There are various reasons for dark circles around the eyes. Lack of sleep, eye strain, stress, unhealthy diet, aging, poor nutrition, constipation or hereditary—dark circles are caused due to one or a combination of more than one of these reasons.

While Ayurveda suggests certain basic tips to prevent dark circles from occurring, these suggestions can be followed to even get rid of these patchy areas under the eyes. Drink at least 7-8 glasses of water daily to avoid dehydration. Your diet should include foods rich in iron that will improve your haemoglobin content and reduce the dark circles. Dried beans, dry fruits, egg yolks, whole grains are rich in iron. Also add vitamin-C rich foods for better absorption of iron in the body. Some of these foods are citrus fruits, tomatoes, peppers, melon, guava and spinach that contain good amount of Vitamin-C.

Sleeping for at least 7- 8 hours at night will definitely remove the unwanted dark circles. Besides, certain specific yoga poses, deep breathing techniques and other stress relieving exercises help improve blood circulation and remove dark circles under the eyes.

Kumkumadi Taila for under-eye dark circles

Kumkumadi Taila (oil) is an Ayurvedic concoction of herbs that works wonders on skin health and treats various skin issues. The oil can also be used as a moisturiser, which is suitable for all skin types. An amazing blend of plants, flowers, fruits, and milk extracts, Kumkumadi Taila is a complete facial beauty product in itself.

Known for its luminescent properties, Kumkumadi oil is effective in rejuvenating and renewing skin cells, making the skin look young and healthy. The ancient concoction consists of about 26 ingredients, and each of the ingredients has beneficial effects on the skin.

Ingredients of Kumkumadi Taila

Kesar (saffron pollens): Rich in antioxidants, reduces spots, marks and dark circles under the eyes

Lal chandan (red sandalwood): Pacifies Pitta disorders, reduces inflammation

Manjistha: A potent blood purifier, reduces pigmentation, stimulates faster wound healing and reduces inflammation

Yashtimadhu (mulethi): Pacifies Pitta and Vata doshas, improves wound healing and reduces inflammation

Laksha (lac): Helps in wound healing and provides relief from burning sensation

Daruharidra (tree turmeric): Has powerful anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, helps in treating infections

Vetiver: Has antiseptic properties and balances hormonal disorders

Padmaka (Indian lotus): Helps in reducing pain and inflammation

Nilotpala (Indian water lily): Balances Pitta and Kapha disorders, soothes irritation, moisturises and regenerates the skin

Vata or banyan: Treats moles, heals wounds, and prevents skin infections

Kamala kesara (lotus stamen): Acts as skin conditioner, hydrates and moisturises the skin

Kumkumadi oil also contains sesame oil, almond oil, rose oil, goat milk, and rose water

Kumkumadi Taila: An effective treatment

Dark circle are a type of hyperpigmentation, when patches of the skin become darker than the normal skin colour. Besides excessive exposure to the sun, unhealthy food, aging, lack of sleep, etc, dark circles also occur due to other reasons like hormonal imbalance caused due to the Vata-Pitta doshas.

A powerhouse of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, Kumkumadi Taila breaks the effects of chemicals like arachidonic acid, leukotrienes, and prostaglandins. It also reduces the release of the pigment melanin in the skin, thereby preventing dark patches.

The oil contains saffron which removes spots, marks and dark circles. Saffron is used as an Ayurvedic medicine for skin problems for since a very long time. It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help in reducing dark circles.

The antioxidant and antibacterial properties of the oil help to promote blood circulation and rejuvenate skin cells. When used regularly, the oil reduces dark circles under the eyes. The herbs like sandalwood, saffron, and turmeric in the oil work wonders in reducing dark patches under the eyes. Turmeric is significant in treating dark circles. The oil easily penetrates the skin cells and lightens the dark patches.

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How to use Kumkumadi Taila

After you remove all makeup residue, and wash the face with a mild facewash, apply a few drops of Kumkumadi Taila on your face, particularly on the dark circles under the eyes. Gently massage it in circular upward strokes for 5 to 10 minutes. Let it stay for 2-3 hours and then wash your face off

Our lips get affected due to harsh weather conditions, environmental pollution and dehydration, making them dry, chapped and pigmented. The skin of our lips is very thin and sensitive. Some health, dietary and lifestyle factors also make our lips dark. Smokers usually have dark lips. The chemicals in your cosmetics also make your lips dark. Vitamin deficiency is also a reason to make lips discolored. However, if by genetic reasons you have dark lips, then making them pink is not possible.

A healthy diet with lots of fruits and vegetables rich in Vitamin C is good for getting rid of dark lips. If you drink chlorinated water there is chances that your lips may turn darker. If you aspire to get pink lips naturally, you need to take care of them daily. With Ayurvedic remedies you can make them beautiful, soft and pink.

