Being the mirror, the barometer of an individual’s health, skin is the clue to one’s Ayurvedic constitution i.e. vata, pitta and kapha. This can be better understood by the types of skin an individual possesses.
Say for example: If vata humor is leading humor than skin of a person is dry, rough, cold, thin with fine pores and wrinkled. In case of pitta humor constitution, the skin is frail, fair and red toned with freckles, moles or acne and burns with no trouble. If the constitution is of kapha humor the skin of a person is oily, smooth, moist and thick with a propensity towards large pores.
If the skin is not nurtured properly and is neglected it suffers from premature aging, becomes dull and blemished. Customary consumption of milk, honey and yogurt are good sustenance for skin and prevents premature aging.
Following are some common skin problems and Ayurvedic remedy for preventing and curing the same.
Acne and Pimples
The vitiation of tridoshas or the three humores i.e. vata, pitta and kapha of the body results in the incidence of acne, pimples and blackheads. In all pitta humor is affected the most and it happens so due to the extreme intake of alcohol, tea, and coffee, spicy, oily and fried foods.
Stress, tension, pollution in the external environment and chemicals are also among the major causes that aggravate Pitta dosha and result in acne, boils, pimples and rashes.
Acne Remedies
A thick paste made from 1 tablespoon each of sandalwood powder and turmeric mixed with milk, is extremely effective. A paste of nutmeg and water is also helpful.
1/2 a cup of Aloe Vera pulp can be taken internally twice daily or applied locally to the skin.
Before going to bed, was the face thoroughly and then apply a paste of one Teaspoon. coriander juice mixed with a pinch of turmeric powder.
For pimples, apply a paste made from 1 tablespoon of cumin seeds. Remove after 1 hour.
A paste of fresh fenugreek leaves, applied and washed off with warm water before departing to bed averts acne.
The Author:
Dr. John Anne
Coconut Oil
When I was in Thailand, I developed a heat rash that covered my face, neck and arms. A local lady advised me to use coconut oil and voila, within a few hours, my skin stopped itching, and the rashes began to disappear. Within a few days my skin cleared completely and would only reoccur when I stopped using it.
I also recall my mother using coconut oil on my hair and skin as a child. I recently began to incorporate the use of coconut oil, in my daily life. I cook with it, I use it as a hair and skin moisturiser and have noticed some great benefits. My skin is smooth and my hair is so soft. And another added great benefit, I recently learned is that coconut oil assists in weight loss.
P.S. Better to use organic or extra virgin coconut oil which can be found in health or Indian/Caribbean food stores.
Thank you for sharing your personal experience with using coconut oil for various skin and hair concerns. It’s great to hear that coconut oil has worked well for you in treating your heat rash and providing moisture to your skin and hair. Many people have also reported positive results when using coconut oil for skincare purposes, as it has natural antibacterial and moisturizing properties. Thank you for the tip on using organic or extra virgin coconut oil, as it ensures a higher quality product. Overall, it’s wonderful to see how Ayurvedic remedies like coconut oil can provide multiple benefits for our overall health and well-being.