Kumkumadi tailam or Kumkumadi oil is an amazing ayurvedic concoction of herbs that acts as a magical remedy for uplifting skin health and treating various skin issues. This oil, which can also be used as a moisturiser is suitable for almost all skin types specifically for sensitive or dry flaky skin. A wonderful blend of plant, flower, fruit, and milk extracts, make this tailam or oil a wholesome beauty product that aims towards lightening the complexion, diminishing various signs of aging like wrinkles, fine lines, dark circles, spots, pimples, blemishes, and effectively treating skin infections and conditions like hyperpigmentation, allergy, eczema, etc.
Also Read: Top 5 Essential Oils To Revamp Your Skin Health
Coined as a ’miraculous elixir’, this oil when applied regularly is said to make your skin glow like gold. ‘Kumkumadi oil’ which literally translates into ‘saffron oil’ in English is known for its luminescent properties. This oil is renowned for its use in rejuvenating and renewing the skin cells, illuminating the skin and bestowing a young and healthy appearance. The ancient preparation consists of a whopping 20 to 26 ingredients, all of which works towards perfecting the skin.
How To Make Kumkumadi Tailam?
Ingredients
Herbs for the decoction (Kwath Dravya):
48 parts of Kesar or saffron pollens - Crocus Sativus
48 parts of Lal Chandan or Red Sandalwood – Pterocarpus santalinus
48 parts of Manjistha - Rubia cordifolia
48 parts of Yashtimadhu (Mulethi) or Licorice - Glycyrrhiza glabra
48 parts of Laksha or lac - Laccifer lacca
48 parts of Vat Vriksha or Indian Banyan - Ficus benghalensis
48 parts of Pakar or Java Fig - Ficus Lacor
48 parts of Nilkand (Neel Kamal) or Blue Lotus – Nymphaea stellata
48 parts of Kamal Kesar or sacred lotus (Indian Lotus) - Nelumbo nucifera
48 parts of Daruhaldi - Berberis aristata
48 parts of Ushira - Vetiveria zizanioides
48 parts of Padmaka - Prunus cerasoides
Dashamoolas:
48 parts of Agnimantha - Premna mucronata
48 parts of Bael - Aegle marmelos
48 parts of Brihati - Solanum indicum
48 parts of Gokshura - Tribulus terrestris
48 parts of Kantakari - Solanum xanthocarpum
48 parts of Gambhari - Gmelina arborea
48 parts of Patala - Stereospermum suaveolens
48 parts of Shalaparni - Desmodium gangeticum
48 parts of Prishnaparni - Uraria Picta
48 parts of Shyonaka - Oroxylum indicum
Herbs for Paste (Kalka Dravya):
12 parts of Manjistha - Rubia cordifolia
12 parts of Yashtimadhu (Mulethi) or Licorice - Glycyrrhiza glabra
12 parts of Mahua - Madhuca longifolia
12 parts of Laksha or lac - Laccifer lacca
12 parts of Pattanga - Caesalpinia sappan
Other Ingredients:
192 ml of Sesame Oil
384 ml of Goat Milk
Rose Water as per requirement
Method:
Take the sun-dried powdered form of each of the herbs used for decoction.
Boil the herbs used for making kwath in a suitable quantity of water until 1/4th of the liquid remains in the vessel.
Filter the decoction and keep it aside.
Take the herbs required for making kalka and make a paste of it using water.
Mix the kalka paste along with sesame oil, goat’s milk and the decoction kept aside in the vessel.
Boil this mixture until the water part evaporates and only the oil remains behind.
Prepare a tincture of saffron and rose water and mix this with the oil.
Cool it down and preserve it in a glass bottle.
The magical Kumkumadi tailam is ready for use.
Therapeutic Benefits of the Ingredients:
Kumkuma (Saffron):
As suggested by the name, the main ingredient in this oil is the red thread-like pollen particles obtained from the vibrant purple coloured saffron flower which goes by the botanical name Crocus sativus. Saffron threads rich in antioxidants are famous in lightening the skin colour and improving complexion. The potent warming and kantivardhaka properties of saffron normalises the Pitta and Vata doshas.
