Do you know your Ayurvedic ingredients as well as you know your actives in skincare? With the resurgence in popularity of Ayurveda-based skincare products, there are so many ingredients that we vaguely know of that have come back to the fore. But while bringadi and kumkumadi are familiar names, there are quite a few that skincare lovers are still unfamiliar with, making it difficult to buy and try a product. So, don’t let the names scare you off. We decode and demystify these for you and tell you about their specific benefits for the skin. Thank us later.
Gotu Kola
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English name: Centella asiatica aka Cica
Gotu kola is an herb that belongs to the parsley family. It has been in use in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine systems for ages, and helps with a variety of issues. In the last few years, it’s been known more popularly as cica, and has made its way into a large number of skincare products. It helps reduce inflammation and promote skin healing, reduce redness, and more. It also promotes the production of collagen and therefore, delay wrinkles and other signs of ageing.
Japapatti
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English name: Hibiscus
Indian are no strangers to the benefits of hibiscus which is often made into a DIY hair oil at home by combining with a carrier oil such as coconut. The attractive red flower with large petals is known for its many benefits for the scalp and hair. It helps stimulate the growth of hair, prevent hair loss and delays premature greying. It is said to also stimulate dormant hair follicles thus helping hair growth and recovery from bald patches. Japapatti is often also combined with other ingredients such as fenugreek (methi seeds) and brahmi (water hyssop) for hair and scalp care.
Ashwagandha
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English name: Indian ginseng
An ingredient that’s found its way into numerous skincare products these days is Ashwagandha; reason being it treats a large number of skin issues. A small evergreen shrub with yellow flowers that grows mainly in Asia and Africa, ashwagandha is used to treat pigmentation, acne, excessive sebum production and other skin troubles, while also promoting overall skin health. It helps plump up the skin, and works wonders as an anti-ageing ingredient where it helps boost collagen and regenerate new skin cells. If that wasn’t enough, it also nourishes the scalp and hair.
Kasturi Manjal
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English name: Wild turmeric
Just like its more popular sibling turmeric, kasturi manjal too is packed with antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory benefits. It aids in treating oxidative damage and ageing, by helping reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. It also adds a natural radiance and glow to the skin. Traditionally it’s been used as a face mask and to remove excess facial hair, detan, or for fading scars. It’s also used as a wound healer.
Manjistha
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English name: Indian madder
Known to be blood purifying and lymph draining when consumed as a powder, this herb with a reddish bark also has tons of skin-loving benefits. It inhibits the growth of acne-causing bacteria and thus helps manage acne and pimples. The topical application of manjistha helps calm skin inflammation and rashes owing to its anti-inflammatory property. It can also help protect from the oxidative radical damage of harmful UVA and UVB rays, as well as reduce blemishes, spots, and dark circles.
Mulethi
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English name: Liquorice root
Chances are you’ve heard of mulethi, or licorice, as a household name to cure coughs and colds, but did you know it also helps in skin brightening and toning? It calms and soothes inflamed, irritated skin, delays signs of aging, fades scars and spots, evens out skin tone, and regulates sebum production. No wonder then it has found its way into so many skincare products recently. Mulethi also suits all skin types, and especially provides intense moisturisation thus, helping rehydrate dry skin.
