Ayurvedic Herbs & Ingredients: A–C

ALOE VERA POWDER

Aloe barbadensis miller

Aloe vera is a succulent traditionally associated with warm, dry climates and valued for the cooling gel found within its leaves.

With its naturally cooling, soothing and hydrating qualities, aloe vera is particularly well suited to skin experiencing heat, sensitivity or visible irritation. From an Ayurvedic perspective, these qualities make aloe especially supportive for balancing excess pitta in the skin while helping maintain moisture and a calm, refreshed complexion.

Aloe vera gel contains naturally occurring polysaccharides and other bioactive plant compounds that have been studied for their role in supporting skin hydration, soothing the skin and maintaining the skin’s natural repair processes.

Found in: Pitta Cleanser & Mask, Kapha Cleanser & Mask and Anti-itch Remedy  

ALOE VERA JUICE

Aloe barbadensis miller

Aloe vera juice is derived from the inner leaf of the aloe plant and brings its naturally cooling and hydrating qualities into water-based skincare formulations.

Applied topically, aloe vera juice helps replenish moisture while soothing skin that feels warm, dry or sensitive. Its cooling nature is especially complementary to pitta-balancing skincare and makes it a useful botanical base for facial toners designed to refresh and hydrate the complexion.

Found in: Vata Toner, Pitta Toner, Kapha Toner, Tridoshic Toner, Clarify Toner and Anti-itch Remedy

AMALAKI

Phyllanthus emblica

Amalaki, also known as amla or Indian gooseberry, is one of Ayurveda's most revered rejuvenating herbs. The small green fruit has a distinctly sour taste and is naturally rich in vitamin C, polyphenols and other antioxidant compounds.

In Ayurveda, amalaki is considered a rasayana, or rejuvenative, and is especially valued for its cooling, pitta-balancing qualities. Traditionally used to support digestion, healthy tissues, skin, hair and overall vitality, amalaki is also one of the three fruits that make up the classical Ayurvedic formula triphala.

Modern research has explored amalaki's rich phytochemical profile, particularly its vitamin C and polyphenol content, which contribute to the fruit's significant antioxidant activity.

Its cooling and nourishing nature makes amalaki particularly useful in PAAVANI rituals designed to support the skin, hair, mouth and digestive system.

Found in: Pitta Cleanser & Mask, Mint Oil Pulling Oil, Cinnamon Oil Pulling Oil, Triphala and Hair Oil

APPLE CIDER VINEGAR (RAW)

Raw apple cider vinegar is made through the fermentation of apples and contains naturally occurring organic acids. Unfiltered varieties retain the “mother,” a collection of compounds created during the fermentation process.

Used topically, apple cider vinegar offers cleansing and astringent qualities that can be especially useful for oily or blemish-prone skin. Its naturally acidic nature also makes it a thoughtful addition to targeted skin rituals, including formulas designed to cleanse the skin after exposure to poison oak or poison ivy.

Found in: Clarify Toner and Anti-itch Remedy

Learn More About Apple Cider Vinegar →

APRICOT KERNEL OIL

Prunus armeniaca

Pressed from the kernels of apricots, apricot kernel oil is a lightweight botanical oil valued for its softening and moisturizing qualities.

Naturally rich in fatty acids and antioxidant compounds, it absorbs easily into the skin and helps support moisture, softness and a smooth, supple appearance. Its nourishing yet lightweight texture makes it particularly well suited to facial oil formulations.

Found in: Vata Serum

ARGAN OIL

Argania spinosa

Argan oil is pressed from the kernels of the argan tree, which is native to Morocco. Lightweight and easily absorbed, it has become especially valued in skin and hair care for its nourishing qualities.

Naturally rich in fatty acids, particularly oleic and linoleic acids, argan oil also contains tocopherols, naturally occurring forms of vitamin E. This composition helps explain its emollient and antioxidant qualities and its ability to support soft, smooth and well-nourished skin.

Its lightweight texture makes argan oil particularly useful in facial oils formulated for a range of skin types, including skin that tends toward excess oil or congestion.

