We have all heard about the potency of the Kumkumadi Oil, which is an ancient recipe coming from the Indian subcontinent. It is a golden skin elixir, enriched with saffron and a unique blend of herbs including ashwagandha, ajaksheera and vetiver. A tedious process of 3 days is undertaken at Anahata to manufacture this handcrafted goodness. The Vedas mention 6 variations of kumkumadi oil, and our recipe follows one such variation. It works for all skin types and helps enhance the skin’s health and balance its overall microbiome. It is fantastic for dry skin, reducing pigmentation, improving skin texture, improving microcirculation on the face and bringing a natural glow to the skin. Kumkumadi oil is also excellent for dry skin since its deep hydrating properties nourish the epidermal layers, calm rashes, eczema and irritation on the skin. Enriched with natural astringents and antioxidants, it repairs early signs of ageing, fights free radical damage, reduces pigmentation and renders a healthy glow to the skin. Lets take a deep dive into understanding the benefits of each ingredient used in Anahata’s Kumkumadi Tailam and why you need to start using it, now!
- 23 Magical Ingredients
Saffron: Named after Kumkuma or red saffron in Sanskrit, kumkumadi oil packs the potent benefits of saffron. It has cell regenerative properties that reduce pigmentation, scars and uneven textures on the skin. Included in most royal treatments from India, its abilities to act as a toner and bring a natural glow to the skin are well renowned. We source our saffron from the Kashmir valley, where it is cultivated in its natural habitat.
Vetiver: Known to balance the pH level of the skin, Vetiver is responsible for improving skin elasticity, texture, closing pores and healing scars. Its astringent qualities make it excellent for skin tightening and rebuilding new tissues.
Padmaka: A rare Ayurvedic ingredient that is used to treat skin issues, Padmaka or the Wild Himalayan Cherry Tree balances the Pitta Dosha and reduces dryness on the skin. The bark of the tree is powdered and used to reduce white patches on the face and naturally brighten skin complexion.
Cardamom: Elaichi or cardamom is an Indic ingredient that is packed with anti-oxidants. This fights acne, scarring and free radicals that cause breakouts. It is also excellent to remove blemishes and works well with saffron to achieve an even skin tone.
Yashtimadhu: Yashtimadhu, Mulethi or Liquorice- however you know this ingredient, it is a natural boon. Charaka Samhita, an ancient treatise of medicine mentions 50 mahakashya or group of 10 medicines, one of which is Yashtimadhu. It is a rejuvenating herb that removes pigmentation and is excellent for eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis since its gentle properties soothe the skin.
Basil: Tulsi is a revered plant in Ayurveda with many anti-bacterial and purifying properties. It is a key ingredient for healthy ageing of skin and fighting acne. Its antiseptic properties are excellent to soothe irritation.
Rose: Anahata’s Kumkumadi Oil has Desi Gulab in it, which adds a rich fragrance and provides a royal treatment to the skin. Rose is excellent for regeneration of facial cells, which promotes healthy cell turnover and retextures the skin. Rose is an Ayurvedic essential and will make the skin tighter, smoother and shinier. Anahata sources its roses from the gardens of Assam, where they are grown organically.
Dashamoola: The Sarnagadhara Samhita mentions Dashamoola, which is a medicinal formulation of 10 herbs, that is great to balance Vata dosha. It reduces inflammation, relieves constipation and improves digestion, thus helping clear the skin and reducing acne on affected parts.
Sandalwood: One of the most expensive woods in the world, Chandan is renowned in Ayurveda for its divine properties. Sourced from Tamil Nadu, sandalwood helps achieve a smooth texture, prevents pimples and formation of wrinkles. Sandalwood is also excellent to reduce dark circles and puffiness. Sandalwood paste is an excellent DIY mask to apply on the face and neck for graceful ageing.
Sesame Oil: Rich in Vitamin E, sesame oil or til ka tel is essential to protect the skin from harmful UV rays and sun damage. It acts as a mild cleanser and removes dirt, residue makeup and pollutants from the face. It nourishes and moisturises the face deeply, adding natural protection for your skin.
Haridra: Turmeric or Haridra in Sanskrit finds a special place in Ayurveda due to its multifaceted benefits. Indian tradition has used turmeric as an antiseptic, in divine offerings, as medicine and food. Its strong anti-septic properties prevent puss and acne, reduce pimples and heal acne scars. It helps brighten the skin by removing dead skin cells and rendering a healthy glow to the face.
