About Skin-Care Browse Recipes AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE ON SKIN-CAREIncludes skin care, and anything that nourishes epithelial membranes (of digestive, respiratory, urinary tract, blood vessels, etc).INGREDIENTS AFFECTING SKIN-CARE
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Aloe Vera Gel, Aloe Vera Juice, Avocado, Banana, Carrot, Coconut Oil, Cucumber, Hibiscus, Saffron, Sesame Oil, Strawberries, Tofu, Turmeric, Turmeric Root (Fresh)
SKIN-TONICAn herb that strengthens and nourishes skin, improving tone, color, moisture and complexion.Banana, Carrot, Coconut Oil, Lemon, Mustard Seed, Rose Petals, Saffron, Sesame Oil, Sorghum Flour, Strawberries, Turmeric
SATTVICSattvic foods promote awareness and a refreshed mind by nourishing the body without taxing digestion. Sattvic foods do not stimulate desire or nervous energy. They create clarity instead of drowsiness or heaviness.Avocado, Banana, Carrot, Coconut Oil, Cucumber, Lemon, Mustard Seed, Saffron, Strawberries, Turmeric, Turmeric Root (Fresh)
ALKALIZINGAn herb or food that makes the urine more alkaline (higher pH). This herbal action can be helpful for a number of inflammatory conditions.Aloe Vera Gel, Aloe Vera Juice, Coconut Oil, Cucumber, Hibiscus, Rose Petals, Sorghum Flour, Strawberries, Tofu, Turmeric, Turmeric Root (Fresh)
ANTI-INFLAMMATORYReduces inflammation in the body. Different herbs and carriers target different body systems.Aloe Vera Gel, Aloe Vera Juice, Avocado, Banana, Coconut Oil, Cucumber, Lemon, Rose Petals, Sesame Oil, Strawberries
WATERResembles water (ap) in quality - fluid, sticky, soft, heavy, stable, cool.Aloe Vera Gel, Aloe Vera Juice, Carrot, Cucumber, Lemon, Mustard Seed, Saffron, Turmeric, Turmeric Root (Fresh)
DETOXICANTAn herb that decongests or dislodges toxins from the body and the lymphatic, transforming or altering fluids to a more healthy state.Avocado, Banana, Carrot, Coconut Oil, Cucumber, Saffron, Sesame Oil, Sorghum Flour, Tofu
OJASOjas is the essence of healthy tissue, immunity, stable energy and happiness. Substances that improve ojas are recommended after long-term illness, debility, emotional and physical trauma, and even sadness.Avocado, Banana, Carrot, Coconut Oil, Cucumber, Saffron, Sesame Oil, Sorghum Flour, Tofu
NUTRITIVEAn herb that is strengthening and nourishing.Aloe Vera Gel, Aloe Vera Juice, Carrot, Hibiscus, Lemon, Rose Petals, Turmeric, Turmeric Root (Fresh)
CHOLAGOGUECholagogues stimulate the production & release of bile from the liver & gallbladder. This refreshes and cleanses these organs, as well as increases bile in the small intestines.Aloe Vera Gel, Aloe Vera Juice, Lemon, Mustard Seed, Rose Petals, Sesame Oil, Turmeric, Turmeric Root (Fresh)
ANTIMICROBIALAn agent that kills microorganisms or inhibits their growth. Antimicrobial is an umbrella term that can be broken down into specific categories of target microorganism, such as anti-bacterials, fungals, and virals.Aloe Vera Gel, Aloe Vera Juice, Carrot, Lemon, Strawberries, Turmeric, Turmeric Root (Fresh)
ALTERATIVERestores the proper function of the body by cleansing the blood and balancing blood chemistry. In Ayurveda terms, they pacify Pitta in rakta. They were traditionally used to revitalize and detoxify after a long winter.Aloe Vera Gel, Aloe Vera Juice, Hibiscus, Lemon, Turmeric, Turmeric Root (Fresh)
VULNERARYAn herb used for the treatment of wounds (antiulcer, connective tissue tonic).Coconut Oil, Cucumber, Hibiscus, Lemon, Rose Petals
REFRIGERANTAn herb or substance that strongly cools the body. Can be helpful in cases of heat conditions.Mustard Seed, Saffron, Turmeric, Turmeric Root (Fresh)