Sugar and honey

One of the major reasons for lips turning dark is due to accumulation of dead cells. Scrubs prove effective in removing dead skin and making them smooth and soft again. Mix a tablespoon of sugar and one tablespoon honey, and gently massage it on your lips for one minute. After a few minutes, wash it off. Sugar not only exfoliates the lips but is also rich in antioxidants that protect the lips from the sun. Sugar also contains glycolic acid that protects the lips from environmental toxins. Honey contains enzymes that lighten the colour of the lips.

Lemon

Apply lemon juice on your lips daily. You can also take a thin slice of lemon and sprinkle a little sugar on it and rub it on your lips. It will exfoliate dead cells and make the lips soft. Lemon has natural bleaching and exfoliating properties. The acid in lemon also helps to remove darkness of the lips.

Rose petals and milk

Soak some rose petals in a little milk, keep it overnight. Strain the petals and mash in a paste. Rub this on your lips and leave for 15 minutes. This is an amazing remedy for discoloration of lips. Rose petals and milk are both natural moisturizers.

Rose water

Rose water soothes and moisturizes the lips. Mix a drop of rose water with a little honey and apply on your lips. You can also mix a little rose petal paste and a little butter, honey, or milk cream and apply the paste on your lips for good results.

Olive oil

Make a scrub by mixing a little sugar and a few drops of extra virgin olive oil. Scrub your lips gently with this mixture. You can also use olive oil alone to protect the lips from becoming chapped.

Milk and turmeric

Make a paste of turmeric and milk. Apply this on your lips and leave it for 5 minutes. After washing the lips apply a hydrating lip balm. Turmeric and milk help in treating pigmentation. When you scrub off the paste, it will get rid of dead cells.

Beetroot juice

Beetroot has red pigments that help in making your lips pink. Take a slice of beetroot and rub on your lips or you can extract beetroot juice and mix it with honey to apply it on your lips. Beetroot also acts as a natural exfoliator and remove dead cells.

Apply ghee on your navel

Ayurveda suggests to apply a little ghee on your navel before going to bed every night. This is because the first part of the body that is created after conception is our naval. This part of our body plays amazing role and can detect which part of the body needs nourishment. So applying ghee on the belly buttons heals the lips, as they get inner nourishment.

Pomegranate seeds and milk

Take some pomegranate seeds and grind them. Add the pulp with a little milk or cream to make a paste, and apply it on your lips. Pomegranate seeds contain a compound called punicalagin that controls the production of melanin. This helps in getting rid of pigmentation and preventing the lips from turning dark due to sun exposure.

Mint leaves and lemon

Dark spots are due to the natural pigment called melanin that is present in the skin. Melanin also protects the skin from the harmful effects of the sun. Sometimes, the melanocytes that produce melanin may produce more melanin in certain parts of the skin leading to dark spots. Skin pigmentation or hyperpigmentation are also referred to as dark spots, but dark spots are just one form of skin pigmentation.

Causes of dark spots

Hormonal changes are a major cause of dark spots, especially among women. A type of skin pigmentation called melasma appears in the form of dark spots on the cheeks or forehead.

Sun exposure: Exposure to the harmful UV rays of the sun causes dark spots. This can be prevented by healthy sun screen lotions and other sun protections like umbrella, etc.

Inflammation: Skin inflammation or injuries to the skin also lead to dark spots. Dark spots are also caused due to acne or eczema.

Irritation due chemicals: Sometimes, certain products like face creams or perfumes that don’t suit you cause skin irritation, leading to dark spots.

Diabetes and side effects of medication: Sometimes, diabetes can cause dark spots and patches. Besides, certain medications such as NSAIDs or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that cause side effects lead to dark spots.

Ayurveda and dark spots

Ayurvedic texts mention a variety of skin problems including hyperpigmentation and dark spots. Ayurvedic text Yoga Ratnakar mentions hyperpigmentation correlated to vyanga, nyasha, neelika—the three skin conditions categorised as minor diseases. According to Ayurveda, when aggravated Pitta dosha dries up with blood in the skin, dark spots are caused.

Nyasha occurs in any part of the body except the face. It is a patch on the skin black or brownish-black in colour. Vyanga occurs when Vata dosha and Pitta dosha become vitiated due to anger or excessive physical activity. These vitiated doshas form dark spots. When a patch on the face becomes extremely black it is called neelika.

Ayurvedic tips to get rid of dark spots

Dark spots are quite tough to remove by just applying creams or lotions. Ayurveda says to treat dark spots first we have to identify which dosha—Vata or Pitta is in imbalance. Then a proper diet needs to be taken to balance the dosha. Ayurveda recommends drinking lots of water, and including fruits, legumes, eggs, garlic, and onion in the diet as these foods help in preventing dark spots.

