ETHNOBOTANICAL APPROACHES TO SKIN HEALTH AND RADIANCE: A SCIENTIFIC AND TRADITIONAL CONFLUENCE
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Keywords
Ethnobotany, Ayurveda, Skin Health, Kumkumadi Tailam, Swarn Bhasm, Herbal Cosmeceuticals, Traditional Knowledge, Radiance, Medicinal Plants, Natural Skincare
Abstract
Ethnobotanical traditions across India and other ancient cultures have long emphasized natural methods for skin health, radiance, and longevity. Drawing from folk traditions and classical Ayurvedic formulations, these approaches have laid the foundation for modern natural skincare science. This paper explores regional and cultural practices used for dermatological well-being, focusing on time-tested ingredients like Swarn Bhasm, Kumkumadi Tailam, and other potent herbs such as Saffron (Crocus sativus), Sandalwood (Santalum album), Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia), Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica), and Lodhra (Symplocos racemosa). Scientific validation, cosmeceutical potential, and integration into global wellness markets are discussed. This study bridges indigenous wisdom and modern skin science, proposing sustainable, safe alternatives to chemical-based dermatological products. Ethnobotany, the study of the relationship between indigenous cultures and plants, plays a critical role in decoding time-tested remedies for skin care, health, and rejuvenation. In India, Ayurvedic medicine intersects profoundly with ethnobotanical practices, giving rise to formulations such as Kumkumadi Tailam, Swarn Bhasma, and a wide variety of botanical preparations used for enhancing skin tone, radiance, and longevity. This paper explores regional beauty traditions, highlights the pharmacognosy of selected herbs, and investigates the integration of traditional compounds into modern cosmeceuticals. It also addresses the need for validation through phytochemical analysis, clinical evaluation, and sustainable sourcing for future global applications.
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