First line of defense for the body is skin which is very much susceptible to infections and other problems. Irritating symptoms are caused by skin diseases like eczema, psoriasis, acne and rosacea. Side effects are caused by steroid containing creams. So is the need for remedy for our gentle skin. To manage skin problems a holistic approach is offered by Ayurveda which can effectively manage it.
What are the Types of Skin Diseases?
Common skin diseases and conditions are:
- Acne: Whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, or cysts breakout on the skin and leave scars if not treated.
- Hives: Skin surfaces with severe itching and red bumps cause an allergic condition called Hives.
- Rosacea: This chronic condition causes flushing, redness on the face, bumps, and makes the skin dry up.
- Eczema: It is a chronic skin condition that causes itching, redness, and causes flaking of the skin.
- Psoriasis: This disease leads to silvery skin patches that are scaly, itchy and occurs on the scalp, elbows, and knees commonly.
- Contact dermatitis: This occurs due to allergies causing severe rashes and Blisters that can ooze fluid or become crusty.
Skin Diseases and Ayurveda
According to Ayurveda, an imbalance in any of the three Doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) lead to skin disorders. Dryness and rough appearance of the skin with cracks and fissures are due to Vata skin disorders. Redness, burning pain, the formation of pus, ulceration, and fever is due to Pitta skin disorders. White discoloration, itching, swelling, retention of fluids, etc. is due to Kapha skin disorders.
A multi-prong approach is used for correcting skin diseases. The digestive fire is strengthened by good food which helps block the formation of Ama or toxins that harms the skin. Effective skin care requires proper skin care, drinking sufficient water, Yoga, and exercise. Skin problems can be managed by medicines from Ayurveda.
Ayurvedic Supplements for Skin Diseases and Their Benefits
Prominent supplements offered by Ayurveda include:
- Nalpamaradi Keram: This oil is made from different species of the fig tree to improve skin health, managing skin infections, managing conditions like scabies and severe itching. This is an Ayurvedic medicine for eczema.
- Winsoria oil: This Ayurvedic oil is one of the most helpful supplements for psoriasis and helps in the management of symptoms like inflammation, silvery scales, sores, and discoloration. This oil is also good for allergic itching.
- Nimbadi Kwath: Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of this Ayurvedic supplement helps to improve skin health and helps heal inflammation on the skin.
- Kumkumadi Oil: This is a well-known skin care product that helps improve skin complexion, remove pimples and the marks as well as cure skin itching.
- Mahathikthakam Ghrita: This capsule prepared from herbalised ghee is helpful in managing eczema.
Ingredients and Their Benefits
Herbal ingredients are the major components of Ayurvedic supplements and may include:
- Nyagrodha (Ficus benghalensis): Fig tree extracts are anti-inflammatory that helps to manage skin diseases, Kapha and Pitta Doshas.
- Ashwatha (Ficus religiosa): Extracts of the peepal tree are helpful in managing skin diseases.
- Raktachandana (Pterocarpus santalinus): Sandalwood is helpful in managing acne and other skin conditions.
- Haridra (Curcuma longa): turmeric is powerful in improving skin health by reducing toxins on the skin.
- Keram (Coconut oil): Coconut oil is a base to make oils that help manage skin diseases, inflammation and itching. It protects the skin and helps prevent it from drying, acting as a natural moisturizer.
- Vidpala (Wrightia tinctoria): Kutaja is one of the powerful Ayurvedic ingredients helpful to manage psoriasis and dermatitis.
- Sariba (Hemidesmus indicus): It helps manage burning in the skin, balance the vitiation of all the three Doshas, helps purify the blood and reduce toxins that cause skin diseases.
- Kumkuma (Crocus sativus): Saffron is helpful to improve skin complexion and tone by maintaining all three Doshas. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant property and helps reduce pimples.
- Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia): Manjistha is helpful in managing eczema, psoriasis, pimples, and dark spots along with improving skin health.