Many herbs are used to treat dark spots. These herbs are used as the main ingredients to make some oils that are effective in removing dark spots. Some of these are:

Kumkumadi taila is prescribed for pigmented, damaged, and aging skin. This Ayurvedic treatment is perfect in removing dark spots. It contains saffron that helps in repairing pigmentation.

Nalpamaradi taila is powerful de-tanning oil, which is made of sesame oil, vetiver, turmeric, gooseberry, and Indian madder. Turmeric has antioxidant properties that remove dark spots.

Jwalini taila is excellent in treating sun tan and dark spots. The oil contains herbs that are processed in coconut milk and sesame oil.

Develop healthy skincare habits: It is always better to have some regular skincare habits that will prevent dark spots from coming in the first place. Whenever you go out in the sun, use a good sunscreen with an SPF of at least 20 to prevent the appearance of dark spots. Reapply sunscreen every 2 to 3 hours when in the sun.

Eat healthy: A balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle promote healthy skin and prevent dark spots from appearing on the skin. Eat fruits and vegetables that are rich in vitamins particularly vitamin C, and minerals.

Quit smoking: Studies have found that smoking cigarettes have a direct link with dark spots coming on the skin.

Home remedies

Make a paste with turmeric, curd and besan and apply it on the skin.

Tomato paste is rich in lycopene that protects the skin from sun damage.

Manjistha is a herb that is a blood purifier and can treat the skin from within. With its sweet, bitter, and acidic taste, it can pacify Pitta.

Masoor dal (red lentils) is a good depigmentation treatment agent. Soak the dal and make a paste and apply on the face.

Sandalwood: Mix sandalwood powder with orange zest and orange juice to make a paste. Apply it on the face.

Saffron is an excellent natural ingredient in reducing dark spots. Soak a few strands of saffron in water with a little turmeric powder. Apply the paste on your face

Losing hair can be a nightmare for women as well as men. Relentless hair fall can be one of the major reasons for our dwindling self-confidence. Incorrect diet and lifestyle, pollution, and adulterated hair care products can be blamed for excessive hair loss. Ayurveda offers a plethora of healing remedies to control hair fall.

While an imbalance in Vata dosha causes excessive dryness and flaky dandruff, an imbalance in Pitta dosha causes receding hairlines, hair thinning and premature graying. Similarly, imbalance in Kapha dosha leads to oil secretion, and excess oil blocks the follicles of the scalp and leads to wet and sticky dandruff.

AYURVEDIC REMEDIES TO HAIR FALL

Amla is a natural immunity booster and is an important ingredient for stopping hair fall. It contains essential fatty acids, and source of Vitamin C, and these strengthen hair follicles, and stops hair loss. You can apply lime juice and amla powder paste for good result.

Bhringraj herb stops hair fall and encourages faster hair growth. Dry bhringraj leaves in the sun, and store in a jar of coconut oil. After the oil colour changes to light green, massage it on the scalp at night and keep overnight.

Shikakai has hair-cleansing properties, and is rich in antioxidants and vitamins A, C, K, and D, which can keep the hair nourished. Make shikakai powder by drying the pods in the sun for a few days and then grinding them. Take 2 tablespoons of this powder and add it to a jar of coconut oil. Massage your scalp with this oil.

Reetha or soapnuts is a saponin that keeps the hair healthy and strong. 1. Take a few soapnuts and shikakai and boil them in water. Leave the mixture till it cools down. Strain it wash your hair with it like a shampoo.

Coconut is rich in anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties which prevent free radicals leads to hair fall. Coconut milk is also good for hair growth.

Aloe Vera stops hair loss as it contains proteolytic enzymes, which repairs damaged cells and improves follicle health. Aloe vera also has anti-inflammatory properties that cure scalp irritation.

Methi or fenugreek seeds repair hair follicles and help in hair regrowth. Soak some methi seeds in water overnight. Next day grind it to a paste and apply to hair and scalp. Leave the paste for half an hour and then wash it off.

Yoghurt promotes hair follicle health and controls hair loss. It also contains vitamin B5 and Vitamin D that are known to promote hair follicle health. Mix 2 tablespoons of yoghurt with 1 tablespoon of honey and lemon, and apply on the scalp. Leave it for 30 minutes, and rinse in normal water.

Neem has anti-microbial properties, hence curbs hair fall. It also stimulates hair growth. Grind some neem leaves into a paste and apply on the scalp. Let it stay for an hour and the wash off with shampoo.

