Treating Specific Skin Problems

| Discovering Myself in My Dosha |

These recipes were created by: Dr. Pratima Raichur

Acne Vulgaris

Description: very oily skin; large pores; blackheads; large, pussy pimples; deep scars

Imbalance of: pitta or kapha

Aggravated by: overconsumption of sweets, fats, oils, red meat, seafood, coffee, alcohol, tobacco, emotional stress and attachments (inability to let go), inactivity, feelings of possessiveness, depression and purposelessness

Exfoliate skin with Tej herbal powders.

Take steam baths using rosemary or eucalyptus essential oils.

Take weekly detoxifying bath using Epsom salts or ginger + rock salt.

Exercise vigorously for ½ hour, three times a week to achieve sweating.

Apply Tej soothing lotion on pimples and do a pimple mask once or twice a week. Mix ½ tsp. crushed cumin seed + 1 tsp. coriander + few drops water and apply paste over pimples. Leave on for 20-30 minutes, then rinse.

Do soothing weekly facial mask using red sandalwood + neem + lodhra powders.

For stubborn, large cysts, apply piece of warm onion 2-3 times a day to break it, but do not squeeze.

Supplements: Take daily 10,000 units beta carotene, 1,000 mg Vitamin C and 15-20 mg zinc. Increase dietary fiber, including bran, fresh fruit and produce. Drink fresh carrot, beet or apple juice. Drink detoxifying herbal teas of burdock, goldenseal, Echinacea, neem or turmeric. Drink ½ glass warm water every hour. In the morning, take 2 Tbsp. of aloe vera gel.

Acne Rosacea

Description: red rash on nose and cheeks that may be sensitive or burning; excessive oiliness on t-zone; broken capillaries and thickened skin on nose

Imbalance of: pitta

Aggravated by: anger, frustration, disappointment, anxiety, over-ambition, stress, weather, sun, hot spices, sour fruits, fermented foods, tomatoes, seafood, canned or preserved foods, soda, pastries, chocolate, pizza, French fries, sweets, antibiotics and harsh chemicals

Do not use astringents, toners or any harsh substances on the skin. Use only gentle, soothing treatments.

Wash with milk + white sandalwood, manjista and neem herbal powders.

Soak towel in cool herbal tea of comfrey or nettle and apply wet compress to face.

Grind fresh cilantro + mint. Add water to make a paste and apply to face as a mask. Lie down for 10-15 minutes, then rinse off. If condition is very dry, red, or burning, apply soothing lotion of ghee + juices from crushed dried neem leaves, or use neem herbal oil.

Supplements: Take daily 10,000 units beta carotene, 1,000 mg Vitamin C, 15-20 mg zinc, 400 units Vitamin E and daily recommended dosage of B-complex. Drink a glass of water every hour. In the morning, drink aloe vera juice.

Premature Wrinkles

Imbalance of: vata or pitta

Aggravated by: dryness, dehydration, stress, sun, wind, extreme temperatures, excessive exercise, travel, alcohol, coffee, tobacco, sweets, spicy foods, hot or cold water, sudden weight loss, water pills, horomone medications, diabetes, lack of purpose, lack of loving relationships, hereditary factors

Twice weekly, do a facial mask using paste of 1 Tbsp. sandalwood powder + 1 drop camphor oil + 3-4 drops lotus oil + 2 tsp. water. With ring finger, gently massage a few drops of face oil made with sandalwood + rose oil directly under eyes for protection then apply paste to the rest of the face. Cover eyes with wet cotton pads dipped in rosewater and lie down for 10-15 minutes. Cleanse, nourish and moisturize, as usual.

Make decoction of 1 Tbsp. dry geranium in ½ cup water then apply to face using a cotton ball. Do natural face-lift and face exercises.

Supplements: Take recommended daily dosage of Vitamin E and primrose oil capsules. Drink 6-8 glasses of water daily.