Ayurveda has a text called Pushpa ayurveda. It talks about treating all kinds of diseases with just flowers of different herbs. Ayurveda is empathetic not just towards humans but also all beings in our environment. Collecting flowers and fruits from a plant is a very humane way of treating these wonderfully sentient beings. Flowers and fruits can be freely collected, unlike roots. For picking a plant's root, the plant needs to be harvested in its entirety.
Ayurveda believes everything you put on your skin is food for the skin. It has deep systemic and local effects.
Flowers are loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. When ingested and used in cosmetics, the bright colors of fruits and flowers are natural pigments that can impart substantial health benefits. But these prized chemicals are susceptible to heat and oxidation. Stomach acids would destroy most of these delicate components. The best way to employ them is to extract them and apply them on skin skilfully. Let it work its magic.
Fruits and flowers also have volatile essential oils. These essential oils are fragrant to attract bees and butterflies to pollinate them. These essential oils protect tender flowers from sun damage and act as antioxidants. They are also excellent antimicrobials and prevent them from fungal and bacterial infestations. Essential oils are sensitive to heat and quickly degrade or sublimate.
Using them in cosmetics is an excellent way to preserve their delicate structures. Apart from giving good perfume, they can be employed as preservatives and also for their health benefit itself.
Apart from being rich in vitamins, minerals, and other antioxidants, fruits have a low pH. Skin loves to consume nutrient-rich juices. The low pH evens out the skin tone, increases blood flow, prevents harmful microbial growth, and keeps the pores cleansed. They also lightened the skin tone by their antioxidant action and increased cell turnover. They are powerful anti-aging agents. Since times immemorial fresh fruit juices have helped people improve their skin. Modern research confirms this.
Queens and princesses across the globe have reaped the cosmetic benefits of flowers and fruits. Neroli's fragrance enchanted Anne Maria de La Tremoille of Nerola. So much so that the plant itself is known after her. Saffron, rose, and jasmine has been an integral part of all princesses in the Indian history of cosmetics. At the same time, lemons are something all of us have used at least once in our lives. Marigolds, since their introduction to India by the Portuguese, have been used for their antimicrobial properties.
Lotus Pistils and Stamens (Kesar of Lotus) are frequently used in Ayurveda to correct the complexion. Hibiscus petals are a common household fix for hair troubles.
Modern technology is bringing these benefits to you. You can get these beautifully packed in ready-to-use jars. Take a whiff of their heavenly fragrance and indulge.
Also See: Skin Care Tips
With inputs from Dr Zeel Gandhi, formulator at Vedix.
