Shedding skin
In the past couple of months, not only did I have to settle in my new skin as a mother but I also had to come up with (alternative) approaches to heal the skin(s) of my son and myself on various occasions. Vaginal tears, nipple bites, infant eczema, stomach ulceration … You name it !
Vraṇa (व्रण) - a Sanskrit technical term translating to “wounds” or “ulcer”.
”The destruction / break / rupture / discontinuity of body tissue (ie. mucous membranes and outer skin)”
In conventional physiology, a healthy skin requires tissue cell regeneration, collagen production, adequate strength, elasticity, & moisture, balanced skin micro biome, and normal coloration.
In Ayurveda, skin is stated as Twak. It is a sub tissue of the muscles and one skin’s temperament varies according to one’s doshic type. Skin is not merely a protective cover but it is a reflection of the internal system of the body.
Ayurveda describes various herbs, fats, oils and minerals with wound healing properties. They promote and quicken the natural wound healing process. They are anti-inflammatory + antimicrobial + have a skin barrier repair effect. We call them Vrana Ropana.
You will find them in the form of herbal paste, decoctions, infused ghee / oil, or powder - for internal and external use according to the condition.
When it comes to first aid for minor skin conditions, turmeric, lavender essential oil, aloe vera gel and neem oil top the chart ! Here are my go to formulas :
Minor cuts - Wash, dry & apply paste of manuka honey + turmeric + cayenne powder
Stomach ulcer - Oral supplements of neem oil with jaggery
Vaginal tears - Soak cotton gauze in green clay apply to intimate parts, alternate with frozen aloe vera pads
Skin inflammation (such as eczema) - Take oatmeal bath, then apply ointment of white kaolin clay, calendula oil & a drop of lavender essential oil
Remember ! Apart from traumatic cuts, the body tissues must be nurtured from within. You can relieve and repair a lot with topical ropana, but the disorder will keep reappearing until you address the underlying problem.
Don’t let mild symptoms get under your skin! Contact me for personalized guidance.