Skin-tonic (Varnya, kantivardhaka) - Foods & Herbs List
Browse Recipes AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE ON SKIN-TONICAn herb that strengthens and nourishes skin, improving tone, color, moisture and complexion.INGREDIENTS 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.Almonds, Avocado, Banana, Beets, Carrot, Coconut Oil, Cucumber, Eggs, Pomegranate, Saffron, Sesame Oil, Sesame Seeds, Tahini, 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.Almonds, Avocado, Banana, Beets, Carrot, Coconut Oil, Cucumber, Saffron, Sesame Seeds, 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.Almonds, Avocado, Banana, Beets, Carrot, Eggs, Hibiscus, Pomegranate, Sesame Seeds, Tahini, Tofu, Turmeric Root (Fresh)
EARTHResembles earth (prithvi) in quality - heavy, dense, solid, stable, hard.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.Almonds, Banana, Beets, Carrot, Coconut Oil, Pomegranate, Saffron, Sesame Oil, Sesame Seeds, 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.Almonds, Beets, Carrot, Pomegranate, Saffron, Sesame Oil, Sesame Seeds, Tahini, Turmeric, Turmeric Root (Fresh)
BLOOD-TONICAn herb that produces more blood cells in the body, or otherwise improves blood cell quality or hemoglobin content. Helpful for anemia and other types of deficiency.Aloe Vera Gel, Aloe Vera Juice, Avocado, Banana, Coconut Oil, Cucumber, Pomegranate, Sesame Oil, Strawberries, Tahini
WATERResembles water (ap) in quality - fluid, sticky, soft, heavy, stable, cool.Aloe Vera Gel, Aloe Vera Juice, Beets, Carrot, Cucumber, Pomegranate, 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.Beets, Chamomile, Eggs, Saffron, Sesame Oil, Sesame Seeds, Strawberries, Turmeric, Turmeric Root (Fresh)
FIREResembles fire (tejas) in quality - hot, sharp, penetrating, light, dry.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.Aloe Vera Gel, Aloe Vera Juice, Beets, Carrot, Hibiscus, Pomegranate, 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.Avocado, Beets, Carrot, Coconut Oil, Pomegranate, Saffron, Sesame Oil, Strawberries
LIVOTONICAn herb that strengthens the liver. It is helpful for people with a history of substance abuse, chronic liver issues from hepatitis and hemolytic anemias. Generally, liver tonics are oily, cool, sweet, mildly sour, or contain beta-carotene.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.Aloe Vera Gel, Aloe Vera Juice, Chamomile, Hibiscus, Turmeric, Turmeric Root (Fresh)
VULNERARYAn herb used for the treatment of wounds (antiulcer, connective tissue tonic).Aloe Vera Gel, Aloe Vera Juice, Avocado, Coconut Oil, Eggs, Sesame Oil
EMOLLIENTSoothes & softens the skin. Often a topical demulcent or oil.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.Chamomile, Turmeric, Turmeric Root (Fresh)
ANALGESICPain reliever, reduces pain without eliminating sensation. Also known as anodyne.Chamomile, Saffron
NERVINEBalances the nervous system. They can help with stress, memory, early alzheimer's, and even chronic pain. Often they are aromatic in nature.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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Almond Oil, Amalaki, Arjuna, Bhringaraj, Bhumyamalaki, Brahmi - Gotu Kola, Calendula, Marigold, Chandanadi Taila, Comfrey Root, Evening Primrose Oil, Geranium, Horsetail, Manjistha, Neem Oil (4 fl oz), Pitta Massage Oil, Plantain Leaf, Red Clover, Turmeric, Neem & Oatmeal Body Paste, Vitamin D
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, Sea buckthorn, Triphala, Zinc
VULNERARYAn herb used for the treatment of wounds (antiulcer, connective tissue tonic).Amalaki, Anantamul, Arjuna, Bhumyamalaki, Brahmi Ghee (9oz), Brahmi - Gotu Kola, Calendula, Marigold, Chandanadi Taila, 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.Amalaki, Anantamul, Bhumyamalaki, Calendula, Marigold, Gokshura, Horsetail, Manjistha, Plantain Leaf, 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.Bhringaraj, Calendula, Marigold, Comfrey Root, Geranium, Geranium, Wild, Gokshura, Horsetail, Manjistha, Red Clover, Vata Shirodhara Oil