BLOOD-MOVERBlood movers improve circulation through these mechanisms: Cardiac stimulation (usually pungents), vasodilation (usually aromatics), or blood thinning (usually bitters).Aloe Vera Gel, Aloe Vera Juice, Turmeric, Turmeric Root (Fresh)
HYPOLIPIDEMICScrapes fats / cleanses blood vessels by 1) purging bile, 2) strengthening the liver's ability to metabolize fats, 3) by increasing uptake of cholesterol in the liver, and 4) by inhibiting fat cells.Mustard Seed, Turmeric, Turmeric Root (Fresh)
ANALGESICPain reliever, reduces pain without eliminating sensation. Also known as anodyne.Aloe Vera Gel, Aloe Vera Juice, Avocado, Carrot, Coconut Oil, Cucumber, Hibiscus, Rose Petals, Sorghum Flour, Strawberries, Tofu
COLDCold refers to anything that reduces body temperature, metabolism, and blood flow.Aloe Vera Gel, Aloe Vera Juice, Avocado, Cucumber, Hibiscus, Lemon, Rose Petals, Saffron, Turmeric, Turmeric Root (Fresh)
LIQUEFIEDSubstances that thin fluids (lower viscosity of blood plasma). These may include blood thinners or mucolytic herbs.Aloe Vera Gel, Aloe Vera Juice, Lemon, Mustard Seed, Saffron, Sorghum Flour, Strawberries, Turmeric, Turmeric Root (Fresh)
LIGHTLightness is identified by reduced weight.Avocado, Banana, Carrot, Coconut Oil, Lemon, Mustard Seed, Sorghum Flour, Strawberries
EASYEasy refers to anything easy to digest, or digests quickly.Aloe Vera Gel, Aloe Vera Juice, Cucumber, Lemon, Mustard Seed, Saffron, Turmeric, Turmeric Root (Fresh)
CLEARClear refers to anything that cleanses or flushes out wastes, or that digests ama.Aloe Vera Gel, Aloe Vera Juice, Mustard Seed, Saffron, Turmeric, Turmeric Root (Fresh)
MOBILEMobile refers to anything that stimulates the nervous system, muscles, or activity.Lemon, Mustard Seed, Sesame Oil, Turmeric, Turmeric Root (Fresh)
HOTHot is identified by increased body temperature, metabolism, or inflammation.Saffron, Tofu, Turmeric, Turmeric Root (Fresh)
DRYDry is identified by lack of moisture, lack of fat, or anything that causes diuresis.Avocado, Banana, Tofu
HEAVYHeavy is identified by sedation, sluggishness, or increased weight.Avocado, Banana, Sorghum Flour
GOOEYGooey is identified by anything gelatinous (such as oatmeal), or by mucus congestion.Avocado, Coconut Oil, Sesame Oil
OILYIn Ayurveda, oily refers to anything moistening. More specifically, oily refers to building substances that increases fat, or are themselves fatty. For example, sugar is Oily.Tofu
DIFFICULTDifficult refers to anything that is difficult to digest, or takes a long time to digest.Aloe Vera Gel, Aloe Vera Juice, Hibiscus, Lemon, Rose Petals, Saffron, Sorghum Flour, Strawberries, Tofu
ASTRINGENTAstringency is characterized by constriction, drawing together, or drying.Avocado, Banana, Carrot, Coconut Oil, Rose Petals, Sesame Oil, Sorghum Flour, Strawberries
SWEETSweet refers to anything builds tissue, including macronutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins and fats.Aloe Vera Gel, Aloe Vera Juice, Cucumber, Lemon, Mustard Seed, Sorghum Flour, Turmeric, Turmeric Root (Fresh)
BITTERBitter is disagreeable and stimulates rejection. It is a strong taste often associated with black coffee, dark chocolate, and most salad greens.Mustard Seed, Saffron, Sesame Oil
PUNGENTPungency is characterized by irritation, or sharp, spicy foods that irritate the mouth such as black pepper.Aloe Vera Gel, Aloe Vera Juice, Tofu
BLANDBland means doesn't have much taste. In Chinese medicine, bland taste refers to afood without little macronutrients, such as cabbage, radish or bok choy.Mustard Seed, Saffron
