Skin-tonic (Varnya, kantivardhaka) Foods & Herbs List: An Ayurveda Perspective
Skin-tonic Recipes Skin-tonic Ingredients Skin-tonic Herbs & Supplements AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE ON SKIN-TONICAn herb that strengthens and nourishes skin, improving tone, color, moisture and complexion.OTHER HERB ACTIONS AFFECTING SKIN-CAREINGREDIENTS WITH SKIN-TONIC QUALITY
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Almonds, Avocado, Banana, Beets, Carrot, Coconut Oil, Cucumber, Eggs, Pomegranate, Saffron, Sesame Oil, Sesame Seeds, Tahini, Tofu
NUTRITIVEAn herb that is strengthening and nourishing.Aloe Vera Gel, Aloe Vera Juice, Beets, Chamomile, Coconut Oil, Cucumber, Hibiscus, Pomegranate, 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, Beets, Carrot, Pomegranate, 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.Almonds, Carrot, Coconut Oil, Eggs, Sesame Oil, Sesame Seeds, Tahini
TONICA tonic herb restores function through strengthening tissue. This can happen through a combination of nourishing the tissue, and invigorating tissue metabolism. The tonic should not be withering, as in caffeine.Carrot, Cucumber, Hibiscus, Saffron, Tofu
DIURETICHerbs that promote urine formation, thereby flushing the kidneys and urinary tract while eliminating any excess water retention. As diuretics reduce water retention, they are often used to reduce blood pressure.Aloe Vera Gel, Aloe Vera Juice, Chamomile, Turmeric, Turmeric Root (Fresh)
VULNERARYAn herb used for the treatment of wounds (antiulcer, connective tissue tonic).Chamomile, Turmeric, Turmeric Root (Fresh)
ANALGESICRelieves or reduces feelings of pain without eliminating sensation. Aka anodyne.Chamomile, Saffron
NERVINEHerbs that specifically go to the nervous system and brain. They can help with stress, memory, early alzheimer's, even chronic pain.Chamomile, Saffron
SEDATIVESedative herbs create a sense of calm in the mind and body by specifically calming or quieting the nervous system. Excellent for anxiety, stress and chronic pain.Hibiscus
HEMOSTATICAn herb that stops bleeding.Almonds, Aloe Vera Gel, Aloe Vera Juice, Avocado, Carrot, Coconut Oil, Cucumber, Hibiscus, Pomegranate, Strawberries, Tofu
COLDCold refers to anything that reduces body temperature, metabolism, and blood flow.Aloe Vera Gel, Aloe Vera Juice, Avocado, Beets, Chamomile, Cucumber, Hibiscus, Saffron, Turmeric, Turmeric Root (Fresh)
LIQUEFIEDSubstances that thin fluids (lower viscosity of blood plasma). These may include blood thinners or mucolytic herbs.Beets, Chamomile, Eggs, Sesame Oil, Sesame Seeds, Tahini, Turmeric, Turmeric Root (Fresh)
HOTHot is identified by increased body temperature, metabolism, or inflammation.Aloe Vera Gel, Aloe Vera Juice, Beets, Chamomile, Cucumber, 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, Chamomile, Saffron, Strawberries, Turmeric, Turmeric Root (Fresh)
LIGHTLightness is identified by reduced weight.Almonds, Avocado, Banana, Eggs, Sesame Seeds, Tahini, Tofu
HEAVYHeavy is identified by sedation, sluggishness, or increased weight.Almonds, Avocado, Coconut Oil, Eggs, Sesame Oil, Sesame Seeds, Tahini
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.Avocado, Banana, Carrot, Coconut Oil, Pomegranate, Strawberries
EASYEasy refers to anything easy to digest, or digests quickly.Aloe Vera Gel, Aloe Vera Juice, Saffron, Turmeric, Turmeric Root (Fresh)
MOBILEMobile refers to anything that stimulates the nervous system, muscles, or activity.Saffron, Tofu, Turmeric, Turmeric Root (Fresh)
DRYDry is identified by lack of moisture, lack of fat, or anything that causes diuresis.Avocado, Banana, Eggs
GOOEYGooey is identified by anything gelatinous (such as oatmeal), or by mucus congestion.Almonds, Avocado, Banana, Beets, Carrot, Coconut Oil, Eggs, Pomegranate, Sesame Oil, Sesame Seeds, Strawberries, Tahini
SWEETSweet refers to anything builds tissue, including macronutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins and fats.Aloe Vera Gel, Aloe Vera Juice, Beets, Hibiscus, Pomegranate, Saffron, Strawberries, Tofu
