From Marigold To Rose, Skincare Benefits And Home Remedies With Indian Flowers

Skincare products may come in luxurious rose gold tipped bottles and matte finished tubes but at the end of the day, it's what is inside that truly matters. We've heard about kitchen ingredients and scientifically-derived ones being key ingredients in beauty products but flowers? Aren't they only there to lend a pretty look to the coffee table? Flowers can do a whole lot more and in fact, have been doing so for centuries. With roots deep in Ayurveda, many Indian flowers form the framework of beauty practices and skincare remedies. Swirlster spoke to Dr. Shweta Netke, Senior Ayurveda Doctor at Forest Essentials for an in-depth look at Indian flowers and their value in the beauty world.

"Flowers have been mentioned in Ayurveda as long as 5,000 years ago. It states how flowers play an important role to alleviate skin and body concerns, like medicinal plants," says Dr. Netke and continues, "Not only are they the preferred choice to impart colour and fragrance but they are also very rich in vitamins and anti-oxidants."

Marigold

Also referred to by the name calendula, this flower has been an intrinsic part of Indian culture. But it does more than impart its aromatic fragrance during religious functions. "The very dainty flower does more than give you glowing skin. It is also anti-fungal, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory naturally," says the doctor. It is said to heal wounds, reduce varicose veins and even treat ingrown hair.

DIY Marigold Face Mask For Glowing Skin

To a few petals of marigold, add 1 tablespoon of honey and 1 tablespoon of whole milk. Combine to form a paste and apply on the face for 15-20 minutes to increase the skin's radiance.

Rose

Roses are much more than the subject of Shakespearean quotes and gifts to one's lover. "Rose is very hydrating and cooling in nature. It is a great choice to tone your skin," she suggests. In the form of an essential oil, rose is antiviral in nature to treat abrasions and burns. When distilled in water, roses can help lock moisture in the skin, tighten the pores and of course, lend a delightful fragrance.

DIY Rose Water Face Mask For Clear Skin

Mix a few tablespoons of rose water with warm milk, honey and wheat flour in proportion to form a paste. Apply to the skin, leave for an hour and wash off to moisten and soothe the face.

(Also Read: 7 Ways To Pamper Yourself With The Goodness Of Rose)

Lotus

"The sacred Lotus flower isn't only hydrating but also a powerhouse of vitamins. Along with containing vitamins A, B complex and C, it has anti-aging and brightening effects on the face," she says.

DIY Lotus Face Mask For Acne

Finely chop a few lotus leaves and add a pinch of turmeric to it. Add a few drop of water enough to make it a thick paste. Use it as a spot treatment to decrease the inflammation that acne has left on your face.

(Also Read: Hibiscus In Indian Beauty Remedies, From Youthful Skin To Radiant Hair)