Manjistha is known as a magic herb for various skin and health related issues. According to Ayurveda, it has been referred to as a rejuvenative herb, packed with many detoxifying properties.
But before learning more about the importance of manjistha, you need to know the kind of skin you have and how manjistha can benefit your skin type.
Our Ayurvedic Doctor Speaks
“Manjistha is a simple non irritant bark / stem. It has an astringent effect that balances pitta and corrects complexion. When used internally, it purifies the blood and has a positive effect on the liver and rasa dhatu (lymph).”
Dr. Zeel Gandhi, Chief Ayurvedic Doctor, Vedix
Highlights:
What Is Manjistha?
Manjistha or Indian Madder is considered as a magic herb for blood-purification. It’s main purpose is to break down blockages in blood flow and remove stagnant blood.
Manjistha is the stem of the madder plant and is actively employed in various medicinal and Ayurvedic preparations. According to Ayurveda, there are three energies in the body known as- vata, pitta and kapha doshas. These three doshas need to be in sync for an individual to have a healthy body. [1]
Manjistha is known to balance and rectify the pitta dosha. This dosha is usually the root cause of poor digestion, skin disorders, early greying, acidity and poor vision.
Ayurvedic experts say that taking manjistha powder after the bigger meals of the day helps manage diarrhea, because it has appetizing (deepan) and digestive(pachan) qualities. If you consume manjistha on a regular basis, it also lowers blood sugar levels. Manjistha controls the pitta composition, restores and maintains it. It is believed to keep a check on blood pressure levels and check irregular menstruation as well.
Ayurvedic Components of Manjistha
- Taste: bitter, sweet, astringent
- Energy (virya): cooling
- Digestive quality(vipaka): pungent
- Quality (guna): heavy, dry
- Tissue (dhatu): plasma, blood, muscles, bone
- Channel (strotas): circulatory, female reproductive, excretory, bone
Is Manjistha Good For Skin Whitening?
Manjistha is very useful and beneficial for skin whitening. In Ayurvedic texts, it is known as a rejuvenative skin care herb and has been used for ages in skin lightening. It is used to make the complexion even and lighten dark spots.
Ayurvedic texts describe its qualities to be: radiance enhancing (varṇya), blood soothing (rakta prasādaka) and rakta śodhaka (blood purifying). Chemically, manjistha contains glycosides known as manjisthin and purpurine, along with resins, lime salts and colouring agents.
Majistha contains methanolic, which has been reported to show 14.80% mean inhibition of tyrosinase activity, thereby acting as skin whitening agent. Manjistha can be used both externally on skin and internally, for getting a whitened or lighter skin complexion.
Our Ayurvedic Doctor, Dr. Zeel Gandhi says, “Manjistha is a simple non irritant bark / stem. It has an astringent effect that balances pitta and corrects complexion. When used internally, it purifies the blood and has a positive effect on the liver and rasa dhatu (lymph).”
What Are The Uses/Benefits Of Manjistha For Skin?
1. Good For Acne
In Ayurveda, mukhadushika or acne is described under the heading of kshudra rogas. These diseases are called kshudra (minor), as they are of lesser severity. To experience the benefits of manjistha for acne,
- Combine manjistha powder with either honey or rose water. Use this pack at least 2-3 times a week.
- This homemade pack has antioxidant quality and helps in managing your acne and pimples by eliminating acne-causing bacteria.
- You can reduce inflammation and rashes on your skin, caused by acne, with the use of manjistha oil due to its anti-inflammatory property. [2]
2. For Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation is a skin condition in which certain parts of your skin become darker than the rest. The reason behind this is excessive production of melanin, which forms a bundle and gets deposited within your deeper skin tissues. [3] Manjistha is a beneficial solution for this skin disease.
- Mix ¼-½ spoon of manjistha powder with either honey or water and swallow it after two main meals of the day.
- Manjistha acts as an effective blood purifier which helps in the removal of ama or toxins from your body. It balances both pitta and kapha doshas.
3. Manjistha For Vitiligo
Those suffering from vitiligo can use manjistha for a permanent cure. This herb possesses several strong properties that are beneficial in the management of various diseases including vitiligo. It helps to restore the normal skin color and prevents the progress of the condition on the skin.
Vedix Tip: Manjistha infused tea helps in balancing kapha dosha. Kapha dosha if not treated in time leads to various skin problems, weight gain, digestive issues, low immunity, concentration problems and sore breasts during periods.
How to Use Manjistha For Skin Whitening?
Manjistha is highly beneficial for skin. Dr. Zeel shares that one can use manjistha for skin whitening, both internally and externally. It can therefore be used externally with multani mitti face packs, chandan powder, aloe gel, yoghurt etc. Make a thick paste, apply it on your face and leave it for 45 minutes -1 hour for faster results.
If you are using manjistha regularly, you can see transformation in 7 days. Even pigmentation on skin has been visibly reduced after its usage.
To get that extra nourishment and anti aging benefits you can mix oats and honey to your manjistha powder.
This mixture helps soothe sensitivity in skin, inflammation on skin and prevent acne breakouts. To make this paste,
- Take ½ teaspoon of manjistha, 1 tablespoon of rice flour and yogurt or raw milk as required.
- Mix all ingredients together and make a thick paste. Your manjistha face pack is now ready to apply.
Manjistha Dosage & Side Effects
Any herb if taken in excess can be harmful for the body. The same goes for manjistha, excessive consumption of which might cause constipation due to its guru (heaviness) and kashaya (astringent) properties. So, it is advisable to take manjistha with hot water, if you are already suffering from any digestion-related problem. [4]
Pregnant or breastfeeding women, infants or children under 18, should consult their healthcare professional before taking prescription medication including manjistha. Manjistha may temporarily change the color of your urine to orange or brown.
The ideal dosage of Manjistha is
- Manjistha powder - ½ - 1 teaspoon or as recommended by your Ayurvedic doctor.
- Manjistha oil - 2-5 drops or as recommended by your doctor.
1. Manjistha Powder For Skin Problems
A. Take ½ - 1 teaspoon of manjistha powder.
B. Add rose water to it to make a paste.
C. Apply it on the affected area.
D. Wait for 1-2 hours.
E. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
F. Use this remedy 2-3 times a week for effective relief from skin problems such as dermatitis and eczema.
2. Manjistha Oil For Skin Diseases
A. Take 2-5 drops of manjistha oil.
B. Mix it with coconut oil.
C. Apply it on the affected area once or twice a day to get rid of the symptoms of skin disease.
How Long Does It Take For Manjistha To Work?
The amount of time that it takes for manjistha to work depends on the condition and its severity. Various studies have shown that those who had eczema saw a significant improvement in the condition two weeks after using an ointment containing manjistha. Few others saw a 50 percent improvement in just 4 days.
The Last Word
The lymphatic system is responsible for helping our body to get rid of all waste and unwanted and toxic matter. Any disruption in the functioning of the lymphatic system can cause several imbalances in the body leading to a host of health issues. Manjistha consumption rules out the problems that can be caused by a dysfunctional lymphatic system.
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