Some Ayurvedic hair oils are truly effective in stopping hair fall

Brihatri hair oil

This Ayurvedic herbal oil is known to enhance hair growth. The hair oil contains bhringaraja, amalaki, vibhitaki, neelini, bibhitaki, etc. The oil not only prevents hair fall but also promotes growth of new hair follicles. It is also found to thicken each strand, and its ingredients contain natural hair darkening pigments. This Ayurvedic hair oil sips deeper into the hair tissues and stop hair fall.

Maha Bhrigaraj hair oil

This Ayurvedic oil is scientifically prepared and significantly works in stopping hair fall. It nourishes the hair and its regular use encourages hair growth. It also helps stop premature graying. According to Ayurveda, it is a rasayana that has special properties of rejuvenation of the hair. The oil penetrates deep into the scalp and treats dryness. It also cures dandruff. Regular massage with Bhringraj oil improves blood circulation. When the nutrients present in the oil reach the root of the hair, they strengthen the hair follicles and prevent hair loss.

Neelibhringadi oil

This Ayurvedic hair oil prevents hair fall and promotes hair growth. It contains the goodness of neeli, (indigo), bhringraj, amla, mulethi, licorice, etc, blended with coconut milk, goat milk, buffalo milk, cow milk, and sesame oil. The oil improves hair quality and adds shine and smoothness to the hair. It is also known for treating premature grey hair in young people, and is effective in the treatment of baldness, dandruff and scalp itching

We generally associate stretch marks with pregnancy, but that is not the only cause of stretch marks. Our skin is the first organ that shows signs of ageing like wrinkles or stretch marks. However, stretch marks are not only caused due to ageing, but also due to obesity, sudden increase in height, sudden weight gain or loss, etc.

Why do we get stretch marks?

Stretch marks are a type of scar that occur when the skin fails to resume normal form after a sudden intense growth like in the case of pregnancy, weight gain or loss or puberty. Certain medical conditions can also cause stretch marks. It is also found that use of corticosteroid creams and lotions for a long period of time reduces the collagen level in the skin. Collagen strengthens the dermis, and a decrease in collagen usually increases the risk of stretch marks. Stretch marks usually appear on the stomach, thighs, hips, upper arms, and back.

Ayurvedic perspective

According to Ayurveda, the cause of all skin disorders is due to weakened digestive fire or agni, which is caused by incorrect diet and lifestyle. When our digestive fire gets imbalanced, the undigested food converts into toxins or ama. These toxins circulate throughout our body and get deposited on the tissue, which causes different skin disorders.

Ayurveda believes that skin disorders can be eliminated or significantly reduced. It believes that correct diet, lifestyle, medicinal herbs, and detox treatments like Panchakarma help significantly.

Ayurvedic remedies

Aloe Vera has many healing properties and is known to help regenerate the skin. Take out the gel from the Aloe Vera leaf and massage it over the stretch marks. Leave it for 20 to 30 minutes, and then wash it off. Repeat it daily till you see results.

Castor oil: Massage castor oil on the stretch marks. It will provide nourishment and moisture the skin, thereby healing the skin slowly. Massage the affected area twice a day for good results. Keeping the scars moisturised will eventually make them less visible.

Almond oil and coconut oil work wonders on the skin as they have excellent healing properties. Mix both together in equal proportions and massage it on the stretch marks regularly.

Sesame oil: Mix sesame oil with almond oil and massage it gently over the stretch marks. This will help lighten the marks.

Sandalwood helps the skin to cool down, and improves the elasticity of the skin.

Lemon juice and cucumber: Make a paste of lemon juice and cucumber and apply on the affected area. It will lighten the marks.

Potato juice contains enzymes and starch that lighten the skin. Apply potato juice on the skin regularly to lighten the stretch marks.

Sugar scrub: Exfoliating the skin with sugar scrub will remove dead skin cells and help in fading out the stretch marks. Mix lemon juice, olive oil, and sugar to form a thick paste. Apply it on the stretch marks and rub it for at least 10 minutes. Then wash it off.

Gotu kola is a herb that has medicinal properties. It is known to cure skin conditions like scars, pigmentation, and rashes. A study found that gotu kola increases collagen production, which in turn, increases the elasticity of the skin. This helps in healing stretch marks, and stops new ones from coming.

Dietary remedies

Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water daily to improve the elasticity of the skin. It will eventually reduce stretch marks and prevent new ones to appear.

Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants that cause skin scars to heal faster. Consume adequate intake of vitamin C to ensure that your stretch marks heal faster. Citrus fruits, peas, pineapples, spinach, tomatoes are all excellent sources of vitamin C.

Vitamin E is also a rich source of antioxidants that fight free radicals. Fruits like papaya, avocado, hazelnuts, olives and vegetables like pumpkin, parsley, are excellent sources of vitamin E.

