Top 11 Lesser-Known Ayurvedic Foods and Self-Care Routines for Youthful and Healthy Skin

Ayurveda, a 5,000-year-old Indian system of medicine, emphasizes holistic health, balancing the three doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—to promote well-being. Skin health, according to Ayurveda, reflects internal balance, particularly digestion and nutrition. Ayurvedic texts like Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita mention herbs like Shigru, Haritaki, and Giloy for skin purification, while practices like Abhyanga and Sheetali Pranayama are rooted in yogic traditions. Fitkari’s use as an astringent and antibacterial agent is noted in traditional beauty routines, aligning with a general understanding of its skin benefits.

1.    Shigru (Drumstick, Moringa Oleifera) 

• Properties: Rich in vitamins A, C, and calcium, Shigru is an antioxidant powerhouse, protecting skin from free radical damage and reducing signs of aging. Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects help heal skin infections like acne and eczema.
• How It Works: Vitamins A and C support skin regeneration, while calcium aids in maintaining skin elasticity. Its anti-inflammatory nature calms irritation, making it ideal for sensitive skin.
• Usage: Add Shigru leaves to soups, salads, or smoothies for internal benefits. For topical use, make a paste with leaves and apply to the skin for a soothing effect.
• Complementary Foods/Processes: Pairs well with cooling foods like cucumber to balance pitta, enhancing skin hydration.

2.    Haritaki (Myrobalan, Terminalia Chebula) 

• Properties: Known for its astringent and antimicrobial properties, Haritaki tightens skin and reduces wrinkles. It also detoxifies, aiding in clearing skin infections.
• How It Works: Its astringent nature firms the skin, while antioxidants protect against oxidative stress, promoting a clearer complexion.
• Usage: Mix Haritaki powder with warm water or honey for internal consumption, or create a face mask with rose water for external application.
• Complementary Foods: Works well with ghee, which lubricates and balances its drying effect, enhancing skin hydration.

3.    Giloy (Heart-leaved Moonseed, Tinospora Cordifolia)

• Properties: Anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory, Giloy reduces skin inflammation and promotes tissue regeneration.
• How It Works: It balances pitta and kapha, reducing redness and swelling, while boosting immunity to prevent skin infections.
• Usage: Drink Giloy juice or take powder mixed with water. For topical use, apply a paste on inflamed areas to soothe the skin.
• Complementary Foods: Pairs with turmeric for enhanced anti-inflammatory effects, supporting skin healing.

4.    Gotu Kola (Indian Pennywort, Centella Asiatica)

• Properties: Stimulates collagen production, essential for skin elasticity, and aids in wound healing, reducing scars.
• How It Works: Enhances skin firmness by boosting collagen, while its anti-inflammatory properties soothe irritated skin.
• Usage: Drink Gotu Kola tea or take in capsule form for internal benefits. For topical use, apply extracts in skincare products or make a paste.
• Complementary Foods: Works well with hydrating foods like melon, enhancing skin moisture and elasticity.

5.    Bakuchi (Psoralea Corylifolia)

• Properties: Known for skin-lightening and pigmentation-reducing effects, Bakuchi treats conditions like leucoderma.
• How It Works: Balances melanin production, improving skin tone and reducing dark spots, while its antimicrobial properties fight infections.
• Usage: Apply Bakuchi oil topically to affected areas. Internal use should be guided due to potency.
• Complementary Foods: Pairs with cooling herbs like coriander to balance its heating nature, supporting skin health.

6.    Fitkari (Alum) 

• Properties: A natural astringent and antibacterial agent, Fitkari tightens pores, treats acne, and brightens skin by reducing pigmentation. It also soothes irritations and acts as a natural deodorant.
• How It Works: When applied topically, it contracts skin tissues, minimizing pore size and tightening sagging skin. Its antibacterial properties kill acne-causing bacteria, while anti-inflammatory effects reduce redness and irritation.
• Usage: Rub a wet Fitkari block on your face after cleansing to tighten pores and prevent breakouts. Alternatively, mix powdered Fitkari with rose water or honey to create a mask for hyperpigmentation, leaving it on until dry before rinsing gently. For acne, apply a paste on affected areas.
• Precautions: Perform a patch test first, especially for sensitive skin, to avoid irritation. Avoid using on broken or irritated skin, and do not ingest unless guided by an expert, as it may cause stomach upset. Use sparingly to prevent dryness.
• Complementary Processes: Pairs well with natural ingredients like rose water for soothing effects or honey for added hydration.

7.    Abhyanga with Neem Oil - Detoxifying Massage 

• Details: Abhyanga, or self-massage, uses Neem oil for its detoxifying and anti-inflammatory properties, reducing acne and purifying skin.
• How to Do: Warm Neem oil slightly and massage into the skin in circular motions for 20-30 minutes before showering.
• Why It Works: Improves circulation, removes toxins, and calms inflammation, balancing pitta and kapha.
• Complementary Processes: Follow with a cooling shower to enhance detoxification.