Gokshura: Directly associated with skin health, Gokshura or Tribulus terrestris is an Ayurvedic herb native to the sub Himalayan zones of India. It is essential to remove dark spots, melasma and pigmentation while also reducing crows feet and sagging skin.
Aja ksheera: Aja (goat) and ksheera (milk) is an Ayurvedic recommendation for deep moisturisation. It brings softness to the skin, and works as a gentle cleanser that is perfect for sensitive skin. Powered by Vitamin A and C, it improves dry skin and supports a healthy microbiome.
Daruharidra: Known as Berberis aristata, this herb is a one stop solution for better skin. With specific anti-psoriasis and anti-inflammatory properties, it reduces any inflammation of skin cells. It is a blood purifier, which detoxifies and gives you blemish free skin.
Nilotpala: The Indian Water Lily or Nilotpala is excellent to regenerate dormant skin cells and smoothen texture. Used in Ayurveda and Siddha systems and cultivated in Southeast Asia for centuries, it has cooling properties that heal inflammation.
Plaksha & Vata: The Java Fig and Banyan Fig, both belonging to the Ficus species are natural skin tonic herbs, that balance the Kapha and Pitta Dosha in the body. Fine powders of the barks are used to heal acne scars and sun damage, and its naturally cooling properties prevent inflammation of skin.
Bilva: Excellent to prevent fungal skin infections, Bilva prevents rashes on the skin. Packed with Vitamin C, it boosts collagen and antioxidants, thus improving skin health and appearance. It is traditionally offered to Lord Shiva in temples as well.
Agnimantha: Roots of this plant are used to topically and orally solve many skin issues. Used in the management of Vata Dosha, it is shoth nashak or anti-inflammatory. Its name literally translates to fire (Agni) and shake (mantha), meaning its wood was rubbed together to spark fire.
Gambharipatala: Gambhari leaves are an Ayurvedic tonic that are astringent and bitter. A part of Dashamoola preparations, it has various digestive benefits that help detoxify the skin. Its oil is often used to treat wounds and reduce inflammation.
Prishnamparni: Prishniparni or Prishnamparni is ideal for massaging on the face and body since its improves blood circulation and elasticity of the skin. All parts of this plant are used in traditional medicine and are packed with therapeutic properties.
Madhuka: 15th century sastras or scriptures mention Madhuka Indica, which grows across the Indian subcontinent. It has pain relieving properties, is used to treat bites and infections on the skin. Its antiseptic qualities enhance skin health and its oil alleviates headaches and relaxes the mind.
Laksha: Lac, Laksha or Kolarakku as its called, this Ayurvedic herb is a potent agent of cell regeneration. Widely used in skincare for its immense moisturising properties, it hydrates the skin and catalyses cell turnover.
This divine blend is a skincare arsenal that should be incorporated to purify and detox your skin. Anahata’s pure ingredients and traditional formulation ensures its rich benefits and embedded into your skin, naturally adding a glow to your face! Its is great for all skin types and especially for dry, sensitive skin. While it is recommended for all ages, we suggest people above 25 use it regularly to improve skin health.
How to use Kumkumadi Oil in 3 ways
1. Kumkumadi Oil can be used at any time of the day but we suggest to incorporate it into your nighttime routine for maximum benefits.
◦ Take 3-4 drops of the oil and rub it between your palms to activate the serum
◦ Gently apply the serum over your phone in circular motions
◦ You can also practice Mukha Abhyanga or face yoga to sculpt the face
2. Use it as a pre-makeup facial oil or primer
◦ You can take a few drops of the kumkumadi oil and apply before applying concealer or foundation
◦ You can also mix kumkumadi oil with your foundation for a DIY tinted face oil/cream, which will add a layer of makeup for an everyday look.
3. Another interesting way to use kumkumadi tailam is to make a face pack with Multani Mitti or Fuller’s Earth.
◦ Take 2 tablespoons of Multani mitti and kumkumadi oil.
◦ Now, add some rose water to the Multani mitti and Kumkumadi oil mixture
◦ Apply the paste all over your face.
◦ Wait for some time and then wash your face and along with that apply moisturizer.
This face pack is excellent to reduce acne, bring coolness to the face and add brightness to the skin.