ASTRINGENTAstringency is characterized by constriction, drawing together, or drying.Aloe Vera Gel, Aloe Vera Juice, Beets, Chamomile, Cucumber, 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.Chamomile, 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.Chamomile, 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.Almonds, Sesame Seeds
CRUNCHYMakes an audible noise when you eat them. Can provide fun texture variation.Aloe Vera Gel, Aloe Vera Juice, Avocado, Banana, Carrot, Coconut Oil, Cucumber, Hibiscus, Saffron, Sesame Oil, Strawberries, Tofu, Turmeric, Turmeric Root (Fresh)
SKIN-CAREIncludes skin care, and anything that nourishes epithelial membranes (of digestive, respiratory, urinary tract, blood vessels, etc).HERBS & SUPPLEMENTS WITH SKIN-TONIC QUALITY
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Reduces Almond Oil, Bhringaraj, Bhringaraj Oil (4 fl oz), Brahmi Ghee (9oz), Brahmi Oil (4oz), Kudzu root, Lotus, Plantain Leaf, Shea ButterAlmond Oil, Amalaki, Arjuna, Bhringaraj, Bhumyamalaki, Brahmi - Gotu Kola, Calendula, Marigold, Comfrey Root, Evening Primrose Oil, Geranium, Horsetail, Manjistha, Neem Oil (4 fl oz), Pitta Massage Oil, Plantain Leaf, Red Clover
ANTI-INFLAMMATORYReduces inflammation in the body. Different herbs and carriers target different body systems.Arjuna, Bhringaraj, Brahmi Ghee (9oz), Brahmi - Gotu Kola, Calendula, Marigold, Comfrey Root, Geranium, Geranium, Wild, Horsetail, Manjistha, Plantain Leaf, Red Clover, Triphala
VULNERARYAn herb used for the treatment of wounds (antiulcer, connective tissue tonic).Amalaki, Anantamul, Arjuna, Bhumyamalaki, Brahmi Ghee (9oz), Brahmi - Gotu Kola, Calendula, Marigold, Gokshura, 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.Anantamul, Arjuna, Bhringaraj, Bhumyamalaki, Geranium, Geranium, Wild, Gokshura, Horsetail, Manjistha, Red Clover, Triphala
DIURETICHerbs that promote urine formation, thereby flushing the kidneys and urinary tract while eliminating any excess water retention. As diuretics reduce water retention, they are often used to reduce blood pressure.Massage OilsAlmond Oil, Bhringaraj Oil (4 fl oz), Brahmi Oil (4oz), Kapha Massage Oil, Kapha Shirodhara Oil, Neem Oil (4 fl oz), Shea Butter, Vata Massage Oil, Vata Shirodhara OilBhringaraj, Bhringaraj Oil (4 fl oz), Brahmi Ghee (9oz), Brahmi - Gotu Kola, Brahmi Oil (4oz), Gokshura, Kapha Shirodhara Oil, Vata Massage Oil, Vata Shirodhara Oil
NERVINEHerbs that specifically go to the nervous system and brain. They can help with stress, memory, early alzheimer's, even chronic pain.Almond Oil, Amalaki, Anantamul, Bhringaraj, Gokshura, Kapha Shirodhara Oil, Kudzu root, Vata Massage Oil, Vata Shirodhara Oil
TONICA tonic herb restores function through strengthening tissue. This can happen through a combination of nourishing the tissue, and invigorating tissue metabolism. The tonic should not be withering, as in caffeine.Amalaki, Bhringaraj, Comfrey Root, Geranium, Geranium, Wild, Horsetail, Lotus, Manjistha, Plantain Leaf
HEMOSTATICAn herb that stops bleeding.Bhringaraj, Comfrey Root, Geranium, Geranium, Wild, Gokshura, Horsetail, Manjistha, Red Clover, Vata Shirodhara Oil
ANALGESICRelieves or reduces feelings of pain without eliminating sensation. Aka anodyne.Almond Oil, Amalaki, Comfrey Root, Gokshura, Pitta Massage Oil, Red Clover, Vata Massage Oil, Vata Shirodhara Oil
NUTRITIVEAn herb that is strengthening and nourishing.Bhringaraj, Bhringaraj Oil (4 fl oz), Brahmi Oil (4oz), Geranium, Wild, Gokshura, Kapha Shirodhara Oil, Lotus, Vata Massage Oil
SEDATIVESedative herbs create a sense of calm in the mind and body by specifically calming or quieting the nervous system. Excellent for anxiety, stress and chronic pain.Almond Oil, Amalaki, Anantamul, Arjuna, Bhringaraj, Bhumyamalaki, Brahmi Ghee (9oz), Brahmi - Gotu Kola, Brahmi Oil (4oz), Calendula, Marigold, Comfrey Root, Gokshura, Horsetail, Lotus, Manjistha, Neem Oil (4 fl oz), Plantain Leaf, Red Clover