Found in: Vata Serum, Kapha Serum, Tridoshic Serum and Clarify Serum

ASHWAGANDHA

Withania somnifera

Ashwagandha is one of Ayurveda’s most revered rejuvenating herbs, traditionally used to support resilience, strength and vitality. Its Sanskrit name is often translated as “smell of the horse,” referencing both the distinctive aroma of the root and its traditional association with strength.

In Ayurveda, ashwagandha is classified as a rasayana, or rejuvenative. Its grounding, nourishing qualities are particularly supportive for balancing vata and are traditionally used during times of stress, depletion or increased demand on the body and mind.

Ashwagandha contains naturally occurring plant compounds called withanolides, which have become an important focus of modern research. Clinical studies have explored ashwagandha extracts for stress and sleep, with research suggesting that certain preparations may help support the body’s response to stress and aspects of sleep quality.

Today, ashwagandha is also commonly described as an adaptogen, a modern herbal classification for plants that support the body’s response to stress. Beyond internal use, its nourishing qualities make ashwagandha a valuable addition to Ayurvedic skin, body and hair rituals.

Found in: Vata Body Oil, Hydrate Blend Tea, Vata Cleanser & Mask, Golden Milk, Ashwagandha and Hair Oil

Learn More About Ashwagandha →

BARBERRY

Berberis vulgaris

Barberry is a shrub found throughout temperate regions of the world and is closely related to botanicals such as Oregon grape. Its root contains naturally occurring plant compounds including berberine, which gives the herb its characteristic yellow color and distinctly bitter quality.

Traditionally, bitter herbs like barberry have been valued for their cleansing qualities. In PAAVANI oral care rituals, barberry root is incorporated alongside other botanicals to support a clean, fresh mouth and healthy gums.

Found in: Mint Oil Pulling Oil and Cinnamon Oil Pulling Oil

BENTONITE CLAY

Bentonite is a mineral-rich clay formed from weathered volcanic ash and is known for its highly absorbent nature.

When mixed with water, bentonite clay draws excess oil and surface impurities from the skin, making it particularly useful in cleansing masks. Its mineral-rich composition and absorbent qualities help leave the complexion feeling deeply cleansed and refreshed without relying on conventional foaming cleansers.

Found in: Pitta Cleanser & Mask and Tridoshic Cleanser & Mask

BERGAMOT

Citrus bergamia

Bergamot is a fragrant citrus fruit cultivated primarily in southern Italy, particularly the Calabria region. Its aromatic essential oil is expressed from the peel and has a fresh, bright citrus scent with subtle floral notes.

In aromatherapy, bergamot is valued for an aroma that feels both uplifting and calming. Its light, clarifying qualities pair especially well with kapha-balancing rituals, while its cleansing and astringent properties make it a useful botanical in body care.

Found in: Kapha Spritzer, Kapha Body Oil and Tridoshic Body Oil

BHRINGARAJ

Eclipta alba

Bhringaraj, sometimes called false daisy, is a traditional Ayurvedic herb especially revered for its relationship to the hair and scalp. Its Sanskrit name is commonly translated as “ruler of the hair,” reflecting its longstanding place in Ayurvedic hair care.

Traditionally used in herbal hair oils, bhringaraj is valued for nourishing the scalp and supporting strong, healthy-looking hair. Its cooling qualities also make it particularly complementary to pitta, especially when excess heat is reflected in the scalp or hair.

Beyond hair care, bhringaraj has traditionally been used in Ayurveda as a rejuvenating and cleansing herb and is incorporated into both external and oral care rituals.

Found in: Cinnamon Oil Pulling Oil, Mint Oil Pulling Oil and Hair Oil

BIBHITAKI

Terminalia bellirica

Bibhitaki is the fruit of a large deciduous tree native to South and Southeast Asia and one of the three fruits that make up triphala, one of Ayurveda’s most recognized traditional herbal formulas.

In Ayurveda, bibhitaki is particularly associated with balancing kapha and is traditionally valued for its cleansing and rejuvenating qualities. It has a longstanding relationship with digestive, respiratory and oral care and is also traditionally used to support healthy hair and skin.

Alongside amalaki and haritaki, bibhitaki contributes to the balanced, tridoshic nature of triphala.

