In today’s time, environmental pollution is a major skincare concern as it is linked to a host of skin problems, including pigmentation, acne and breakouts, premature aging and skin cancer. Small airborne pollutants get trapped in pores and trigger damage by causing oxidative stress to the skin. Research says “skin exposed to pollution experiences a higher sebum secretion rate and higher amount of lactic acid, resulting in an imbalanced skin pH when compared to non-polluted areas.”
A super-food for the skin and body, Ashwagandha is effective and promotes a healthy skin and lifestyle. Ashwagandha is rich in bio-active principles such as withanolides, saponins and alkaloids which deeply cleanse, moisturize and calm the skin.
It is a small shrub with yellow flowers and a red fruit, native to India, North Africa, and the Middle East. The extract is typically taken from the berries or roots of the plant.
How Does Ashwagandha Help Your Skin?
Due to the “Rasayana” property, Ayurvedic herbs including Ashwagandha work as skin rejuvenators that can be taken internally as well as via products that contain them. Ayurvedic Rasayanas are a great way to battle the harmful effects of pollution on our skin and entire body.
They are natural antioxidants, anti-inflammatories and hydrators, which help the skin cells to revive and revitalize. Herbs like Ashwagandha, Turmeric, Saffron and Ketki control collagen depletion and smoothen fine lines to maintain the plumpness of skin and are excellent anti-oxidants that combat free radicals in the environment. Ashwagandha is one of the main ingredients in the Soundarya Radiance Cream with 24 Karat Gold that lends the skin a natural lift.
Do Your Skincare Products Contain Ashwagandha?
Some high performing Ubtans from Forest Essentials already contain Ashwagandha in appropriate quantities with other potent, sun dried herbs and roots. Basis your skin type, pick an Ubtan and customize as per your skin concern.
Add Milk for dry skin, Yoghurt for combination skin and Rose water for oily skin as a mixer to make a thick paste. Apply this over entire face and neck, leave it on for less than 15 mins. Once it is semi dry, rinse it off with water.
How does Ashwagandha help your body?
With today’s fast paced life and increased stress, it is essential to incorporate herbs that lend to a mental calmness, a restful sleep, and help rejuvenate your body from within. Our Advanced Eternal Youth Formula Date & Litchi also includes this wonder herb to naturally plump the skin.
Ashwagandha is regarded as an important herb in Ayurveda which belongs to the group “Balya” that is strengthening and “Bhruhaniya” that is nourishing. It is an energy stimulating power herb that enhances immunity and stamina. Ashwagandha is perhaps best known for its ability to reduce stress.
Also Read – Immunity Boosting Herbs in Ayurveda
Due to its active ingredient called Withanolides, Ashwagandha is also used as an “adaptogen” to help the body cope with daily stress, as a natural tonic and for improving thinking ability. As Ashwagandha has potent anti-inflammatory properties it is very useful in painful conditions such as arthritis. As the herb is rich in iron it also contributes to red blood cell count. It is recommended to take a cup of hot tea infused with Ashwagandha before bed, to induce a restful sleep!
How does Ashwagandha help the hair?
Ashwagandha is believed to be equally beneficial for hair health. This antioxidant rich herb has stimulating properties; it helps in improving the blood circulation, rejuvenating the scalp and reducing dandruff, thereby strengthening the hair follicles and encouraging healthy hair growth. It is also known to stimulate production of melanin, the pigment responsible for the color of hair. In turn, it may actually reverse greying of hair!