AROMATICHerbs or spices with volatile essential oils that present strong aromas. Aromatic oils shock, refresh and numb tissue, with the end result of relaxing, opening and clearing stagnant fluids in tissues.Mustard Seed
ACRIDAcrid taste is a combination of bitter and pungent tastes. Example include radish, turnip, and coffee.HERBS & SUPPLEMENTS AFFECTING SKIN-CARE
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Amalaki, Arjuna, Bhringaraj, Brahmi - Gotu Kola, Calendula, Marigold, Chandanadi Taila, Comfrey Root, Dandelion Root, Dong Quai, Evening Primrose Oil, Feverfew, Geranium, Manjistha, Patola, Pitta Massage Oil, Red Clover, Rose Hips, Skullcap, Baical, Witch Hazel
ANTI-INFLAMMATORYReduces inflammation in the body. Different herbs and carriers target different body systems.Amalaki, Arjuna, Bhringaraj, Brahmi - Gotu Kola, Calendula, Marigold, Chandanadi Taila, Comfrey Root, Evening Primrose Oil, Geranium, Kapha Massage Oil, Kapha Shirodhara Oil, Manjistha, Pitta Massage Oil, Red Clover, Shea Butter, Triphala, Vata Massage Oil
SKIN-TONICAn herb that strengthens and nourishes skin, improving tone, color, moisture and complexion.Arjuna, Bhringaraj, Brahmi - Gotu Kola, Calendula, Marigold, Comfrey Root, Geranium, Jasmine Flower, Juniper Berry, Mahamaricyadi Taila, Manjistha, Red Clover, Triphala, Witch Hazel
VULNERARYAn herb used for the treatment of wounds (antiulcer, connective tissue tonic).Amalaki, Arjuna, Brahmi - Gotu Kola, Bringrajasava- Hair Tonic, Calendula, Marigold, Chandanadi Taila, Dandelion Root, Jasmine Flower, Manjistha, Pitta Massage Oil, Red Clover, Triphala
ALTERATIVERestores the proper function of the body by cleansing the blood and balancing blood chemistry. In Ayurveda terms, they pacify Pitta in rakta. They were traditionally used to revitalize and detoxify after a long winter.Bhringaraj, Calendula, Marigold, Comfrey Root, Cypress Essential Oil - 1/3 oz, Dong Quai, Feverfew, Geranium, Jasmine Flower, Juniper Berry, Manjistha, Red Clover, Witch Hazel
ANALGESICPain reliever, reduces pain without eliminating sensation. Also known as anodyne.Arjuna, Calendula, Marigold, Dong Quai, Feverfew, Jasmine Flower, Juniper Berry, Kapha Massage Oil, Manjistha
BLOOD-MOVERBlood movers improve circulation through these mechanisms: Cardiac stimulation (usually pungents), vasodilation (usually aromatics), or blood thinning (usually bitters).Amalaki, Arjuna, Brahmi - Gotu Kola, Chandanadi Taila, Dandelion Root, Pitta Massage Oil, Rose Hips, Witch Hazel
REFRIGERANTAn herb or substance that strongly cools the body. Can be helpful in cases of heat conditions.Amalaki, Calendula, Marigold, Dandelion Root, Encourage a Sweat / Sweat Therapy, Manjistha, Patola, Red Clover, Triphala
DETOXICANTAn herb that decongests or dislodges toxins from the body and the lymphatic, transforming or altering fluids to a more healthy state.Amalaki, Bhringaraj, Comfrey Root, Geranium, Jasmine Flower, Manjistha, Rose Hips, Witch Hazel
HEMOSTATICAn herb that stops bleeding.Arjuna, Bhringaraj, Calendula, Marigold, Dandelion Root, Dong Quai, Manjistha, Patola, Rose Hips
HYPOLIPIDEMICScrapes fats / cleanses blood vessels by 1) purging bile, 2) strengthening the liver's ability to metabolize fats, 3) by increasing uptake of cholesterol in the liver, and 4) by inhibiting fat cells.Bhringaraj, Calendula, Marigold, Comfrey Root, Dandelion Root, Juniper Berry, Mahamaricyadi Taila, Rose Hips, Skullcap, Baical
ANTIMICROBIALAn agent that kills microorganisms or inhibits their growth. Antimicrobial is an umbrella term that can be broken down into specific categories of target microorganism, such as anti-bacterials, fungals, and virals.Amalaki, Comfrey Root, Pitta Massage Oil, Red Clover, Vata Massage Oil