The wonders of rose water were discovered in ancient times. Over the years, it has been used as a beauty enhancer. A perfect elixir for radiant skin, rose water has plenty of potential health benefits. For its versatility, it has found a place in every Indian household. Whether you have oily, dry, or combination skin, rose water works wonder on your skin. From antioxidants to anti-aging, rose water is an amazing beauty product aimed to give you radiant skin and reduce aging signs. It also helps maintain the skin’s pH balance, and control excess oil.

Ayurvedic perspective on rose water

Ayurvedic texts mention rose water as it balances Sadhaka Pitta, a type of Pitta that governs emotions and its effect on the heart. Rosewater not only soothes the skin but also balances the mind, and enhances the coordination between Sadhaka Pitta and Prana Vata. According to Ayurveda, rose water is cooling, yet it enhances agni, the digestive fire. Hence, it balances all the three doshas. 

Rosewater by Brihatri 

Rosewater manufactured by Brihatri is a distillate of roses. It is pure and made of roses that are cultivated in Kannauj, Uttar Pradesh. The fragrance of this rose water is due to its purity. Brihatri rose water also has medicinal and culinary values. 

Brihatri rose water for the face

For acne, pimples: If you are suffering from irritated skin, acne, dermatitis, and eczema, try using rose water. It has anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and anti-bacterial properties that help reduce the redness of irritated skin, and control acne, pimples, etc. A face pack of rose water mixed with fuller earth cleanses the pores, control excess oil, and prevents acne. A paste of rose water and sandalwood cures pimples. 

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Serves as a cleanser: Rosewater is a great cleanser and helps in removing oil and dirt that clog the pores. Its mild astringent properties help to tighten the pores and gently tone the skin. Put 2 to 3 drops of rose water on a cotton ball and remove all makeup, dirt, and grit from your skin. Rosewater with glycerine and essential oils work as an effective cleanser.

Moisturises the skin: Rosewater hydrates the skin and moisturizes it, giving it a refreshed look. Spray some rose water on your face, it will not only hydrate the face with a soothing aroma but also its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties work as an effective moisturizer. 

Heals scars, cuts and wounds: The anti-bacterial properties of rose water help to heal scars, cuts and wounds. Spray some rose water over the wounded area or take a cotton pad dipped in rose water and cover the wound with it. 

Strengthens skin cells: The antioxidant properties of rose water help to strengthen skin cells and regenerate skin tissues. A study found that the antioxidants present in rose water have potential lipid peroxidation inhibitory effects that protect the skin cells.

Tones the skin:  Rosewater contains astringent like properties that help to clean the pores and tone the skin. Applying rose water after steaming tightens the pores.

Keeps fine lines and wrinkles at bay: The antioxidants present in rose water naturally rejuvenate the skin and keep it at its best. If you notice aging signs of the skin, start using rose water and it will help to keep fine lines and wrinkles at bay.

Let’s the eyes sparkle: Rosewater is very soothing for the eyes. If you have tired, inflamed eyes, splash rose water on them to get the sparkle back. The anti-inflammatory nature of rose water reduces the fatigue of the eyes. 

Makeup remover: Rosewater serves as a perfect makeup remover. Add a few drops of coconut oil to rose water and dab a cotton pad and clean your face. Just see how much dirt from the skin has come out.

Face packs: A solution of lemon juice and rose water removes marks and spots from the face. A mixture of cucumber juice, honey, and rose water acts as a perfect coolant and revitalizes the skin. 

We all like jamun (black plum or Indian blackberry) fruit but we are not aware of its immense health benefits in fighting diabetes. While the fruit is healthy, its seeds are even more beneficial. It contains dietary fibre, proteins, fats, various vitamins and minerals. Jamun seed powder called jambu churna is used in various Ayurvedic medicines or prescribed for digestive ailments, and particularly for diabetes.

Diabetes is a common lifestyle disease that affects a large population across the world, and unfortunately, a large population of India suffers from diabetes. Stress, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle are some of the major factors that lead to diabetes. Once you get the disease, it is incurable, so you can only manage it.

Several studies have been conducted on animals that have shown that jamun seed powder has promising anti-diabetic qualities. A study was conducted in Mangalore, Karnataka, in 2011, which showed that consumption of jamun seed powder reduces fasting blood sugar levels.

Ayurvedic Perspective On Jambu Churna For Diabetics

According to Ayurveda, jambu churna is an effective Ayurvedic medicine for diabetes. In Sanskrit, jamun is called jambu, which is mentioned in various classical texts of Ayurveda. India is also called Jambudweep, which means a country with many jamun trees.

As per Ayurveda, jamun is astringent and anti-diuretic, which helps in reducing frequent urination. The fruit also has hypoglycemic properties, which is the ability to reduce sugar in blood. Jamun also has antioxidants that work wonders on diabetics.

