.
3. Almonds and Gram Flour: Soak almonds in water overnight, grind them after removing their skin, and mix with one teaspoon of gram flour, one teaspoon of milk, and four drops of lime juice. Apply to the face and gently massage for clear and fair skin.
4. Milk Powder and Honey: Mix one tablespoon of milk powder with one tablespoon of honey, one tablespoon of lemon juice, and half a tablespoon of almond oil. Apply to the face and neck daily, and wash off after an hour.
5. Turmeric and Milk: Make a face pack with a mixture of turmeric and milk. Apply and wash off after an hour with cold water for glowing skin.
6. Lemon Juice and Glycerin: Use for dry skin, while fuller’s earth and turmeric are used for oily skin.
7. Tomato and Lime Juice: Grate one tomato, mix with 3-4 drops of lime juice, apply to the face, wait for 15 minutes, and then rinse off.
8. Egg White and Milk Cream: A mixture of egg white, milk cream, and honey works excellently against skin tanning.
9. Tomato Juice and Honey: Mix tomato juice with honey or yogurt and apply daily to remove tanning.
10. Papaya and Oatmeal: Prepare a fine paste of ripe papaya, oatmeal powder, milk cream, and honey. Cover your face with this paste for 15 minutes, then wash off with water.
11. Buttermilk: Apply to the skin, leave for 10 minutes, and then wash off thoroughly for a softening, cleansing, and radiating effect.
12. Sandalwood Paste: Acts as a sunscreen and protects the skin from harmful UV rays. Enhances fairness and is considered an anti-aging ingredient.
13. Carrot and Pineapple Juice: Apply a mixture of carrot juice and pineapple juice to the skin twice a week to remove skin marks and enhance glow.
14. Red Sandalwood and Coconut Milk: Make a face pack with red sandalwood powder and coconut milk for glowing skin.

CONCLUSION

Healthy skin not only enhances beauty but also serves as an external indicator of an individual’s internal physical and emotional health. Skin problems like acne, eczema, psoriasis, rash, itchiness, extreme dryness, or dullness indicate an imbalance in diet and/or lifestyle. Skin is the dressing organ of the body; hence, skin diseases affect both the somatic and psychological levels of an individual. To properly understand skin diseases, one must know the normal echotexture of the skin.

Ayurvedic herbs and herbal drugs play a key role in curing various skin ailments. Many herbs are components of cosmetic products. Pure natural products without synthetic chemicals, used in the form of face packs, are highly beneficial. They are devoid of side effects and equally effective compared to chemical formulations. The use of bioactive ingredients in cosmetics influences the biological functions of the skin and provides nutrients necessary for healthy skin.

NOTE: Ayurvedic medicines and treatments should be taken under the guidance of a qualified Ayurvedic doctor/physician. The drugs described in this article are for general information/educational purposes only and should not be used without consulting a qualified Ayurveda doctor/physician.