8.    Chickpea Flour Paste for Exfoliation 

• Details: Chickpea flour (besan) removes dead skin cells, improves circulation, and brightens complexion, a gentle exfoliant for all skin types.
• How to Make: Mix with water, add a dash of turmeric if desired, apply, let dry (10-15 minutes), then rinse. Turmeric will leave yellow marks so wear appropriate cloths. If you leave a damp cloth having turmeric marks in direct sun for 15-20 minutes, the spots just go away.
• Why It Works: Unclogs pores, reduces dullness, and promotes a smoother texture, balancing kapha.
• Complementary Processes: Follow with a hydrating mask to lock in moisture.

9.    Drinking "Blue" Water - Cooling and Detoxifying 

• Details: Water exposed to sunlight in a blue glass bottle is believed to have cooling and detoxifying effects, and is beneficial for pitta dosha and skin health.
• How to Prepare: Fill a blue glass bottle with water, leave it in the sun for 2-6 hours, and drink throughout the day.
• Why It Works: Reduces internal heat, preventing skin inflammation and redness, balancing pitta.
• Complementary Processes: Pair with cooling pranayama like Sheetali for enhanced effects.

10.    Sheetali Pranayama - Cooling Breath 

• Details: This breathing technique cools the body, reduces pitta, and promotes mental calmness, reflecting positively on skin health.
• How to Practice: Sit comfortably, roll your tongue into a tube (or purse lips), inhale through the tube, hold briefly, and exhale through the nose, for 5-10 minutes daily.
• Why It Works: Lowers body temperature, reduces stress-induced skin issues, balancing pitta and vata.
• Complementary Processes: Follow with meditation for deeper relaxation.
• Non-Complementary Processes: Avoid in cold environments, as it may increase vata, drying the skin.
• Moon Salutations (Chandra Namaskar) - Balancing Yoga Sequence 
• Details: A series of yoga poses that balance energy, reduce stress, and improve circulation, promoting skin health by enhancing detoxification.
• How to Do: Learn from a yoga instructor or online, and practice daily.
• Why It Works: Improves blood flow, reduces stress, and balances doshas, leading to clearer, healthier skin.
• Complementary Processes: Pair with Abhyanga for enhanced circulation.
• Non-Complementary Processes: Avoid after heavy meals.

11.    Moon Salutations (Chandra Namaskar) - Balancing Yoga Sequence 

• Details: A series of yoga poses that balance energy, reduce stress, and improve circulation, promoting skin health by enhancing detoxification.
• How to Do: Learn from a yoga instructor or online, and practice daily.
• Why It Works: Improves blood flow, reduces stress, and balances doshas, leading to clearer, healthier skin.
• Complementary Processes: Pair with Abhyanga for enhanced circulation.

Summary of Top 11 Lesser-Known Foods, Remedies, and Routines

Item	Primary Benefit	Usage Method	Complementary Pairing
Shigru (Drumstick)	Protects from aging, heals infections	Add to soups, apply as a paste	Pairs with cucumber for cooling
Haritaki (Myrobalan)	Tightens skin, reduces wrinkles	Drink with water, use as a face mask	Works with ghee for hydration
Giloy	Reduces inflammation, regenerates tissue	Drink juice, apply paste on the skin	Pairs with turmeric for anti-inflammation
Gotu Kola	Boosts collagen, heals scars	Drink tea, use in skincare products	Works with melon for moisture
Bakuchi	Lightens skin, reduces pigmentation	Apply oil topically	Pairs with coriander for cooling
Fitkari (Alum)	Tightens pores, treats acne, brightens	Rub wet block, use as paste, patch test first	Pairs with rose water for soothing
Abhyanga with Neem Oil	Detoxifies, reduces acne	Massage for 20-30 min, shower after	Follow with a cooling shower
Chickpea Flour Paste	Exfoliates, brightens the complexion	Mix with water, apply, rinse after drying	Follow with a hydrating mask
Drinking "Blue" Water	Cools, detoxifies	Sun-exposed blue bottled water, drink occasionally	Pair with Sheetali Pranayama
Sheetali Pranayama	Cools body, reduces stress	Inhale through rolled tongue, exhale nose, 5-10 min	Follow with meditation
Moon Salutations	Balances energy, improves circulation	Practice daily yoga sequence	Pair with Abhyanga for circulation

 

Disclaimer:

For educational purposes only. This is not medical advice and should not replace consultation with a licensed Ayurvedic practitioner or healthcare provider. The practices and foods discussed are part of a deeply interconnected system; improper use may cause harm. Always seek professional guidance before adopting new remedies, especially for diagnosing, treating, curing, or preventing health conditions.