Products  (Face and Body Packs)

       
This section contains the real, no-nonsense Ayurvedic substances which were (and still are) used for cosmetic purposes. Despite what you may read from other sources,there are really very few specialized materials that can be used to promote healthy human skin, hair, or nails. Your glow comes from prana, which is increased through the diet, exercise, and mental state. Most “cosmetics” in Ayurveda come from foods: fruits, vegetables, grains, flowers, and waters. However there are a few very special plant-based products everyone—men and women--should know about.

Multani Mitti (Pure Facial Mud)   4 ounces, $17.00  16 ounces, $34.50


Multani mitti was one of the earliest substances to ever be used as a beauty mask. It consists of a lime-rich clay from the far northwestern region of India to which is added rice bran and milk. Although it is an effective clay for improving the facial complexion, it is also used to draw toxins from the skin of the entire body. Scientifically, it has been shown to be bacteriostatic against gram positive bacteria; it can even be administered internally in cases of poisoning to decrease the absorption of the harmful substance. For a really interesting non-medical use of multani mitti read this short article.   

Because of its high mineral content and moisturizing effect, it helps nourish the skin, nails, and hair. It is reputed to help reduce arthritic pain caused by inflammation. Generally speaking, mud reduces the pain associated with burns, insect, and bee stings (bears roll in the mud when they’re stung) and will draw out heat and excess Pitta dosha through the tvak (skin). Multani Mitti can be used by all three doshas:

How To Use Multani Mitti

For the Vata skin

Take a tablespoon each of plain yogurt, multani mitti powder and besan flour (chick pea flour) and one half teaspoon of ghee. Add sufficient water to make a paste. Mix well together and apply to your face for 15 minutes. When dried, wash off with lukewarm water. This is an ideal mask for dry skin.

Another Vata skin formula

Ingredients: one egg white, a tablespoon of multani mitti powder, a few drops of lavender essential oil and a tablespoon of water. Beat the egg and blend in all the ingredients together. Mix the soaked multani mitti powder in the mixture. Apply this on the face for 15 minutes and wash off with lukewarm water. This is also a good mask for dry or oily skin.

For the Pitta skin

A simple combination of one tablespoon each of multani mitti with besan flour (chick pea flour) and gulabjal (rose water) is effective for treating Pitta skin (and also sunburn!). Add sufficient water to make a paste. Apply to your face for 15 minutes. When dried, wash off with cool water.

Another (incredible) Pitta skin formula

Mix together one tablespoon each of multani mitti, chandan powder (sandalwood powder), gulabjal (rose water), and one teaspoon of honey. Add enough water to form a paste. Apply to your face for 15 minutes. When dried, wash off with cool water.

For the Kapha skin

Combine one tablespoon each of multani mitti, neem powder, unfiltered apple cider, and mung dal flour, a few drops of lemon juice, and one teaspoon of honey. Add enough water to form a paste. Blend well. Apply to your face for 15 minutes. When dried, wash off with lukewarm water.

Another Kapha skin formula

Combine one tablespoon each of multani mitti, arjuna bark powder, triphala powder, and rose water; add a few drops of eucalyptis or clary sage essential oil and sufficient water to form a paste. Apply to your face for 15 minutes. When dried, wash off with lukewarm water.

For total body packs, simply increase the quantities of all ingredients by approximately 5X’s.

Multani Mitti (Pure Facial Mud)   4 ounces, $17.00  16 ounces, $34.50





©1998 Scott Gerson, M.D. All rights reserved. No part of this page may be published in any form by any electronic or mechanical means without permission in writing from the author.