Benefit: Contains oleic acid, linoleic acid and stearic acid which soothe and nourish the skin.

Origin: Sal seed butter is obtained from the seeds of the Sal tree which are found in the Shivalik Hills of Harayana, east of the Yamuna

Fun Facts: The Sal tree has plenty of significance in Indian Culture, Hinduism, and Buddhism and is widely considered to be a “holy tree”. The 5th and 24th Buddhas preceding Gautama Buddha are said to have attained enlightenment under the Sal tree.

Benefit: Soothes stressed skin and contains collagen and natural oils to make skin supple and smooth

Origin: This plant thrives in the arid deserts of Rajasthan and Gujarat.

Fun Facts: Ashwagandha has been used in Ayurveda for thousands of years to treat a long list of health conditions including stress, insomnia, fever, and infertility. It’s known as an aphrodisiac. It is one of the most important ayurvedic herbs, with its earliest known mention in the Rig Veda, which was compiled around 6000 BC.

Benefit: Rich source of Vitamin C which helps brighten complexion, fade hyperpigmentation and protects the skin from the damaging effects of age and pollution

Origin: The Amla tree can be found growing wild in the forests of Uttar Pradesh

Fun Facts: According to Hindu mythology, once when Brahma was engrossed in the meditation of Vishnu, tears started rolling down his eyes. When these tears fell on the ground, the Amla tree germinated. Amla is known as a wonder herb for hair – the nutrients in it act as a natural conditioner, slows the greying process, strengthens hair follicles, and increases blood circulation in the scalp.

Benefit: Stimulates collagen production and soothes aggravated skin.

Origin: This herb is native to the wetlands of Southern India

Fun Facts: The entire plant can be used for different medicinal properties and is one of the oldest herbs in Ayurveda. It is considered to be a “herb of grace” as it is claimed that Brahmi can help achieve the highest goal of human life, self-realisation.

Benefit: Natural antibacterial which fights acne and controls oil production in the skin.

Origin: Neem is thought to have originated in Assam and Burma, where it is common throughout the central dry zone and the Siwalik hills.

Fun Facts: The Neem tree is one of the most popular trees in India. It is grown from the southern tip of Kerala to the Himalayan hills, in both tropical and subtropical regions. Its popularity is due to its drought-resistant properties and ability to thrive under the hottest conditions. Because of this, it is common to see neem trees used to shade the streets around temples, schools, public buildings, and most homes.

Benefit: Natural antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial and works to fights acne-causing bacteria.

Origin: Also known as Red Indian Madder, Manjishta can be found throughout the Himalayas at altitudes as high as 2800m.

Fun Facts: Ancient Indian sage and physician, Charaka, classified Manjishta as a “rejuvenative” that acts as a detoxifier. Sushruta, another Ayurvedic sage and surgeon, recommended it for balancing the bio-elements of the body for good health. Due to its bright red colour, Manjishta was originally used to dye cloth, but is now considered to be “the unsung hero” of Ayurveda.

Benefit: A powerhouse combination of Amla, Bibhitaka and Haritaki that protects skin cells, helps rebuild skin protein and retain moisture in the skin.

Origin: The Amla tree can be found growing wild in the forests of Uttar Pradesh, while Bibhitaka is common on the plains and lower hills of South Asia. Haritaki is found in the Sub Himalayan region from Ravi eastwards to West Bengal and Assam.

Fun Facts: In the Charaka Samhita (one of two foundational Sanskrit texts on Ayurveda), Bibhitaki fruits are mentioned as having qualities to alleviate disease, bestow longevity, and intellectual prowess. The sages are thought to have regained youthfulness and attained a disease-free life of many hundred years.

Benefit: Rich in fatty acids that nourishes and softens the skin

Origin: It is made from seeds of the kokum trees that are found in the Western Ghats of South India

Fun Facts: It is part of the mangosteen family. The skin of the fruit is usually sundried and used in cooking, as a souring agent alternative to tamarind. The fresh fruit is preserved with sugar to make a beverage called Kokum Sarbat, and the seeds are pressed to make kokum butter, which is used in the preparation of chocolate/confectionary, medicines, and cosmetics – making this a highly efficient fruit!

Benefit: Contains active compounds that work against inflammation, hyperpigmentation, and UV radiation.

Origin: Grown in the cool hills of the Kashmir Valley, specifically within the Pampore area of Jammu and Kashmir

Fun Facts: Saffron is the most expensive spice in the world and is worth more than its weight in gold. This is because the flowers must be handpicked and there are just three stigmas per flower.

Benefit: Natural anti-inflammatory and astringent properties help reduce redness and irritation

Origin: Native to the riverbeds of Madhya Pradesh

Fun Facts: The antibacterial properties of Nagamotha may have helped prevent tooth decay in people who lived in Sudan 2000 years ago.

Benefit: Contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory components, which can provide glow to the skin, while helping to heal wounds by decreasing inflammation and oxidation.

Origin: There are around 30 varieties of turmeric that are grown across India.

Fun Facts: India produces almost the entire world’s crop of turmeric and consumes 80% of it. Turmeric began to emerge as an important medicine in Ayurveda around 500BC, and today is a staple in every Indian household as it has multiple uses in cuisine, medicine, and dyes.

Benefit: Naturally anti-inflammatory, acts as an astringent

Origin: Pressed from the seeds of the Pongam tree, found in the Himalayan foothills

Fun Facts: Karanja seed oil has a history of being extremely versatile - traditionally it has been used in lamp oil, leather tanning, and soapmaking; today it can be used as a natural insect repellent (owing to its bitter taste), a biofuel, and is thought to be a natural UV filter that protects the skin against sun damage.

