Neem
(Azadirachta indica)
Neem is also known as Indian Lilac and belongs to the mahogany family. Its fragrant white flowers produce an olive like green, drupe fruit. In India every part of the tree is used.
(Azadirachta indica)
Neem is also known as Indian Lilac and belongs to the mahogany family. Its fragrant white flowers produce an olive like green, drupe fruit. In India every part of the tree is used.
(Coscinium fenestratum)
Venivel is commonly found in Sri Lanka’s lowland wet forests. A woody climber, the plant reaches maturity in around three decades and of the highest quality when knotty in appearance.
Venivel is a much sought-after plant in the use of skin care preparations for its cleansing and rejuvenating properties.
(Phyllanthus Emblica)
Regarded as sacred to Hindus, the Indian gooseberry, known as ‘Amalaki’ in Sanskrit, and ‘Dhatri’ in Ayurveda or ‘nurse’, comes from a graceful ornamental tree. The embolic, is harnessed for its nurturing and rejuvenating properties. It is one of the trinity of fruits used in the Ayurvedic super formula Triphala. Traditionally, decoctions made from pulped leaves are used to clean and soothe skin as well as applied to the skin of new-borns to open pores and allows sunlight in
In Sanskrit Turmeric is called Kanchani to mean Golden Goddess. The preservative qualities of turmeric have been deemed more precious than gold and its use in Ayurveda has been perennial, stretching for thousands of years. In India, it was used traditionally for millennia for skin enhancement. According to folklore use of turmeric dates back 10,000 years in India during the time Lord Rama walked upon the earth. Curcumin, the active compound, has antioxidant and skin rejuvenating properties.
‘Rusty Acacia’ and red wood as it is commonly known is native to the Indian subcontinent and has a long history of traditional use. Acacia, which is extracted from the pulp of the bark, is used to cleanse, soothe and enhance the skin. Bathing in water boiled with the herb was traditionally practised by women after childbirth as a means of rejuvenation. The use of wild Acacia has been clinically proven to reduce wrinkles and improve appearance.
The taste of ginger is pungent and hot. The properties of ginger were discovered around 2000 years ago and is one of the most revered plants in Ayurveda. Ginger has occupied an important place as a spice and delicacy. It has long been recognized and used in Ayurvedic preparations.
(Adenanthera pavonina)
Coral Tree is also commonly referred to as Acacia Coral or Arbre À Église. Flavonoids, saponins and alkaloids extracted from the seeds are used as Ayurvedic ingredients for enhancing skin. The seed of the Coral Tree has been rooted in many aspects of society. A symbol of love in China, adornment for jewellery in Asia and the Middle East, and a unit of fine measure for the weighing of gold throughout recorded history.
(Acorus calamus)
Sweet Myrtle or Acorus Calamus is a type of wild turmeric that has long been revered Ayurveda. This strongly aromatic, semi-aquatic herb with a ginger-like stem stimulates the body to enliven the skin. In India it is customary to adorn the tiny wrists of new-borns with bracelets made from the root of calamus.
(Moringa olifeira)
Generally referred to as drumstick tree, Moringa is native to the southern foothills of the Himalayas. Moringa oil is considered to be the most stable essential oil in nature and used in Ayurveda skincare for thousands of years both in India and Egypt. Moringa is among the most desirable oils in the formulation of skin care products and cosmetics because of its antioxidant and skin rejuvenating properties. Hailed as the ‘Ultimate Superfood’ because of its potent nutritional value, the leaf alone contains 90 nutrients and 46 antioxidants.
(Cassia fistula)
Also known as Indian laburnum or golden rain. This tree flowers in summer and is known as ‘Esala’ in Sri Lanka in reference to the month of July. Its bright yellow flowers are characteristic of warmth, sunshine and happiness. The flower imbues a sense of calm when consumed as a cooling tea. The raw flower is used in ayurvedic skin care preparations because of its antioxidant properties.
(Terminalia bellirica)
Also known as “Bahera” or Beach Almond, it is one of the trinity of fruits used in the Ayurvedic super formula Triphala. The fruits which are used in this preparation can only be produced by Bibithaki trees over 200 years old. The fruits are harvested in the summer months by the light of the full moon, as it absorbs the cooling qualities of the moon energy in this way. When applied, it cools, cleanses and rejuvenates the skin. It is also used in the prevention of premature grey hair.
(Cera alba)
Beeswax is created by worker bees to store honey and pollen for their hive. Beeswax helps maintain moisture content and contains Vitamin A which protect and soothe skin. Beeswax absolute is used as a fragrance in soaps and perfumes.
(Allium sativum)
Garlic belongs to the family of Liliaceae and originated in Central Asia before it was introduced to the Mediterranean. Garlic has the distinction to recognised throughout history and the world for its potency and palatability. The herb, with 62 varieties worldwide, has played a rich and diverse role in science and mythology. It hydrates the deeper subcutaneous tissues of the body.
(Nigella sativa)
Black cumin seeds are described as ‘Seed of blessing’. These magical seeds have been revered universally in all traditions. There are over one hundred different chemical constituents, including abundant sources of all the essential fatty acids contained in these little seeds. Since time immemorial, the the antiaging property of the oil of Nigella seeds has been used for to enhance and moisturise the skin.
(Acronychia pedunculata)
It is common In India and Sri Lanka to find this tree in gardens of households where there were children. Traditionally used to wash and cleanse the skin. In China the aromatic essential oil of the leaves is used in perfume-making.
(Centella asiatica)
Centella asiatica is an essential herb that is extensively used in the orient and is becoming popular in the West. Centella contains anitoxidant chemical compounds beneficial to skin. Centella also can increase collagen production in the skin, which is important in maintaining a healthy skin. Centella improves moisture retention in the skin which can induce skin soothing effect.