NUTRITIVEAn herb that is strengthening and nourishing.Bhringaraj, Brahmi - Gotu Kola, Calendula, Marigold, Dandelion Root, Rose Hips
CHOLAGOGUECholagogues stimulate the production & release of bile from the liver & gallbladder. This refreshes and cleanses these organs, as well as increases bile in the small intestines.Kapha Shirodhara Oil, Rose Hips, Vata Massage Oil
WATERResembles water (ap) in quality - fluid, sticky, soft, heavy, stable, cool.Brahmi - Gotu Kola, Cypress Essential Oil - 1/3 oz, Rose Hips
SATTVICSattvic foods promote awareness and a refreshed mind by nourishing the body without taxing digestion. Sattvic foods do not stimulate desire or nervous energy. They create clarity instead of drowsiness or heaviness.Vata Massage Oil
OJASOjas is the essence of healthy tissue, immunity, stable energy and happiness. Substances that improve ojas are recommended after long-term illness, debility, emotional and physical trauma, and even sadness.Amalaki, Arjuna, Bhringaraj, Brahmi - Gotu Kola, Bringrajasava- Hair Tonic, Calendula, Marigold, Chandanadi Taila, Comfrey Root, Dandelion Root, Jasmine Flower, Manjistha, Red Clover, Rose Hips, Skullcap, Baical, Witch Hazel
COLDCold refers to anything that reduces body temperature, metabolism, and blood flow.Dong Quai, Geranium, Juniper Berry, Kapha Massage Oil, Kapha Shirodhara Oil, Mahamaricyadi Taila, Patola, Vata Massage Oil
HOTHot is identified by increased body temperature, metabolism, or inflammation.Bhringaraj, Cypress Essential Oil - 1/3 oz, Dong Quai, Juniper Berry, Manjistha, Red Clover, Triphala, Witch Hazel
CLEARClear refers to anything that cleanses or flushes out wastes, or that digests ama.Arjuna, Calendula, Marigold, Jasmine Flower, Manjistha, Patola, Topical astringent, Triphala, Witch Hazel
DRYDry is identified by lack of moisture, lack of fat, or anything that causes diuresis.Dong Quai, Kapha Massage Oil, Kapha Shirodhara Oil, Shea Butter, Vata Massage Oil
OILYIn Ayurveda, oily refers to anything moistening. More specifically, oily refers to building substances that increases fat, or are themselves fatty. For example, sugar is Oily.Arjuna, Bhringaraj, Jasmine Flower, Patola, Triphala
LIGHTLightness is identified by reduced weight.Calendula, Marigold, Dandelion Root, Rose Hips
LIQUEFIEDSubstances that thin fluids (lower viscosity of blood plasma). These may include blood thinners or mucolytic herbs.Cypress Essential Oil - 1/3 oz, Kapha Massage Oil
MOBILEMobile refers to anything that stimulates the nervous system, muscles, or activity.Cypress Essential Oil - 1/3 oz, Shea Butter
HEAVYHeavy is identified by sedation, sluggishness, or increased weight.Amalaki
EASYEasy refers to anything easy to digest, or digests quickly.Comfrey Root
GOOEYGooey is identified by anything gelatinous (such as oatmeal), or by mucus congestion.Arjuna, Bhringaraj, Brahmi - Gotu Kola, Bringrajasava- Hair Tonic, Calendula, Marigold, Comfrey Root, Dandelion Root, Dong Quai, Geranium, Jasmine Flower, Juniper Berry, Kapha Shirodhara Oil, Manjistha, Patola, Skullcap, Baical
BITTERBitter is disagreeable and stimulates rejection. It is a strong taste often associated with black coffee, dark chocolate, and most salad greens.Amalaki, Arjuna, Brahmi - Gotu Kola, Calendula, Marigold, Chandanadi Taila, Comfrey Root, Geranium, Jasmine Flower, Manjistha, Red Clover, Rose Hips, Topical astringent, Triphala, Witch Hazel
ASTRINGENTAstringency is characterized by constriction, drawing together, or drying.Arjuna, Bhringaraj, Bringrajasava- Hair Tonic, Calendula, Marigold, Dong Quai, Geranium, Jasmine Flower, Juniper Berry, Kapha Massage Oil, Kapha Shirodhara Oil, Mahamaricyadi Taila, Patola