Jamun seed powder for managing diabetes

The powder of jamun seeds has great healing properties for diabetics. Jamun seeds contain jambosine and jamboline, which have the ability to slow down the process of converting starch into sugar. This reduces the chances of a sudden hike in blood sugar levels when you eat starchy food and the starch gets metabolised.

People with Type 2 diabetes have low levels of insulin to act on blood glucose. This is because of two reasons—either the pancreas produce less insulin, or it is because of very fast degradation of insulin that has been produced. Here jambu churna works like a magic in ensuring greater availability of insulin as it increases its secretion and prevents it from degrading fast.

A study published in Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine also proved that jamun seed powder reduce the blood glucose level significantly and regulates the insulin levels in hyperglycaemic rats.

Jambu churna have potent preventive role against hyperglycaemia. In this case jambu churna proves very effective for diabetics.

The study in Mangalore also found that consuming about 10 grams of jamun seed powder orally every day helps to reduce fasting blood glucose. Jambu churna is commercially available and two teaspoons of it is about 10 grams. Alternatively, you can also prepare it at home. But before you start taking readymade or homemade jambu churna, you should consult an Ayurvedic doctor for better results.

The seeds also contain dietary fibre which helps to regularise the digestive system and at the same time, detoxify the body from the negative radicals. This eventually improves the functioning of the immune system and effectively controls the side effects that come along with diabetes. Studies have also found that jamun seeds contain alkaloids—the chemicals that prevent the conversion of starch into sugar and keep diabetes in check.

How to prepare jamun seed powder

After you eat the jamun fruit, store the seeds and wash them thoroughly so that the flesh is not left on them. Now, spread them on a clean cloth and keep them under sun to dry. It will take about three to four days to dry properly. Once they are dried, peel off the outer coating of each seed and collect only the green inner core of the seeds. This part of the seed can be easily broken into half just by pressing with your fingers. Break all the seeds into half and keep them in the sun for a few more days till they are dried from inside. Now you can easily powder the dried seeds in a grinder. If the powder is coarse, sieve it and store the smooth powder in an airtight container.

Ayurveda recommends taking a teaspoon of jamun seed powder with water every morning on an empty stomach

Ayurveda recommends having warm and cooked salads. It believes that raw salads are cold and rough, hence hard to digest. It also suggests that salads should be made and eaten fresh as the ingredients lose prana or life-force if you keep them longer. Leftover salads or that which have been cut and left for hours should not be consumed as it causes ama or digestive toxins.

When should we eat salads?

There has always been a debate regarding the right time to consume salads. Across the globe people prefer to have salads but different cultures have different beliefs regarding the right time to eat salads. While in some countries, people prefer to start a meal with salad, in many other cultures, enjoying a salad after the main meal is considered the right time for consuming it.

Before meal

American health experts explain that since salads contain roughage that is very filling in nature, it should be taken as the first course of a meal. People in America usually start a formal meal with a salad followed by an appetizer, the main course, and then a dessert. Experts there believe that starting off with a salad prevents overeating. Research shows eating a salad before a meal can reduce our caloric intake. The stomach senses satisfaction after salad is consumed, hence overeating is avoided. People who are trying to lose weight may consider eating salad at the beginning of a meal as it will fill the stomach with low-calorie roughage like lettuce.

After meal

In France, people prefer green salad after the main course, served plain with vinegar as that helps with digestion. Experts there believe since salads are rich in fibre, they help in the digestion of the food eaten before. Also, green salads cleanse the palate and prepare the digestive system for dessert. Experts believe it helps with digestion and is a good source of vitamins.

In between meals

Italians have salads in between meals. Italian meals generally include warm vegetable dishes known as contorno alongside the main course. Their meals also include cold salads known as insalata that are served with the contorno or directly after the main course. Italian salads are usually topped with olive oil and vinegar. Experts there also believe that serving the salad after the main course helps in digestion and prepares the palate for wine. While the olive oil helps to settle and balance the digestion, the acidity of the vinegar refreshes the taste buds and enhances the taste of dessert and wine.

What Ayurveda says

In India, Ayurveda encourages consuming salads before the main course to improve digestion. This ancient tradition considers digestive system to play a very important role in maintaining good health and wellbeing. Ayurveda believes that salad can be eaten prior to a warm course because raw foods are not easy to digest and they should not be mixed with cooked food. Therefore, Ayurveda recommends eating raw salads at least 20 minutes before the main meal.

Ayurveda prefers that we eat a salad made from slightly sautéed vegetables, with a little spice. This salad can be enjoyed as a part of the main meal. Ayurveda strongly recommends that the best time to eat salads is at noon when our digestive capacity is at its maximum level.

