Commonly called Brahmi, mandukparni and Indian pennywort, it is a small, herbaceous, annual plant native to India, Sri Lanka, northern Australia, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Melanesia, Papua New Guinea and other parts of Asia. Brahmi has great value in Ayurvedic medicine as a memory enhancer and a brain tonic. It is used to treat Alzheimer’s disease, memory loss, insanity, insomnia and other mental illnesses. It is widely used for its effect in blood circulation thus promoting efficient function of the liver, lungs and the kidneys.

Traditionally Brahmi was used to treat skin problems including psoriasis, eczema, abscess and ulceration. In Ayurveda it is considered a rejuvenator for the entire body and is commonly used as medicated oil. This oil has a beautiful sweet fragrance and natural green colour and is calming and soothing.

Cosmetic use

Brahmi oil is a natural herbal hair rejuvenator and promotes positive memory functioning. Brahmi is used to stimulate skin-cell regeneration and growth. An essential component of many herbal oils, its antioxidant properties allow the proper nourishment to reach the hair roots and thus promote their growth. It is also used in many massage oils, conditioners and shampoos. Having a fruity, fresh herbal aroma, Brahmi oil can be blended with sandalwood and other essential oils for a relaxing experience.

Panax ginseng, (Chinese ginseng) Panax quinquifolium (American ginseng) (Araliaceae)

An ancient Chinese herb, the world famous ‘man root’, it is considered an adaptogenic herb and is widely promoted as an aphrodisiac. It is preciously cultivated for its great commercial value in the United States, Canada, China and Korea. One of the most highly imported drugs in world trade, roots and rhizomes of Ginseng, as it is commonly called, constitute a highly venerated herb in herbal medical practice. Well known for its anti-ageing property, the crude drug in the form of extracts is included in cosmetics for its rejuvenating property on the skin and hair.

Cosmetic use

Classed as a skin-conditioning agent, emollient, hair conditioner, skin protective and tonic, the root extract is used in all kinds of cosmetic products such as lotions, creams, soaps, bath preparations and perfumes. Ginseng oil and extracts (probably both American and Asian) are used in cosmetics for their rejuvenating and anti-ageing property. They activate the skin metabolism and blood flow, reduce keratinization, moisturize and soften, alleviate wrinkling and enhance skin whiteness.