PUNGENTPungency is characterized by irritation, or sharp, spicy foods that irritate the mouth such as black pepper.Bhringaraj, Brahmi - Gotu Kola, Comfrey Root, Dandelion Root, Dong Quai, Geranium, Jasmine Flower, Kapha Shirodhara Oil, Manjistha, Red Clover, Rose Hips, Shea Butter
SWEETSweet refers to anything builds tissue, including macronutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins and fats.Bringrajasava- Hair Tonic, Cypress Essential Oil - 1/3 oz, Dong Quai, Jasmine Flower, Juniper Berry, Kapha Shirodhara Oil, Witch Hazel
AROMATICHerbs or spices with volatile essential oils that present strong aromas. Aromatic oils shock, refresh and numb tissue, with the end result of relaxing, opening and clearing stagnant fluids in tissues.Dong Quai, Juniper Berry
ACRIDAcrid taste is a combination of bitter and pungent tastes. Example include radish, turnip, and coffee.Red Clover
BLANDBland means doesn't have much taste. In Chinese medicine, bland taste refers to afood without little macronutrients, such as cabbage, radish or bok choy.Cypress Essential Oil - 1/3 oz
MUSKYHave an earthy smell to them, such as mushrooms.Juniper Berry
RESINOUSResinous substances often contain sap in them, such as rosemary, or herbs such as cedar, frankincense, and guggulu.Liver GallbladderAmalaki, Bhringaraj, Brahmi - Gotu Kola, Dandelion Root, Dong Quai, Jasmine Flower, Manjistha, Patola, Rose Hips, Skullcap, BaicalMind Stress SleepBhringaraj, Brahmi - Gotu Kola, Chandanadi Taila, Jasmine Flower, Kapha Shirodhara Oil, Rose Hips, Vata Massage OilAmalaki, Brahmi - Gotu Kola, Bringrajasava- Hair Tonic, Dong Quai, Shea Butter, Vata Massage Oil
ANTI-AGINGGeriatric conditions typically involve low agni / metabolism, poor circulation, weakness & debility, muscle weakening, poor digestion, a drop in sex hormones, and connective tissue degradation in bones & skin.HERB ACTIONS AFFECTING SKIN-CAREHELPFUL FOR*'Skin-care' may be helpful for these symptoms and causes below.SkinReproductive HealthAbout the Author John Immel, the founder of Joyful Belly, teaches people how to have a healthy diet and lifestyle with Ayurveda biocharacteristics. His approach to Ayurveda is clinical, yet exudes an ease which many find enjoyable and insightful. John also directs Joyful Belly's School of Ayurveda, offering professional clinical training in Ayurveda for over 15 years.John's interest in Ayurveda and specialization in digestive tract pathology was inspired by a complex digestive disorder acquired from years of international travel, as well as public service work in South Asia. John's commitment to the detailed study of digestive disorders reflects his zeal to get down to the roots of the problem. His hope and belief in the capacity of each & every client to improve their quality of life is nothing short of a personal passion. John's creativity in the kitchen and delight in cooking for others comes from his family oriented upbringing. In addition to his certification in Ayurveda, John holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Harvard University. John enjoys sharing Ayurveda within the context of his Catholic roots, and finds Ayurveda gives him an opportunity to participate in the healing mission of the Church. Jesus expressed God's love by feeding and healing the sick. That kindness is the fundamental ministry of Ayurveda as well. Outside of work, John enjoys spending time with his wife and 6 kids, and pursuing his love of theology, philosophy, and language. |
Get Ayurveda's approach to food cravings & emotional eating for balanced weight and health.