Also Read: 5 Incredible Ways Saffron Helps You Get Beautiful Skin
Manjistha:
Being a potent blood purifier, this red root improves blood circulation. It is mostly used for improving complexion, reducing pigmentation, stimulating faster wound healing and reducing inflammation.
Yashtimadhu (Indian liquorice):
These roots obtained from the Glycyrrhiza glabra tree help in pacifying the Pitta doshas like piles, anemia, and controls the vata doshas like urinary incontinence, urinary retention, improve wound healing and reduces inflammation.
Chandana (Sandalwood):
The addition of sandalwood or chandan nourishes the skin by reducing pimples, acne marks, blemishes, suntan, dullness and excess oil from the skin. This potent herb pacifies Pitta doshas, cleanses the skin, reduces inflammation and effectively treats conditions like diarrhea and piles.
Also read: Sandalwood Powder /Oil: Ayurvedic Uses, Medicinal Benefits For Skin, Hair And Health
Laksha:
Laksha or lac is a gum-like substance obtained from the female lac insect Laccifer lacca. It effectively helps in wound healing and healing of fractures. It is also used in bleeding disorders and provides relief from burning sensation and nasal bleeding.
Daruharidra (Tree turmeric):
Also known as haldi, this vibrant yellow coloured spice checks the worsening of pitta doshas like jaundice. The powerful anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties of turmeric help in evading infections and treats various skin conditions.
Also Read: Skin Care: 5 Amazing Ways In Which Turmeric Helps
Vetiver:
The potent antiseptic properties of vetiver calm the mind and balance hormonal disorders. It improves circulation and treats underlying skin conditions.
Padmaka (Indian lotus):
The extracts obtained from the lotus flower effectively helps in reducing pain and inflammation. It treats bleeding disorder, asthma, and cough and cold symptoms.
Nilotpala (Indian Water Lily):
The floral extracts of the beautiful water lily plant balance the Pitta and Kapha disorders. It is vital in brightening complexion, soothing irritation, moisturising and regenerating the skin.
Vata or Banyan:
It is extremely beneficial for treating moles, healing wounds and preventing various skin infections.
Kamala Kesara (lotus stamen):
It acts as a natural skin conditioner and is extremely beneficial in hydrating and moisturising the skin. It prevents acne breakouts and prevents dry flaky skin.
Dashamoola (10 medicinal roots):
The ten roots used in this formulation is excellent for normalising vata aggravations. It detoxifies and nourishes the skin, improves blood circulation, prevents skin discolorations, and diminishes freckles, fine lines, etc.
Bilva (Bael):
The anti-bacterial properties of bael pacify Vata and Kapha doshas and cures and prevent many skin infections.
Also read: Bael: Medicinal Uses, Therapeutic Benefits For Skin, Diabetes And Supplements
Agnimantha:
The extracts of Agnimantha play a vital role in improving skin glow, and texture. It prevents dark circles, blemishes, breakouts, scars left after the healing of acne, suntans, and various signs of aging and provides a natural radiance to the skin.
Shyonaka:
It detoxifies the blood, cleanses wounds and helps in faster healing.
Gambhari:
One of the dashamoola roots, it effectively reduces inflammation and improves wound healing. The potent antioxidant properties help in cleansing the blood and removing dullness of skin and wrinkles.
Patala:
The herb is highly effective in purifying the blood. It also treats burns, wounds, reduces blisters, and provides relief from pain and burning sensation.
Shalaparni:
The extract is highly beneficial in treating allergic conditions and skin infections and provides relief from redness, itching, and dryness.
Prishnaparni:
It helps in bleeding disorders and facilitates wound healing and prevents a number of skin infections.
Gokshura:
Being an amazing skin emollient, this prickly dried fruits of the gokshura tree treats skin infections and inflammatory conditions. It also helps in treating the various signs of aging like wrinkles, fine lines, dark circles, etc and bestows a smooth, glowing revitalized skin.
Brihati:
The use of Brihati in this oil helps reduce Vata disorders. It treats different types of skin infection and nourishes and rejuvenates the skin.
Kantakari:
The Kusthahara property of this herb holds high value in treating skin diseases, helping in wound healing and promoting skin health.
Madhuka:
The extracts from the Madhuca indica tree soothes skin inflammatory conditions and provides relief from itching and burning sensation from burns, scalds, and eczema.
