Ayurvedic medicine, one of the world's oldest healing systems, strives to integrate and balance the body, mind and spirit. There are a wide variety of Ayurvedic herbs intended to cleanse and tone the skin, promote healing of wounds, and alleviate itching; skilled Ayurvedic practitioners can help you to decide which ones to use. You should not begin an herbal regimen without first consulting your medical doctor, as herbs can have side effects and interfere with prescription medications.
Bhringraj
Bhringraj--or Eclipta alba, also called false daisy--is used ayurvedically in the treatment of skin diseases, as well as for insect bites, stings, and other swellings on the skin. Bhringraj contains a flavonoid known as luteolin. According to the Luteolin website, this substance has both antihistamine and analgesic properties. Bhringrah is usually applied in the form of a paste obtained by mincing the fresh leaves.
Azadirachta indica
Azadirachta indica, also known as neem oil, is a vegetable oil pressed from the fruits and seeds of the Indian neem tree. Rich in tannins and flavonoids, neem oil is considered in ayurvedic medicine to be one of the best healing and disinfectant agents for skin diseases. It is used topically to treat itching--especially itching resulting from ezcema and psoriasis--and as a cure for ringworm. Do not use neem oil, or neem plant products in any form, if you are pregnant or trying to conceive.
Haridra
Haridra, botanically called Curcuma longa and also known as turmeric, is used for pimples, acne, boils, and to improve the complexion in general. Turmeric powder mixed with oil is used to soothe rough, irritated skin, and turmeric powder--combined with lime, salt and pepper--is applied to bruises and wounds, particularly wounds that have become infected. The active ingredient in turmeric is circumin, which has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effects. Don't use turmeric if you have gallstones, take blood thinners, or if you are pregnant.
Haritaki
Haritaki--botanically called Terminalia chebula and also known as Indian gall nut--is often called the "king of medicines," and is believed to destroy disease and promote tissue health. Both the fruit and bark can be used in preparations of this herb, which has antibacterial and astringent--or skin-tightening-- properties. It is used for itching skin and excessive sweating. According to the Tattva's Herbs website, you should not take haritaki if you are dehydrated, emaciated or exhausted.
Gulkhairo
Gulkhairo--or Althaea officinalis, also known as marshmallow root--was first used medicinally by the ancient Greeks, then adopted as an Ayurvedic treatment. The root--which is rich in mucilage, a gummy plant substance--is the part most commonly used for medicinal purposes; it also contains quercetin. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center website, quercetin may help to reduce allergic reactions. Marshmallow root can be used in compresses to treat eczema, psoriasis, skin ulcers, and sunburn.
Horsetail
Horsetail, or Equisetum arvense, is high in silica, which can have a softening and smoothing effect on skin. Horsetail has diuretic, astringent and wound-healing properties, as well as helping to promote the regeneration of skin cells. It is used topically in lotions and ointments, and is also available as an extract.
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