ANALGESICPain reliever, reduces pain without eliminating sensation. Also known as anodyne.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 OilAlmond Oil, Amalaki, Comfrey Root, Gokshura, Pitta Massage Oil, Red Clover, Sea buckthorn, Vata Massage Oil, Vata Shirodhara Oil
NUTRITIVEAn herb that is strengthening and nourishing.Bhringaraj, Bhringaraj Oil (4 fl oz), Brahmi Ghee (9oz), Brahmi - Gotu Kola, Brahmi Oil (4oz), Gokshura, Kapha Shirodhara Oil, Vata Massage Oil, Vata Shirodhara Oil
NERVINEBalances the nervous system. They can help with stress, memory, early alzheimer's, and even chronic pain. Often they are aromatic in nature.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.Almond Oil, Comfrey Root, Kapha Massage Oil, Pitta Massage Oil, Shea Butter, Turmeric, Neem & Oatmeal Body Paste, Vata Massage Oil, Vata Shirodhara Oil
EMOLLIENTSoothes & softens the skin. Often a topical demulcent or oil.Almond Oil, Anantamul, Gokshura, Horsetail, Kudzu root, Vata Massage Oil, Vata Shirodhara 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, Anantamul, Bhringaraj, Brahmi Ghee (9oz), Brahmi - Gotu Kola, Manjistha, Pitta Massage Oil
BLOOD-TONICAn herb that produces more blood cells in the body, or otherwise improves blood cell quality or hemoglobin content. Helpful for anemia and other types of deficiency.Horsetail, Shea Butter, Vata Massage Oil, Vata Shirodhara Oil
EARTHResembles earth (prithvi) in quality - heavy, dense, solid, stable, hard.Almond Oil, Brahmi Ghee (9oz), Brahmi - Gotu Kola, Brahmi Oil (4oz)
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.Bhringaraj, Bhumyamalaki, Brahmi - Gotu Kola, Calendula, Marigold
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.Bhringaraj, Bhringaraj Oil (4 fl oz), Bhumyamalaki, Kudzu root
LIVOTONICAn herb that strengthens the liver. It is helpful for people with a history of substance abuse, chronic liver issues from hepatitis and hemolytic anemias. Generally, liver tonics are oily, cool, sweet, mildly sour, or contain beta-carotene.Kapha Shirodhara Oil, Vata Massage Oil, Vata Shirodhara Oil
WATERResembles water (ap) in quality - fluid, sticky, soft, heavy, stable, cool.Almond Oil
ALKALIZINGAn herb or food that makes the urine more alkaline (higher pH). This herbal action can be helpful for a number of inflammatory conditions.Kapha Shirodhara Oil
FIREResembles fire (tejas) in quality - hot, sharp, penetrating, light, dry.Almond Oil, Amalaki, Anantamul, Arjuna, Bhringaraj, Bhumyamalaki, Brahmi Ghee (9oz), Brahmi - Gotu Kola, Brahmi Oil (4oz), Calendula, Marigold, Chandanadi Taila, 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.Calendula, Marigold, Gokshura
LIQUEFIEDSubstances that thin fluids (lower viscosity of blood plasma). These may include blood thinners or mucolytic herbs.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.Amalaki, Arjuna, Bhumyamalaki, Brahmi - Gotu Kola, Calendula, Marigold, Chandanadi Taila, Comfrey Root, Geranium, Geranium, Wild, Horsetail, Lotus, Manjistha, Plantain Leaf, Red Clover, Triphala
ASTRINGENTAstringency is characterized by constriction, drawing together, or drying.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.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, 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-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), Chandanadi Taila, 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.OTHER HERB ACTIONS AFFECTING SKIN-CAREHELPFUL FOR*'Skin-tonic' may be helpful for these symptoms and causes below.SkinBones MuscleAbout 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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