Beauty Secrets Hidden in Indian Herbs

 Blooming Sunflower

 India has one of the oldest and richest cultural traditions associated with the use of traditional folk herbs. It brings into practice application of indigenous beliefs, knowledge and skills in favor of human health. Treatment of various ailments via herbs is the oldest form of healthcare known to all cultures throughout the history. Various parts of herbs, like the stems, leaves, roots, flowers and fruits, are used to cure health and skin disorders. In this age of growing medical costs and side-effects, people are turning to herbs, the ‘natural medicines’. Herbs are on menu cards of folk’s conscious of their regular diets. People prefer green herbs, not only because of their low fatty oil content, which is for good health, but also to maintain and restore their vibrant beauty.

Herbs are a real boon for all creatures living on this planet called ‘Earth’. Man has been using herbs for thousands of years, and learn about their aromatic, therapeutic and savory properties through trial and error. According to the tribes of Palatal, in Central India, there is no single herb that is useless. This is indeed true; there isn’t any culture on earth that does not include the use of herbs as medicines. Herbs play a major role in beauty aids as well as therapies.

This article looks at the ten most important Indian medicinal plants used in beauty care. Information has not only been gathered from recent literature, or prior art search, but also includes some uncommon herbal practices performed by the tribes of Patalkot.

Castor (Ricinus communis)

 Castor is soothing and lubricating to the skin. It acts as a expectant, attracting moisture to the skin.Its application before hair wash is known to condition dry and damaged hair. It improves growth of eyelashes. Castor is used extensively for the preparation of hair conditioner because of its ability to heal dry and damaged brittle hair. Castor oil is frequently used as a solvent for oil-soluble sunscreens. It is effective against abdominal stretch marks (prevention), age spots, sunburn, open sores, pimples, etc. Daily applications of castor oil to warts is said to remove them in a few weeks. A hair wash prepared from castor oil is known to keep hair from falling, and cleansing it of dandruff. It provides broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection against tans and signs of skin ageing. Hydrogenated castor oil, or its esters, are useful for cleansing and conditioning the skin.

Hemp (Cannabis sativa)

 Cannabis sativa (hemp) oil is clinically proven for its anti-inflammatory property. It is beneficial for laser-treated or peeled, stressed, acne-prone, sun-damaged and aging skin. Hemp seed oil is one of the world’s richest sources of EFAs (Essential Fatty Acid), and other nutrients responsible for strong healthy keratin formation. Hemp seed oil’s high lipid content helps increase elasticity, volume, shine and easy combing. Its fatty acid composition and high performance moisturizing emollients make it an ideal ingredient for both dry hair and scalp conditions. Hemp seed oil’s high level of EFAs makes it an ideal ingredient for skin cleansers. It has a positive effect on dry and rough skin. This oil is especially beneficial for indoor, self-tanning, or after-sun care because of its excellent spread ability and skin moisturizing properties. 

Mango (Mangifera indica)

Mango kernel oil consists of triglycerides which give high emollient to the skin. Mango butter, extracted from the fruit’s kernels, melts readily on contact with the skin and disperses evenly. It may be used for dryness to assist miniaturization after exposure to the sun and other harsh elements. The film formed on the skin by butter retains moisture and restores the skins softness and suppleness; therefore, it is used as an ingredient in skin care products, lotions, massage creams and hair and sun care products. Mango butter also reduces degeneration of skin cells and restores elasticity. Semi-liquid mango oil is used in conditioners and shampoos for improved combing and a healthy shine to hair.