Benefit: Encourages hyaluronic acid production, which increases the moisture in the skin cells, while natural anti-inflammatory properties soothe the skin

Origin: The aloe plant is native to North Africa but is now cultivated in many regions in India including Satanapalli in Andhra Pradesh and Rajpipla in Gujarat.

Fun Facts: The Deori Village in Jharkhand is now known as “Aloe Vera Village”. Aloe vera can be seen flourishing in every field and courtyard of the village. The villagers were trained by a local Agricultural University for free on producing the plant. As the plant grows in hot climates, requires little attention, and starts growing in around 18 months, the villagers were able to reap the benefits of aloe planting quickly. Most of the aloe vera is cultivated by the women of the village, allowing them to become financially independent. Through aloe cultivation, the village’s average monthly income has doubled as compared to paddy cultivation.

Benefit: Tulsi has antibacterial properties which fight acne. It supports healthy skin aging and soothes skin conditions like eczema. It is also beneficial in hair care as it prevents hair loss by stimulating the scalp, and contains antifungal properties which work to reduce dandruff.

Origin: Tulsi is widely grown in the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary and Sassangir National Park in Gujarat, India.

Fun Facts: It is one of the most sacred plants in India and is considered the “Queen of Herbs” for its restorative and spiritual properties. As it travelled west along early trade routes from the Orient to Europe, it became known to the Christians as “holy” or “sacred”.

Benefit: Mango seed butter is full of fatty acids and is an effective moisturiser that helps soften the skin. The abundance of Vitamin E and Vitamin C can help protect the skin from environmental stressors such as sunlight and pollution.

Origin: Mango seed butter comes from pressing mango seeds. There are hundreds of varieties of mangoes which are grown across different Mango hotspots around the country. The land of Nawabs is famous for its royal mangoes. Lucknow and its adjoining towns are known for its “mango belt” in North India.

Fun Facts: India’s obsession with mangoes is on par with Bollywood and cricket. Every March, the first batches of mango for the season make front-page news. India is the largest producer and consumer of mangoes, producing 40% of the world’s total supply but only accounting for 1% of global mango trade.

Benefit: Ginger contains natural oils known as gingerols that reduce inflammation and pain and can help soothe irritated skin. The antioxidant properties in ginger can help reduce the appearance of scars

Origin: Since you can grow ginger practically anywhere, it is cultivated in most states in India. However, Karnataka, Orissa, Assam are known to be top ginger producing states.

Fun Facts: Ginger is known as “the universal medicine” and is so widely used in Ayurveda that it is an entire medicine chest in itself. There is an ayurvedic sutra (verse) that says everyone should eat fresh ginger before lunch and ginger to enhance digestion and transportation of nutrients.

Benefit: Rich in highly moisturising plant acids which maintains the skin’s lipid barrier. Natural antihistamine and anti-microbial properties work to soothe the skin.

Origin: Thought to have originated in Southeast Asia, Nigella seed oil has been used in Northern Africa for thousands of years to treat multiple ailments. In India, it is mainly cultivated in West Bengal, Punjab, Jharkhand, Himachal Pradesh, Bihar, and Assam.

Benefit: Contains Vitamins A and E, Omega-3 fatty acids and Zinc to improve complexion and reverse sun damage.

Origin: Sweet almond oil is obtained from pressing almond nuts. The Indian almonds grow throughout the warmer regions of India, including Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala.

Fun Facts: The almond tree is native to India, the Middle East, and North Africa and is agreed to be one of the earliest cultivated foods and is mentioned as far back in history as the Bible.

Benefit: Contains Vitamin C and Vitamin E which helps improve skin tone, maintain softness, radiance, and clarity of the skin. Also contains Oleic acid which strengthens the skin’s barrier function.

Origin: Apricot trees grow wild in the hills of Shimla and Himachal Pradesh.

Fun Facts: Apricots are a member of the rose family and are also a relative of the peach.

Benefit: Contains glabridin, which helps stop discoloration immediately after sun exposure. Also helps to regenerate collagen and elastin supply to keep the skin smooth and supple.

Origin: It is grown in the sub-tropical regions in North-West India, specifically in Punjab and the Himalayan regions.

Fun Facts: Licorice has been used for medicinal purposes worldwide and has been revered by the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, Chinese and Hindus. Licorice can be used to treat sore throats and ulcers and even help to promote adrenal gland function.

Benefit: The fruit contains all four types of omega fatty acids, Vitamins C and E, and antioxidants which protect the skin against external stressors which lead to signs of ageing.

Origin: Found in generally dry areas such as the cold deserts of Ladakh and Spiti in the Himalayan region.

Fun Facts: Also referred to as “The Holy Fruit of the Himalayas”, the fruit has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and eaten as part of a healthy diet. Sea buckthorn contains 10 times more Vitamin C than an orange.

Benefit: Contains beta-carotene and Vitamins D, C, E that protects against free radicals and assists in the production of collagen.

Origin: This oil is derived from the seeds of grapes and is a by-product of winemaking. Although its origins come from the winemaking regions of France, Italy, and Switzerland, today, states including Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Telangana are considered major grape-growing states.

Benefit: Zinc Oxide is considered one of the best sunscreen ingredients we have access to. It is the primary component in mineral (or “physical”) sunscreens. It blocks both UVA and UVB rays which are responsible for causing burns, skin damage, and skin cancer. It is also water resistant and photostable (meaning it won’t break down when exposed to sun).

Fun Facts: Although sunscreen itself isn’t that old, there are historical reports from as far back as 500BC tying Zinc Oxide to medicinal use. Ancient Greek doctors may have created ointments out of zinc oxide to treat skin cancers.