Pattanga:
Known for treating various Pitta conditions, this herb purifies the blood and treats various skin conditions. It is extensively used for treating and preventing acne, pimples, boils, etc.
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Benefits and Therapeutic Uses:
Improves Complexion:
Saffron is fabled for its skin lightening properties. The use of this red thread in the oil along with other herbs plays a pivotal role in enhancing the skin complexion. The host of antioxidant properties and antibacterial properties of this oil help in promoting blood circulation and rejuvenating the skin cells. Regular use of this oil in your beauty routine is useful in reducing sun tan and providing a healthy and natural radiance from within.
Mix equal proportions of Kumkumadi oil and almond oil and apply it all over your face using a moistened cotton ball. Allow it to stay on your skin overnight. Follow this skincare beauty routine religiously before sleeping to improve your complexion and minimalize spots.
Treats Hyperpigmentation:
Being a powerhouse of antioxidants, this oil influences the epidermal inflammatory response of this skin, which in turn encourages oxidation of arachidonic acid and stimulates the release of leukotrienes, prostaglandins, etc. These chemicals released to modify the activity of melanocytes and immune cells, which most likely results in hyperpigmentation. Thanks to its potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, properties, Kumkumadi tailam breaks the chain of these chemical processes by dropping inflammation and exercising antioxidant action. It also reduces the release of the pigment melanin in the skin which lightens the skin colour and prevents any dark patches and spots.
Also Read: Hyperpigmentation Is Hormonal, Learn About Remedies
Prevents Acne And Pimples
Loaded with antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial properties, Kumkumadi tailam is extremely beneficial for treating skin infections and inflammatory conditions like acne, pimples, etc. The oil acts as a mild cleanser and helps to clean the skin pores by removing dead skin cells and accumulation of dirt and grime particles from the skin pores. It also prevents infections in the sebaceous glands and thus reduces redness and pain at the site of acne.
Mix a teaspoon of shankha bhashma along with a drop of Kumkumadi tailam and apply it on the areas affected with acne and pimples. Regular application of this mixture treats and prevents the growth of acne and also provides a cooling effect on the skin.
Diminishes Spots And Blemishes
The occurrence of spots, blemishes and dark circles makes the skin look dull, aged and reduces one’s self-confidence. Blemishes mostly occur due to several causes including hormonal imbalance which happens due to the Vata-Pitta doshas, exposure to the sun, unhealthy dietary choices, and aging. The umpteen herbal ingredients like sandalwood, saffron, and turmeric work effectively in improving skin health. It plays a crucial role in lightening the skin under the eyes thus reducing dark circles. Regular use of this oil evens out the skin tone and prevents further discolouration.
Used As A Sunscreen
Several researches conclude that saffron pollens used in this oil acts as a natural sun protectant and strengthens the oil with SPF 30. The presence of natural herbs, floral extracts and essential oils such as saffron oil, almond oil, rose oil, sesame oil, lotus extracts, turmeric extracts, sandalwood, vetiver, and manjistha protects the skin from the harmful UVA and UVB rays and prevents free radical damage to the skin helps and thus helps reduce tanning and fights signs of premature aging.
Lessens Scars
Even though acne and pimples heal, it leaves ugly scars in its wake. These scars are tedious to get rid of and often diminish your self-confidence. The oil enriched with Kumkum and haldi holds high significance in treating and preventing these scars. Also having low specific gravity, the oil easily penetrates deep within the skin cells and lightens the scars. Once you start using this oil for acne treatment, it immediately starts its work and prevents the formation of scars right from the beginning. Even in the later stages, the application of this oil along with tea tree oil effectively reduces and lightens scars.
Heals Wounds
Kumkumadi tailam is well-known for its antiseptic, anti-bacterial and disinfectant properties. Apart from improving the skin complexion, this unique blend of herbs and oil especially the anti-fungal properties of lac effectively heals wound and prevents skin infections. The soothing effects of the floral extracts reduce rash, itching and burning sensation.
How To Use Kumkumadi Tailam?
The oil is beneficial for all skin types but it is strictly advised for people having oily skin to use it in minute quantity so that it doesn’t make the skin greasy. To use it effectively, follow this step-by-step guide on how to apply the oil:
• Clean your face properly to remove any makeup residue.