From an Ayurvedic perspective, our health is not only made by food that we eat but is also determined by our ability to digest the food. This digestive capacity is called agni. Ayurveda considers raw foods as cold, dry, light, and rough. So, eating foods that have these qualities can affect our digestive fire and decrease our digestive capacity. This will also lead to poor absorption of nutrients, lack of nourishment to our tissues, imbalances in our body, and will eventually lead to diseases. Hence, Ayurveda recommends cooked food to strengthen the digestive agni, and decrease digestive imbalance. Even if some raw foods are eaten, they should be taken in small quantities.

While opinions differ from culture to culture, experts say that salads are basically linked to digestive health, therefore it is a choice to eat a salad before, during or after the main course. There is no hard-and-fast nutritional rule. As long as we eat a good quantity of vegetables every day, we will receive their goodness, regardless of where we choose to position our salad during our meals

Kumkumadi Taila (oil) is an Ayurvedic concoction of herbs that works wonders on skin health and treats various skin issues. The oil can also be used as a moisturiser, which is suitable for all skin types. An amazing blend of plants, flowers, fruits, and milk extracts, Kumkumadi Taila is a complete facial beauty product in itself.

Known for its luminescent properties, Kumkumadi oil is effective in rejuvenating and renewing skin cells, making the skin look young and healthy. The ancient concoction consists of about 26 ingredients, and each of the ingredients has beneficial effects on the skin.

Ingredients of Kumkumadi Taila

• Kesar (saffron pollens): Rich in antioxidants, reduces spots and marks on the skin
• Lal chandan (red sandalwood): Pacifies Pitta disorders, reduces inflammation
• Manjistha: A potent blood purifier, reduces pigmentation, stimulates faster wound healing and reduces inflammation
• Yashtimadhu (mulethi): Pacifies Pitta and Vata doshas, improves wound healing and reduces inflammation
• Laksha (lac): Helps in wound healing and provides relief from burning sensation
• Daruharidra (tree turmeric): Has powerful anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, helps in treating infections
• Vetiver: Has antiseptic properties and balances hormonal disorders
• Padmaka (Indian lotus): Helps in reducing pain and inflammation
• Nilotpala (Indian water lily): Balances Pitta and Kapha disorders, soothes irritation, moisturises and regenerates the skin
• Vata or banyan: Treats moles, heals wounds, and prevents skin infections
• Kamala kesara (lotus stamen): Acts as skin conditioner, hydrates and moisturises the skin

Kumkumadi oil also contains sesame oil, almond oil, rose oil, goat milk, and rose water

Benefits of Kumkumadi Taila

Kumkumadi Taila is very effective in making the skin smooth, and diminishes the signs of aging like fine lines, and dark circles. It is also a good cure for pimples, blemishes, and skin infections like hyperpigmentation, allergy, eczema, etc.

Freedom from spots and marks: The oil contains saffron which removes spots, marks and dark circles. The antioxidant and antibacterial properties of the oil help to promote blood circulation and rejuvenate skin cells. When used regularly, the oil reduces sun tan and provides a healthy glow to the skin.

Treats hyperpigmentation: Hyperpigmentation is a condition when patches of the skin become darker than the normal skin colour. A powerhouse of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, Kumkumadi Taila breaks the effects of chemicals like arachidonic acid, leukotrienes, and prostaglandins. It also reduces the release of the pigment melanin in the skin, thereby preventing dark patches.

Prevents acne and pimples: The oil’s antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial properties are helpful in preventing the skin from infections and inflammatory conditions like acne and pimples. The oil can also clean the skin pores by removing dead skin cells and dirt. It can also prevent infections, thereby reducing redness and pain of acne.

Diminished spots and blemishes: Spots and blemishes occur due to several reasons including hormonal imbalance caused due to the Vata-Pitta doshas. Excessive exposure to the sun, unhealthy food, and aging are also its causes. The herbs like sandalwood, saffron, and turmeric in the oil work wonders in reducing spots and blemishes.

Acts as a sunscreen: The oil contains saffron pollens that protect the skin from the sun’s UV rays. The herbs, floral extracts and essential oils such as saffron oil, almond oil, rose oil, sesame oil, lotus extracts, turmeric extracts, sandalwood, vetiver, and manjistha protect the skin from the harmful UVA and UVB rays, and also protects the skin from damage by free radicals.

Reduced scars and marks: Kumkumadi oil also fights against the scars left behind by acne and pimples. The oil contains turmeric that is significant in treating these scars. The oil easily penetrates the skin cells and lightens the scars.

Wound healer: The antiseptic, anti-bacterial and disinfectant properties of the oil heal any wound on the face. The herbs and the anti-fungal properties effectively heal wound and prevent the skin from infections.

