Discovering the Benefits of Chebula: The Natural Way to Achieve Radiant, Youthful Skin
Using Ayurvedic Eastern items in Western skin care is not new; it dates back hundreds of years. These ingredients have been around for a long time in the face of turmeric face masks, Shatavari beauty balms, and ghee face creams. Recently, an Eastern fruit called Chebula has become popular in Ayurvedic medicine as a food and topical treatment in the beauty market. Terminalia Chebula is also called Chebulic Myrobalan, Birhara, Harada, Haritaki, black or brown Myrobalan, and the "king of medicines."
Chebula has been used in Ayurveda as one of the three fruits in Triphala, a popular mix of herbs that are used to treat a wide range of human issues and diseases, digestive problems for one. The mixture comes in different forms, such as pills, tinctures, powders, and dried berries that are still whole. Gaia Herbs says that haritaki, one of the fruits in Triphala, has been used in Ayurvedic medicine to improve vision, brain function, and longevity. It has also been used as a bowel regulator and gentle laxative.
In the world we live in now, women are always looking for new ways to improve the look and feel of their skin. Even though there are a lot of beauty products on the market, more and more women are turning to natural remedies for better skin health. One of these is Chebula, which is also called haritaki.
What is Chebula?
Chebula is a type of tree found in parts of China, India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. The small, green fruit of this tree, which is also called haritaki, has a hard seed in the middle. It's been utilized in Ayurvedic medicine to treat a wide range of health problems for many centuries. Chebula is a fruit used in traditional Indian medicine due to its many health benefits.
Properties of Chebula
Chebula is a potent natural supplement that has a wealth of advantages for the health of the skin. Its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, and exfoliating qualities make it an effective treatment for a range of skin problems, from acne to early aging.
Let's examine each of these Chebula traits in further detail to learn how they help the skin.
Oxidizing qualities
Antioxidants, including flavonoids, tannins, and phenolic chemicals, which are known to scavenge free radicals in the body, are abundant in chebula. Unstable chemicals called free radicals can lead to oxidative stress, which harms skin cells and accelerates the aging process by causing wrinkles, fine lines, and other signs of aging. Antioxidants found in the fruit can make the skin seem young and healthy by scavenging free radicals and shielding it from oxidative stress.
Inflammatory-reducing qualities
The human body naturally responds to injury or illness with inflammation, but when it persists, it can lead to a variety of skin problems, such as acne, edoema, and redness. Anti-inflammatory substances found in chebula, including chebulinic acid and chebulagic acid, help lessen skin irritation. Furthermore, chebula can enhance the look of the skin and lower the likelihood of developing skin problems by lowering inflammation.
Bacterial resistance
Chebula's strong antibacterial capabilities can aid in the battle against skin-damaging germs. Many skin disorders, such as acne, infections, and other inflammatory illnesses, can be brought on by bacteria. However, chebula includes substances including chebulagic acid and corilagin that can stop germs from growing, keeping the skin clear and healthy.
Abrasive qualities
Dead skin cells are removed from the skin's surface during exfoliation, revealing new, healthy-looking skin. Protease and amylase are examples of natural enzymes found in chebula that can aid in skin exfoliation. Moreover, chebula may help remove dead skin cells, clear clogged pores, and lessen the visibility of wrinkles and fine lines.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C, another ingredient in chebula, is necessary for collagen production. The structural protein collagen is responsible for the firmness and flexibility of the skin. In humans, collagen synthesis decreases with age, resulting in wrinkles and drooping skin. Chebula contains vitamin C and can be used to increase the formation of collagen and promote firm, youthful-looking skin.
Damage repair qualities
UVA and UVB light damage to the skin is one of the most frequent causes of premature aging. Studies have indicated that Chebula can assist in reversing the effects of UV damage on the skin. Chebula extract can reduce the synthesis of MMP-1 and MMP-13, two enzymes that cause the collagen in the skin to break down when exposed to UVB radiation, according to in vitro research. Moreover, Chebula extract has been demonstrated to boost the formation of type I procollagen, which is necessary for preserving the skin's suppleness and firmness. This translates to stronger, younger-looking skin since Chebula stops additional harm from occurring and aids in repairing and restoring the skin's natural collagen levels. According to the research, the ethanol fruit extract from Chebula is an excellent pharmacological agent for preventing sun damage and acts as a strong defense against photodamage.
How to Use Chebula?
Chebula can be used in a number of ways to enhance skin health. Here are a few methods:
- Chebula powder as a face mask: Make a paste by combining 1 teaspoon of Chebula powder with just enough water to make a paste-like consistency. Avoiding the eye region, apply the paste to your face and let it on for 10 to 15 minutes. Next, rinse it off with warm water and massage your skin dry. One use of this mask each week will make your skin look better and feel better.
- Mixing in Other Products: You may also use Chebula with your preferred skincare products. You may add a tiny bit of Chebula to your skin cleanser or moisturizer, for instance. This can increase the efficiency of your skincare products and enhance your skin more.
- As a nutritional supplement: Chebula is also safe for internal consumption. Supplements containing chebula are available as capsules and can be used every day. Chebula supplements can aid in enhancing general health, which can enhance the look of your skin.
Although chebula is a natural medication, yet some people may still face negative side effects from it. Therefore, before using it or any new skincare product or nutritional supplement, it is essential to conduct a patch test and to consult a healthcare professional.
Resources: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8456126/
This link has research on Chebula and aging https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33021480/