• Wash your face using a mild face wash.
• Take a few drops of the Kumkumadi Tailam in the hands and apply it all over your face, neck and affected parts.
• Massage it evenly all over in circular upward strokes for 5 to 10 minutes.
While applying the oil, one must keep in mind to let it stay for 2-3 hours and not wash off immediately. People having dry chapped skin can apply it before going to bed and let it stay overnight for more beneficial effects. But people with oily skin can wash off after 3 hours to prevent a build-up of oil and grime overnight.
Ways To Administer This Oil
The oil can be used topically on the affected areas or used as a tincture by mixing it with other oils or can be applied on the face as a face mask or face cream.
DIY Kumkumadi Oil Face Mask
Ingredients:
1-2 tbsp of fuller’s earth or multani mitti
1-2 tsp of Kumkumadi oil
1-2 tsp of rose water
Method:
Mix all the ingredients into a paste.
Smear it all over your face and neck.
Allow it to dry for 15 minutes.
Wash off with cool water and apply some moisturiser.
Benefits:
The mask makes the skin smooth, soft and bright. It cleans the facial pores and removes impurities while keeping the natural oils in the face intact. Used on alternate days, this mask tightens the pores and provides a youthful glow to the skin.
Kumkumadi Oil For Nasya
Nasya in ayurveda usually means the administration of something through the nostrils. According to ancient ayurvedic scriptures of Ashtanga Hridaya, this oil can be inhaled through the nostrils. Instill 2-3 drops of Kumkumadi oil in each nostril through a dropper and inhale it upwards. Ayurvedic practitioners suggest this way of administration can increase the efficacy of the oil and provide better treatment. But this should only be done after consulting with an ayurvedic doctor and knowing the way to properly administer the oil through the nose.
Adverse Effects
This herbal concoction bears no side effects and can even be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding. But one must consult a doctor when administering the oil through the Nasya procedure.
Can We Apply Kumkumadi Tailam On Face?
Yes, be it used in any beauty product or used directly, this magical oil can be applied on the skin owing to its outstanding therapeutic and beauty qualities. Kumkumadi tailam delivers cosmetic as well as healing effects for the skin without causing any harm. Apart from sustaining the skin, it also works as a potent cleanser, toner, and moisturizer.
How To Apply Kumkumadi Tailam?
- Clean your face properly to remove any makeup residue.
- Wash your face using a mild face wash.
- Take 2-3 drops of the Kumkumadi Tailam in the hands and apply it all over your face, neck and affected parts.
- Massage it evenly all over in circular upward strokes for 5 - 10 minutes.
For people with dry chapped skin ,tailam can be applied before going to bed and allowing it to stay overnight for beautifying effects, while those with oily skin can wash off after 3 hours to prevent a build-up of oil and grime overnight.
Easy Beauty Hacks Using Kumkumadi Tailam
- Use it as a massage oil during at-home facials. Just take 3-4 drops and massage gradually on cleansed face for a glowing radiant complexion.
- For pigmentation treatment, dab the oil using a moist cotton ball on pigmented areas and leave it on overnight. Get assured results within a fortnight of daily use.
- For cleansing pores, just take a face-steam using 5-10 drops of kumkumadi oil in warm water. The rich vapour imbued with this beneficial not only opens up clogged pores but also removes dirt and grime particles from within and hence prevents black and whiteheads.
- For de-puffing under-eye area, just massage the area with 2-3 drops of kumkumadi tailam for 5-6 minutes before going to bed. Leave it for 30 minutes and wash off with luke-warm water. Following this ritual twice a day for 2-3 weeks, gradually diminishes puffiness and fine lines from the under-eye area.
- Administer kumkumadi oil as a bath oil to increase cellular regeneration and arrest various signs of ageing. Just draw a warm bath and put 10-15 drops of this oil along with some bath salts and enjoy a relaxing and soothing beauty bath all at once.
Conclusion
This magical tincture devoid of side effects is extremely beneficial for the skin. It holds high significance in improving skin complexion, reducing acne, pimples, and other skin infections, diminishing dark circles and pigmentation and promoting overall skin health.