Found in: Kapha Cleanser & Mask and Triphala

BLACK CUMIN SEED OIL

Nigella sativa

Black cumin seed oil, also known as black seed oil, is pressed from the seeds of Nigella sativa, a flowering plant with a long history of use across traditional herbal systems.

Naturally rich in fatty acids and plant compounds including thymoquinone, black cumin seed oil is valued in skincare for its nourishing, soothing and antioxidant properties. It is particularly well suited to formulas for skin that appears congested, reactive or imbalanced, helping support a calm, clear and healthy-looking complexion.

Found in: Pitta Serum, Vata Serum and Clarify Serum

Learn More About Black Cumin Seed Oil →

BLACK PEPPER

Piper nigrum

Native to southern India, black pepper has been used as both a culinary spice and traditional herb for thousands of years. Its characteristic pungency comes primarily from piperine, a naturally occurring plant compound that has become an important focus of modern research.

In Ayurveda, black pepper is considered a warming digestive spice that helps kindle agni, or digestive fire. Its pungent qualities are traditionally used to support digestion, encourage the breakdown and assimilation of food and balance the heavy, slow qualities associated with kapha.

Modern research has explored piperine for its influence on digestive processes and the absorption and bioavailability of certain compounds. This offers an interesting contemporary lens on Ayurveda’s longstanding use of black pepper alongside other herbs and spices.

Found in: Rooibos Chai Blend Tea, Kapha Spice Blend and Golden Milk

BRAHMI

Bacopa monnieri

Brahmi is one of Ayurveda’s most revered herbs for the mind. Traditionally associated with memory, concentration and mental clarity, it has been used for centuries to support a calm, focused and resilient mind.

In Ayurveda, brahmi is considered a medhya rasayana, a category of rejuvenating herbs traditionally used to nourish the intellect and support cognitive function. Its cooling, calming qualities are particularly supportive when the mind feels overstimulated, while its tridoshic nature allows it to be used across vata, pitta and kapha constitutions.

Modern research has focused in part on naturally occurring compounds in brahmi known as bacosides. Human studies have explored Bacopa monnieri for cognitive function, with research suggesting potential support for certain aspects of memory with consistent use.

Brahmi also has a longstanding place in Ayurvedic hair, skin and self-care rituals, where its cooling and nourishing qualities complement its traditional relationship with the mind and nervous system.

Found in: Nose Oil, Cool & Calm Blend Tea, Tridoshic Body Oil and Hair Oil

BURDOCK

Arctium lappa

Burdock is a traditional herbal root found throughout Europe, Asia and North America. Recognized by herbalists for its cleansing qualities, burdock has a long history of use in both Western herbalism and traditional systems of plant medicine.

Burdock root is especially valued for skin that appears congested or imbalanced. Its naturally occurring plant compounds and traditional cleansing properties make it a thoughtful addition to skincare rituals designed to clarify the complexion while supporting healthy-looking skin.

Found in: Clarify Cleanser & Mask

CALENDULA

Calendula officinalis

Calendula is a golden flowering herb native to parts of Europe, Asia and the Mediterranean and has a long history of use in traditional skin care.

Naturally rich in plant compounds including flavonoids, carotenoids and triterpenoids, calendula is valued for its soothing, antioxidant and nourishing qualities. Modern research into these phytochemicals helps support calendula’s longstanding use in topical preparations for skin that feels dry, sensitive or visibly irritated.

Its gentle nature makes calendula a thoughtful botanical for supporting soft, calm and healthy-looking skin.

Beyond skincare, calendula’s gentle, soothing nature has also earned it a longstanding place in traditional herbal preparations for internal and women’s self-care rituals.

Found in: Vata Toner, Tridoshic Toner, Clarify Toner, Cool & Calm Blend Tea, Anti-itch Remedy and Herbal Yoni Steam

CARDAMOM

Elettaria cardamomum

Cardamom is an aromatic spice native to South Asia and prized for its distinctive sweet, floral and gently warming flavor. Both its seeds and essential oil have a longstanding place in traditional culinary and wellness rituals.

