Babchi (Bakuchi) Benefits for Healthy Skin

March 10, 2020 by Dr. Taruna Yadav

Table of Contents

Babchi herb

Bakuchi or Babchi is a powerful skin healing herb whose etymology is synonymous with the Moon because that is the epitome of beauty. It is referred to in different names in different Ayurvedic references such as Somvalli, Chandrika, Suprabha, Tvagdoshghani, Chandrashalaka to name a few. Furthermore, the nutritive and curative properties of this herb classify it into the “Shaka Varga” that comprises of leafy vegetables as per Acharya Charak and Acharya Vaghabhatta. All parts of the Babchi plant are useful such as roots, stem, leaves and seeds, but the powder of its seed and the oil are most potent and is renowned to be a highly effective herb for the skin.

Is Babchi good for the skin?

Babchi seeds have great medicinal value as per the ancient texts as well as modern science. It helps brighten the skin by visibly reducing pigmentation and plumps the skin by boosting collagen promoting tissues. Babchi powder is used as Lepa or mask, in which its seeds are powdered and mixed with appropriate mixer to make a paste, and applied on affected areas.

Can Babchi cure Vitiligo?

Bakuchi is also known as “Shvitraghni” because of its properties to treat Vitiligo, that is a skin concern where some parts of the skin lose its pigmentation. The active ingredient in Bakuchi is “Psoralens” which on exposure to sun forms melanin in depigmented skin. Ayurvedic therapy involves local application of the herbal paste or Lepa of the herbal decoction. A clinical study suggests that sole local application of the Lepa is a safe and effective treatment for Vitiligo.

How is Babchi oil prepared?

Babchi oil is prepared by an Ayurvedic process called Snehapaak in which the seeds of 1 part of Babchi seeds are soaked overnight in 16 parts of water. The morning after, it is reduced to 4 parts. This concoction known as Kwath, which is further mixed with Sesame oil and a finely grounded paste of Bakuchi. This mixture is heated until no trace of water is left and oil is procured in its purest form. This oil can be topically applied to disinfect the area, reduce pigmentation and boost collagen.

What is difference between Babchi oil and Bakuchiol?

Babchi oil is a product of Bakuchi seeds and Bakuchiol is an active chemical component in it. Bakuchiol has been regarded safe for use as per clinical trials and is regarded as a Vata and Kapha alleviating herb. It is also known to aggravate Pitta and should be used cautiously in a blend such as a cream or ointment to experience the best results.

Is Bakuchiol better than Retinol?

Retinoids have been defined as a family of naturally occurring compounds comprised of Vitamin A (retinols) & its derivatives. Retinol stimulates the cellular activity and strengthens the protective barriers of the skin to avoid loss of moisture and collagen promoting tissues. Bakuchiol expresses similar gene expression such as improvement in fine lines, wrinkles, elasticity, firmness and reduction in photo damage without the risks involved with usage of Retinoids. Bakuchiol has works best when paired with a variety of emollients. The combination of these two particularly help in reversal of UV exposure damage and improve the skin’s texture.

Ojas Night Beauty Balm & Babchi

Does the Ojas Night Beauty Balm have Babchi?

Yes, this miraculous Ayurvedic herb, Babchi is found in our bestselling nightly treatment, the Ojas Night Beauty Balm. Pairing our Vitamin enriched Night Creams including Date & Litchi and Jasmine & Patchouli with the Babchi infused Ojas Balm, encourages the skin’s hydration levels, and is known to boost collagen & elastin expression.

Written By:

Forest Essentials Luxurious Ayurveda

India’s leading beauty brand with products offering a sensorial journey with the purest natural ingredients and traditional Ayurvedic formulations, bringing timeless beauty rituals to the forefront of your self-care routine.

Reviewed By:

Arjun Singh Senior Ayurveda Expert

Arjun is a marketing professional turned Ayurveda Expert. After the completion of his post-graduation in 2008, he started his journey in the beauty industry. He has since worked with several global luxury beauty brands including DIOR & Estee Lauder. With now more than 12 years of experience, he is driven by the idea of making Skin Care, ‘simple’ and ‘accessible’ for all and help clients transform their lifestyle and skin with solutions rooted in his extensive understanding of Ayurveda. A Senior Ayurveda Expert at Forest Essentials, he carefully curates Ayurvedic remedies and is continuously working towards bridging the gap between time-honoured skin care solutions and the modern consumer of the fast-paced world.

Disclaimer

The content provided in this blog is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.