How Manjishtha found its way into the best skincare products ?
Manjistha or Manjeeth or Lohitalata or Indian madder is a powerful Indian Ayurvedic herb with historical usage in medicine and skincare. It has found its way as a beauty aid into a few skincare & haircare products that dot your Instagram feed.
When we, at VILASA, initiated our research, going through ancient texts will tell you that Charaka, the physician, classified it as a varnya (meaning it improves complexion), a jvarahara (meaning it reduces fever) and visaghna (meaning it helps detoxify the body). Sushruta, the famed Ayurvedic surgeon and sage, advocated its use as a rasayana for balancing the pitta dosha of the body. Traditional Chinese medicine, too, recognized its amazing powers.
Interestingly, this herb was also used as a natural dye. The evidence of its use as a colouring agent was seen across the globe in ancient times, including Tutankhamen’s tomb in Egypt.
So what is so amazing about Manjishtha that it was, and still is, a trusted ingredient for skincare ? What are the magical properties of this powerful ingredient that helped us include it in our frontline skincare indulgence product in VILASA ?
Referred to as a miracle herb, manjishtha as an ingredient is scientifically tested to have ’raktashodhak’ properties which help in treatment of acne related skin issues. It’s natural saponin content, help remove impurities from the skin and enhance skin texture and complexion. The herb comes studded with a compound called Alizarin which has antibacterial properties. Topical application of Manjistha combats dry skin, rashes, itchiness and inflammation. It lightens scars and marks and flushes toxins out of the body.
Manjistha, a healing agent
A herbaceous climber with long, cylindrical roots and red bark. You will find this herb growing in the hilly regions of the subtropical areas of India. The process of digging out the roots and drying them to use as a rejuvenating aid is almost holistic. The roots of the manjistha plant spread through the soil with ease. This tendency of the roots is mimicked as manjistha spreads through your blood vessels and plasma, accelerating the healing process. It's almost magical how healing plants and herbs almost know what is required of them. The Majistha is considered the best blood-purifying agent in Ayurveda.
So, where skincare is concerned, how can manjistha help you? And how do you include it in your skincare regimen?
Manjistha and its uses in skincare
Conscious skincare is about awareness, not only in your lifestyle choices but also in the products you buy. As such, manjistha is a natural product, bereft of chemicals. It has a powerful impact on the lymphatic system and is the ideal herb for good skin.
Manjistha restores your skin’s natural balance, and nurses your skin back to a radiant glow. Conscious skincare products combine this powerful anti-ageing agent with other equally effective ingredients to target specific skin issues. As it is packed with antioxidants, manjistha reduces wrinkles and fine lines, giving your skin a youthful bloom. Vilasa’s Age Defence Night Cream uses manjistha as a core ingredient to fight blemishes and aid powerful night-time repair.
Manjistha also treats hyper-pigmentation: patches of dark skin surrounded by normal and healthy skin. This happens when your skin produces an excess of melanin. Skincare masks with manjistha rejuvenate the skin, keeping it youthful.
It is about being true to yourself and the product. And to get the perfect product, you need to be in tune with nature. Vilasa, is one such brand, totally in sync with the rhythms of nature. Be a part of this magical journey!