Experiencing redness, swelling, or rash on the skin? It can be a sign of skin inflammation. It can be overwhelming for some people who are not aware of the condition. However, there is no need to panic. Skin inflammation might be alarming, but it is not something that can't be managed. Ayurveda has some calming and cooling remedies that can help soothe inflamed skin and make it look healthy and plump.
What is inflammation?
Inflammation often occurs when our body's immune system responds to any stimulus or trigger. When the immune system detects such triggers, it tries to neutralize them and defend the body. Foreign elements or triggers can be internal health conditions and physical trauma like infectious microbes, allergens, sun damage, wound, etc. Inflammation can surface in the form of redness, pain, heat, swelling, loss of function, difficulty in breathing, etc.
What is skin inflammation?
Skin inflammation may occur in the form of pain, redness, increased temperature, and swelling. Inflammation is associated with the response of our immune system. The immune response triggers the widening of blood vessels and allows permeability to reach the affected area. If our skin gets involved in such a response, we may experience skin inflammation.
Some potential causes of skin inflammation include:
What does Ayurveda say about inflammation?
In Sanskrit, the term Shoitha refers to inflammation, swelling, or edema, and the herbs and ingredients that have the potential ability to reduce inflammation are known to possess Shothahara properties.
As per Ayurvedic wisdom, multiple external and internal factors trigger skin inflammation. Ayurveda suggests all three doshas are involved in developing skin inflammation. Experts highlight that vitiated Kapha causes swelling, Pitta causes redness and high temperature, while Vata is responsible for pain in the inflamed area.
Therefore, as per Ayurvedic principles, balancing the doshas will help regulate bodily functions and inflammation. In the majority of cases, skin inflammation is associated with an increased Pitta, vitiation of the Rakta Dhatu (blood tissues), and excessive accumulation of Ama (harmful accumulated toxins)
How to deal with inflammation, the Ayurveda way?
Ayurveda suggests that there are many natural ingredients that can help soothe skin inflammation.
Experts recommend making a paste of Gotu Kola with water/ honey and applying it on the affected area for 20 minutes, followed by washing it off with lukewarm water.
READ MORE: Ayurveda on Gotu Kola: Benefits for Skin and Hair
As far as doshas are concerned, ashwagandha has tridoshic properties that can help balance all the doshas and inflammation-related symptoms caused by these doshas when vitiated. Ayurvedic experts recommend using ashwagandha by making a paste and adding honey or aloe vera gel. The paste should be applied to the inflamed area for about 15-20 minutes and washed off gently. You can also try iYURA's Ashwaro Body Oleator - infused with Ashwagandha’s even-toning properties.
Ayurvedic experts recommend using the herb by mixing it with honey or aloe vera gel and applying it to affected areas. After keeping it on for 15- 20 minutes, it must be washed off gently.
A person can take 1 to 2 tsp of guggulu powder with honey or ghee, or apply its paste on the affected areas for 20 minutes to experience the benefits of the herb.
Other anti-inflammatory herbs, oils, and remedies
Apart from the herbs mentioned above, there are several other Ayurveda-approved herbs that can offer anti-inflammatory benefits when applied to the affected area. These include tulsi, neem, sandalwood paste, guduchi, coriander, etc. Essential oils like eucalyptus oil, tea tree oil, and camphor oil can also offer anti-inflammatory benefits.
Similarly, cold compression, applying cool aloe vera gel, etc can also soothe and calm inflamed skin, irritation, and pain.
Dietary additions to fight inflammation
A wholesome and dosha-balancing diet can help achieve a healthy body and mind. Therefore, by adding some Ayurveda-approved herbs and ingredients to our diet, we can reduce skin inflammation. These include turmeric, ginger, tomatoes, olive oil, green leafy vegetables, green Tea, flax seeds, etc.
Some other daily practices that can help reduce skin inflammation include:
Skin inflammation is a condition that can be triggered by multiple reasons. Therefore, in order to treat it, it is significant to understand what is its root cause and address it accordingly. By including the above-mentioned herbs in your daily routine and following Ayurveda approved diet and lifestyle, we can reduce instances of skin inflammation and maintain healthy and glowing skin.
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