In Ayurveda, cardamom is valued as a digestive spice that gently supports agni, or digestive fire, without creating excessive heat. Its aromatic qualities make it particularly useful for balancing heavier foods and complementing warming spice blends while its soothing fragrance brings a grounding quality to aromatic rituals.

Cardamom is also used in botanical skincare for its cleansing and antioxidant properties, making this versatile spice equally at home in the kitchen, bath and daily self-care ritual.

Found in: Vata Spritzer, Kapha Body Oil, Tridoshic Body Oil, Hydrate Blend Tea, Rooibos Chai Blend Tea, Tridoshic Cleanser & Mask, Nose Oil, Coconut Milk Bath, Pitta Spice Blend and Golden Milk

CASTOR OIL

Ricinus communis

Castor oil is a rich botanical oil pressed from the seeds of the castor plant and has been used in traditional wellness and beauty rituals for centuries.

Naturally rich in ricinoleic acid, a unique fatty acid, castor oil has a thick, deeply emollient texture that helps soften the skin and support lasting moisture. Its cleansing and conditioning qualities make it particularly useful in facial oil blends formulated to nourish the skin while maintaining a balanced complexion.

Beyond facial care, castor oil has a longstanding place in traditional topical wellness rituals, where its rich, warming and deeply nourishing nature makes it well suited to intentional body care and massage.

Found in: Pitta Serum, Kapha Serum, Tridoshic Serum,  Castor Oil and Women's Moon Oil

CEDAR ATLAS

Cedrus atlantica

Native to the Atlas Mountains of North Africa, cedar atlas is an evergreen tree whose wood is steam distilled to create a warm, woody and subtly sweet essential oil.

Its deep, grounding aroma has made cedar atlas a valued botanical in aromatic rituals designed to create a sense of steadiness and calm. Used in hair and body care, its cleansing and toning qualities complement its earthy fragrance and make it particularly well suited to grounding self-care rituals.

Found in: Tridoshic Spritzer and Hair Oil

CHAMOMILE (GERMAN / BLUE / HUNGARIAN)

Matricaria recutita

German chamomile, also known as blue chamomile, is an aromatic flowering herb traditionally used in herbal and self-care rituals for its gentle, soothing qualities. When distilled, its essential oil develops a characteristic deep blue color due to the presence of chamazulene, a naturally occurring plant compound.

Used topically, chamomile is particularly well suited to skin that feels dry, sensitive or visibly irritated. Its soft floral aroma also brings a calming quality to body care and evening rituals, making chamomile a natural botanical ally when the body and mind are ready to settle.

Found in: Pitta Body Oil, Bliss Blend Tea, Vata Toner, Vata Serum, Anti-itch Remedy and Tension Relief Oil

CHICKPEA FLOUR

Cicer arietinum

Chickpea flour, also known as gram flour or besan, has a longstanding place in traditional Indian skincare as a gentle botanical cleanser and exfoliant.

Its fine texture helps lift away surface buildup and excess oil while gently polishing the skin, leaving the complexion feeling soft, smooth and refreshed. Traditionally incorporated into facial and body pastes, chickpea flour offers a simple plant-based foundation for cleansing rituals without the need for conventional foaming ingredients.

Found in: Pitta Cleanser & Mask, Kapha Cleanser & Mask, Tridoshic Cleanser & Mask and Clarify Cleanser & Mask.

CHRYSANTHEMUM

Chrysanthemum morifolium

Chrysanthemum is a flowering botanical native to Asia with a long history of use in traditional herbal preparations. Its dried flowers are especially valued for their naturally cooling and soothing qualities.

In skincare, chrysanthemum helps refresh and calm the complexion while supporting healthy moisture balance. Its cooling nature makes it particularly complementary to pitta-focused skincare and skin that appears warm, sensitive or visibly reactive.

Found in: Pitta Toner

CINNAMON (CEYLON)

Cinnamomum verum

Ceylon cinnamon, sometimes called “true cinnamon,” comes from the inner bark of Cinnamomum verum, a tree native to Sri Lanka. Its flavor is warm, gently sweet and more delicate than many other varieties of cinnamon.

In Ayurveda, cinnamon is valued as a warming, aromatic spice that supports agni, or digestive fire, while helping counter qualities of coldness and heaviness. Its warming nature makes it particularly complementary to vata- and kapha-balancing foods and rituals.