COLDCold refers to anything that reduces body temperature, metabolism, and blood flow.Almond Oil, Bhringaraj Oil (4 fl oz), Brahmi Ghee (9oz), Brahmi Oil (4oz), Gokshura, Kapha Massage Oil, Kapha Shirodhara Oil, Kudzu root, Shea Butter, Vata Massage Oil, Vata Shirodhara 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, Bhumyamalaki, Calendula, Marigold, Horsetail, Manjistha, Triphala
DRYDry is identified by lack of moisture, lack of fat, or anything that causes diuresis.Almond Oil, Bhringaraj Oil (4 fl oz), Kudzu root, Lotus, Shea Butter, Vata Shirodhara Oil
HEAVYHeavy is identified by sedation, sluggishness, or increased weight.Geranium, Geranium, Wild, Kapha Massage Oil, Kapha Shirodhara Oil, Vata Massage Oil
HOTHot is identified by increased body temperature, metabolism, or inflammation.Bhringaraj, Manjistha, Red Clover, Triphala
CLEARClear refers to anything that cleanses or flushes out wastes, or that digests ama.Comfrey Root, Plantain Leaf, Vata Shirodhara Oil
GOOEYGooey is identified by anything gelatinous (such as oatmeal), or by mucus congestion.Kapha Massage Oil
MOBILEMobile refers to anything that stimulates the nervous system, muscles, or activity.Amalaki
EASYEasy refers to anything easy to digest, or digests quickly.Calendula, Marigold
LIQUEFIEDSubstances that thin fluids (lower viscosity of blood plasma). These may include blood thinners or mucolytic herbs.Almond Oil, Anantamul, Bhringaraj, Brahmi Ghee (9oz), Brahmi - Gotu Kola, Comfrey Root, Geranium, Gokshura, Kapha Shirodhara Oil, Kudzu root, Lotus, Manjistha, Red Clover, Shea Butter, Vata Shirodhara Oil
SWEETSweet refers to anything builds tissue, including macronutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins and fats.Amalaki, Arjuna, Bhumyamalaki, Brahmi - Gotu Kola, Calendula, Marigold, Comfrey Root, Geranium, Geranium, Wild, Horsetail, Lotus, Manjistha, Plantain Leaf, Red Clover, Triphala
ASTRINGENTAstringency is characterized by constriction, drawing together, or drying.Anantamul, Arjuna, Bhringaraj, Bhumyamalaki, Brahmi Ghee (9oz), Brahmi - Gotu Kola, Calendula, Marigold, Comfrey Root, Geranium, Gokshura, Horsetail, Kapha Shirodhara Oil, Manjistha, Plantain Leaf
BITTERBitter is disagreeable and stimulates rejection. It is a strong taste often associated with black coffee, dark chocolate, and most salad greens.Anantamul, Arjuna, Bhringaraj, Calendula, Marigold, Geranium, Kapha Massage Oil, Kapha Shirodhara Oil, Vata Shirodhara Oil
PUNGENTPungency is characterized by irritation, or sharp, spicy foods that irritate the mouth such as black pepper.Geranium, Wild, Kapha Shirodhara Oil
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.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.Plantain Leaf
SALTYSalty refers to anything with salt, or high mineral content.Amalaki, Arjuna, Bhringaraj, Brahmi - Gotu Kola, Calendula, Marigold, 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-CAREIncludes skin care, and anything that nourishes epithelial membranes (of digestive, respiratory, urinary tract, blood vessels, etc).Mind Stress SleepBhringaraj, Bhringaraj Oil (4 fl oz), Brahmi Ghee (9oz), Brahmi - Gotu Kola, Brahmi Oil (4oz), Kapha Shirodhara Oil, Vata Massage Oil, Vata Shirodhara OilAmalaki, Brahmi - Gotu Kola, 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.HELPFUL FOR*'Skin-tonic' may be helpful for these symptoms and causes below.BonesHair loss / BaldingSkinAcne - general, Acne - painful, Bruise, Chronic Peeling Skin, Cracked skin, Dry skin, Eczema, Fragile skin/breaks easily, Inflamed skin, Puffy / swollen skin, Scaly / flaky skin, Scar Easily, Skin Burns, Skin lacks tone, Skin sensitivity to chemicals, Sun damage/burn, Sun sensitivity, Thin skin, Tight / inelastic skin, Wrinkly skinAbout 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. |
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