 How to use Kumkumadi Taila 

Although the oil is beneficial for all skin types, people with oily skin should use it in limited quantity so that it doesn’t make the skin greasy. After you remove all makeup residue and wash the face with a mild facewash, apply a few drops of Kumkumadi Taila on your face, neck and affected areas. Gently massage it in circular upward strokes for 5 to 10 minutes. Let it stay for 2-3 hours and then wash your face

Ayurveda describes vrana (wound) as tissue destruction and discoloration of viable tissue due to various causes. In the Ayurveda classic, Sushruta Samhita, wound is described as a main subject, and vrana has been classified into shuddha and dushta vrana, that is chronic non-healing wounds. Despite several advances made, the management of chronic wounds is still a challenge. Sushruta was aware of the challenge of wound management and has described Shashthi Upakramas (sixty measures) for vrana ropana (wound healing).

Jatyadi Taila is a herbal oil formulation popularly used in treating various topical wounds. Despite Jatyadi Taila’s composition been recorded in ancient Ayurvedic texts, there have been minimal attempts to standardise its use in treating wound. Jatyadi oil is particularly used for wound healing in piles, fissure and fistula. It effectively speeds up wound healing and leads to quick recovery from these diseases. It also controls itching, irritation and burning in the lesion. Jatyadi oil is also effective in open wounds, cuts, burns, abscess, eczema, blisters and non-healing wounds.

Ingredients of Jatyadi Taila

• Jatipatra (mace tree leaves)
• Neem
• Patol (pointed gourd leaves)
• Karanja (karanj) seeds
• Karanja (karanj) leaves
• Yashtimadhu (mulethi)
• Kuth or kushta (Indian costus root)
• Haldi (turmeric)
• Beeswax
• Daruhaldi (daruharidra)
• Manjistha
• Kutki
• Padmaka
• Lodhra
• Haritaki or harad
• Neel kamal (blue star water lily)
• Sariva (anantmool or Indian sarsaparilla)
• Tuthya (copper sulphate)
• Sesame oil 
• Water

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Benefits of Jatyadi Taila

A study proved that Jatyadi Taila contains flavonoids, essential oils, tannins, glycosides, steroids and alkaloids, which help in faster healing of wounds. This oil is cooling, anti-microbial, anti-bacterial and non-irritant. It is useful in cleaning, soothing and healing of wounds.

Jatyadi Taila has proved to be quite effective in healing all types of open lesion, particularly in piles, anal fissure, and anal fistula. A clinical study on the efficacy of Jatyadi Taila has established its significant effect on anal fissures including burning pain, cutting pain, bleeding, itching, tenderness, inflammation, sphincter spasm, discharge and swelling. A study has found that Jatyadi Taila has no side effects and its administration is safe.

Piles:  Piles or haemorrhoids are collections of inflamed tissue in the anal canal. They contain blood vessels, tissue, muscle, and elastic fibres. When an individual passes hard stools and has bleeding piles, Jatyadi Taila is very beneficial for the patient. Besides, internal medicines, Jatyadi oil when applied in the rectum and around the anus, alleviates itching, pain, discomfort and irritation in the anal region. It also makes passage of hard stool easy, reducing swelling around the anus.

Anal fissure: When an individual passes hard stool leading to cuts around the anus, it is called anal fissures. It is basically the tear in the tissue that lines the anus and anal canal called anoderm. Anoderm has a number of sensory nerves, making the pain of fissures intense and acute. While anal fissures occur due to hard stool or severe diarrhea, very spicy food is also one of the causes. Local application of Jatyadi Taila helps in quick healing of painful anal fissures. The oil not only reduces pain and heals the cracks, it also eases in bowel movement. In case of severe anal fissures, this oil is applied along with internal medicines.

Fistula: A fistula is an abnormal connection between an organ or blood vessel and another structure. Fistulas usually happen as a result of an injury or surgery. Infection or inflammation can also cause a fistula. With specific treatments and therapies, when Jatyadi Taila is locally applied, it speeds up the healing process of the external opening in the skin. It also reduces infection and prevents its spreading.

Protects from germs: Jatyadi Taila is effective in protecting the wound from germs, and acts as an antiseptic and fungicidal oil. It also treats skin problems with inflammation and redness.

Non-healing wounds: The oil is an effective cure for non-healing wounds, sinus, blisters, abscess, insect bite wounds, etc.

How to use Jatyadi Taila

In cases of anal fissure and piles, take a sterile cotton ball and dip it in the oil. Apply gently on and around the anus. For best results, apply four times a day till you get good results. You should apply it before the bowel movement, after the bowel movement, after taking bath and at night before going to bed