Ayurvedic Herbs for Skin Health

Rubia cordifolia L. · Manjistha, Manjishtha, Samanga, Bhandiri, Yojanavalli, Vikasa · Part used: Root and stem (dried root and root-stock — the primary part specified in classical texts and used in essentially all clinical, animal, and cosmetic research). API (Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India) specifies the dried root and stem as the official part. Manjistha belongs to the same genus (Rubia) as European Madder (Rubia tinctorum), a botanically related but chemically distinct species with an independently documented safety profile discussed below.

Azadirachta indica A. Juss. · Nimba (निम्ब) · Part used: Leaf: most widely studied and commercially used part; used fresh, dried, and as extractA concentrated preparation made by pulling the active compounds out of a raw herb, usually using water, alcohol, or another solvent — generally stronger, dose-for-dose, than the raw plant material.. Bark (Tvak): used in classical Ayurvedic decoctions for fever and skin conditions. Seed kernel: source of neem oil and azadirachtin; primary use in agriculture and topicalApplied directly to the skin or a specific body surface, rather than taken internally. preparations; NOT used internally in standard doses due to toxicity concerns. Seed oil (expressed): topical use exclusively — internal use is toxic. Root bark: used in classical texts for worm infestations and gum disease; less commercially available. Flower: used in South Indian cuisine and traditional medicine; mild bitter tonicA substance traditionally used to gently strengthen and support the body over time, rather than treating one specific symptom quickly.. Fruit (Nimba phala): used in classical formulations; bitter, purgative at high doses. Twig (Dantakashtha): used as tooth-cleaning stick — one of the oldest dental hygiene tools in recorded history, mentioned in Charaka SamhitaA classical compiled text in Ayurveda, such as Charaka Samhita or Sushruta Samhita, containing foundational medical knowledge..

Ficus religiosa L. · Ashvattha (अश्वत्थ) · Part used: Bark (Tvak): most studied and most used medicinal part; used in decoctions for skin, metabolic, and respiratory conditions. Leaf: used fresh as poultice and in decoctions; studied for antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory effects. Fruit: mild laxative; studied for antioxidantA substance that neutralises free radicals — unstable molecules that can damage cells and DNA when they accumulate. activity. Latex: topical use for warts and skin conditions; caustic at high concentrations. Root bark: used in classical texts for gum disease and wound healing. Tender shoots: used traditionally for diarrhea management. Seed: used in some classical preparations; limited modern pharmacological data.

Terminalia chebula Retz. · Haritaki, Abhaya (fearless — meaning without disease), Pathya (suitable for all paths of treatment), Kayastha (living in the body), Amrita (immortal nectar), Vijaya (victorious), Chetaki · Part used: Fruit (dried ripe fruit — primary part used in all clinical studies and classical preparations). Specifically, the pericarp (fruit wall) is the pharmacologically active part. Seed (removed in most pharmaceutical preparations; the nut inside is rarely used medicinally). API (Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India) Part I Volume II specifies the dried ripe fruit as the official part for Haritaki.