Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the sun and outdoor activities, but it can also take a toll on your skin. Exposure to extreme heat, humidity, and environmental pollutants can leave your skin feeling dull, oily, and congested. One way to combat this is by incorporating Ayurvedic foods and herbs into your diet and skin care routine. Ayurveda, an ancient system of medicine in India, emphasizes the importance of a healthy diet and lifestyle in maintaining good health and balance in the body. Certain Ayurvedic foods and herbs are known for their detoxifying properties, can help remove toxins from the skin, leaving it feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. (Also read: Eat fruits and vegetables to lower cholesterol in summer )
Ayurvedic Foods and Herbs to Detox Your Skin:
Dr. Lakshmi Verma K, Ayurvedic physician, consultant and consultant at LYEF Kalyan, shares with HT Lifestyle, some of the best Ayurvedic foods and herbs to detox your skin in summer.
1. Turmeric: Turmeric is a powerful herb with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps detoxify the skin by reducing inflammation, improving complexion, and promoting healing of skin tissues. You can consume turmeric in your diet or apply turmeric paste on your skin for rejuvenating effects.
2. Neem: Neem is known for its antibacterial and anti-fungal properties, making it an excellent herb for detoxifying the skin. It helps clear skin, unclog pores and prevent acne breakouts. You can use neem oil or neem powder in your skincare routine to detoxify your skin.
3. Amla (Indian Gooseberry): Amla is a powerhouse of antioxidants and vitamin C, which helps detoxify the skin and boost collagen production. It helps in rejuvenating the skin and gives it a healthy glow. You can consume amla as a juice or powder, or apply amla oil to your skin for maximum benefits.
4. Triphala: Triphala is a combination of three Ayurvedic herbs – Amalaki, Bivitaki and Haritaki. It is known for its detoxifying properties and helps cleanse the digestive system, which in turn promotes healthy skin. Triphala can be consumed in powder or capsule form
5. Coriander/Coriander: Coriander is a popular herb that helps detoxify the skin by flushing out toxins from the body. It has antioxidant properties that help neutralize free radicals and promote clear and healthy skin. You can add coriander to your diet as a garnish or mix coriander leaves with water to make a detox drink.
6. Coconut Water: Coconut water is a natural electrolyte-rich drink that helps hydrate the body and flush out toxins. It is also rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that nourish the skin and promote a healthy complexion. Drinking coconut water regularly helps detoxify your skin from within.
7. Sandalwood: Sandalwood is a popular Ayurvedic herb known for its skin-soothing and detoxifying properties. It helps reduce inflammation, clear skin and improve complexion. You can mix sandalwood powder with water or rose water to make a face pack and apply it on your skin for a refreshing and detoxifying effect.
8. Aloe Vera: Aloe vera is a popular Ayurvedic herb known for its cooling and soothing properties. It helps detoxify the skin by hydrating it and promoting cell regeneration, which helps repair sun-damaged skin and keep it healthy in summer.
Be sure to consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner before incorporating any new herbs or supplements into your routine, especially if you have an underlying health condition or are pregnant or nursing. Also, always do a patch test before applying any herbal remedies to your skin to check for any allergic reactions.