The Ayurveda passages and texts involve some helpful medicinal and herbal remedies that help protecting the body and curing from ailments like psoriasis, eczema, among others. Because the skin is the largest part or organ of the body, it is important that one nurtures it so that it becomes always healthy.
The structure of the skin is essential in understanding how to maintain its radiance and health. Part of the structure of the skin that we need to focus on is the multiple layers that comprise the skin. The skin is actually composed of different layers of epithelial tissues which is also composed of two distinctive layers. The first is the Epidermis which lies on the topmost layer of the skin. This upper layer contains mostly dead cells, and this is still part of the Epidermis section. The dead cells are replenished on a regular basis and are being replaced by new cells that are produced on the lower layer or part of the Epidermis. This is commonly known as the basal layer.
The other section of the skin is the dermis. This section or layers lies just beneath the epidermis area. It is composed of multiple networks of collagen fibers. These fibers have a role of bringing the elasticity feature of the skin. The dermis also includes the sebaceous glands that are related to the follicles. This section also has the sweat glands and the sebaceous gland becomes more active during puberty which then allows it to produce the oil-like substance which is known as sebum.
Based from Ayurveda acharya Sushruta, the skin has seven different layers. The layers are affected when there are imbalances in the doshas which are actually vital energetic forces in the body. The effect may result to skin diseases.
Because of this, different herbs such as tulsi, neem, saffron, turmeric, sandal wood, amla among many other help in keeping the skin healthy and disease free. There several benefits that these herbs provide. For tulsi, it is a very effective herb for curing skin rashes, insect bites and skin itching. The leaves of the tulsi plant could help in curing infections caused by ring worm and lucoderma. The mixture of the leaves of the aforementioned plant can also help in reducing acne, scars, and occasional pimples.
The benefit of the neem is also clearly notable. Mostly, the neem could help in curing because of its antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. The blood purifying property of the neem could also be connected to the Ayurveda principle wherein the neem tames out vitiated kapha and pitta. The overall impact is that it resolves skin problems such as eczema, inflammation and other types of skin infection.
Saffron helps in toning the skin and making it evened out. This is by eliminating or reducing dark pigmentation found on the dermis. Turmeric purifies the blood and gives nourishment to the entire skin. The powder and mixture can be used to help prevent acne breakout as well.
According to Ayurveda acharyas, sandalwood has antimicrobial properties that can help in the overall sanitation of the skin, particularly the prevention of skin ailment caused by germs and other bacteria. Kumkumadi lepam is another herb that helps prevent acne, pimple, and the formation of dark circles around the eyes.
The amla herb can be used as treatment to any burning sensation on the skin. It also helps in the immunity of the skin and in curing any inflammation of the scalp. There are a lot of other benefits brought about by these herbs but the important thing is to maintain a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle to ensure that the skin is healthy as well.
