What: Amla
Why you need it: Amla has the highest concentration of Vitamin C occurring in any fruit, making it one of the most beneficial herbs for your skin. It nourishes tissues and helps in cell regeneration to improve your skin’s health. Since it is rich in antioxidants, Amla battles free radicals to slow down the ageing process.
How do you consume it? Eat it as a fruit, extract its juice or consume it as a pharmaceutically available amla powder.
What: Neem
Why you need it: Already known for its medicinal and detoxifying benefits, neem scores so high on the beauty quotient that Ayurveda often solely references it for any kind of skin disorders. It battles pimples by restricting the growth of acne causing bacteria and its anti-inflammatory properties imply that it can be used to cure redness, rashes, blemishes and other minor skin irritations as well.
How do you consume it? Neem leaves can be consumed as is (ground) and capsules.
What: Tulsi
Why you need it: One of the best known medicinal plants with a number of benefits, it is no wonder that Tulsi in Sanskrit means “the incomparable one”. Apart from its vast assistance in dealing with respiratory issues it’s also one of the most recommended ingredients in herbal skincare home remedies. Chewing the leaves is said to purify blood, while tulsi powder can lighten dark spots, and ground tulsi leaves when applied to the face, rejuvenates the skin.
How do you consume it? A tulsi leaf is often placed in most festive dishes in Hindu culture; it can also be consumed as a tonic or capsules.
Written by Girija Naiksatam on Jan 21, 2015