Modern research has identified a range of naturally occurring aromatic and polyphenolic compounds in cinnamon, including cinnamaldehyde, one of the compounds responsible for its characteristic aroma and flavor. These phytochemicals have become an important focus of research into cinnamon’s antioxidant and other biological properties.

Found in: Golden Milk, Vata Spice Blend and Kapha Spice Blend

CLARY SAGE

Salvia sclarea

Clary sage is an aromatic flowering herb in the sage family, traditionally cultivated throughout the Mediterranean and parts of Europe. Its essential oil has an earthy, herbaceous and subtly floral aroma.

In aromatherapy, clary sage is valued for its grounding and calming qualities, bringing a sense of ease to daily rituals. It also has a longstanding place in women’s herbal traditions and is commonly incorporated into aromatic and topical preparations designed to support comfort throughout the menstrual cycle and during the menopausal transition.

Used topically, its cleansing and balancing properties make it particularly complementary to skincare and body care formulated for skin that tends toward excess oil or visible imbalance.

Found in: Kapha Body Oil, Tridoshic Toner, Women's Moon Oil and Tridoshic Serum

CLEMENTINE

Citrus clementina

Clementine is a small citrus fruit believed to have originated from the crossing of mandarin and sweet orange. Its peel produces an essential oil with a bright, sweet and distinctly uplifting citrus aroma.

Naturally rich in aromatic plant compounds, clementine essential oil brings cleansing and refreshing qualities to body care. Its vibrant fragrance adds a light, uplifting sensory element to daily rituals while complementing botanical oils designed to nourish and soften the skin.

Found in: Tridoshic Body Oil

CLOVE

Syzygium aromaticum

Clove is the dried flower bud of an evergreen tree native to Indonesia and has been prized for centuries for its distinctly warm, pungent and aromatic flavor. One of its primary naturally occurring compounds is eugenol, which gives clove much of its characteristic aroma.

In Ayurveda, clove is valued as a warming and stimulating spice traditionally used to support digestion and awaken the senses. It also has a longstanding place in traditional oral care, where its aromatic and cleansing qualities make it particularly well suited to rituals for the mouth, teeth and gums.

Found in: Rooibos Chai Blend Tea, Mint Oil Pulling Oil and Cinnamon Oil Pulling Oil

COCONUT OIL

Cocos nucifera

Coconut oil has a long history of culinary, hair, skin and oral care use throughout tropical regions of Asia and the Pacific. It is naturally rich in medium-chain fatty acids, particularly lauric acid, a compound that has been studied for its antimicrobial properties.

In Ayurvedic oral care, oil pulling is the daily practice of swishing oil throughout the mouth before brushing the teeth. Coconut oil provides a gentle, cooling base for this traditional ritual while helping cleanse the mouth and leave it feeling fresh.

Its cooling nature also makes coconut oil particularly complementary when creating oil pulling formulas intended for everyday use across constitutions.

Found in: Mint Oil Pulling Oil and Cinnamon Oil Pulling Oil

COMFREY

Symphytum officinale

Comfrey is a leafy perennial herb with a long history of topical use in traditional herbalism. Its leaves and roots naturally contain allantoin, a plant compound valued in skincare for its soothing and conditioning qualities.

Applied topically, comfrey helps support soft, comfortable and well-moisturized skin, making it particularly useful in formulas for skin that feels dry or visibly irritated. Its naturally occurring plant compounds complement soothing skincare rituals designed to nourish and restore the feel of the skin.

Found in: Vata Toner and Anti-itch Remedy

CORIANDER

Coriandrum sativum

Coriander comes from the seeds of the same plant that produces fresh cilantro and has a warm, aromatic flavor with subtle citrus notes. It has been used for centuries in both cooking and traditional herbal preparations.

In Ayurveda, coriander is valued as a cooling digestive spice that supports agni, or digestive fire, without creating excessive heat. Its balancing nature makes it particularly useful for pitta while its aromatic qualities help support comfortable digestion.

Coriander’s cooling and soothing qualities also make it a thoughtful botanical for skincare and body care designed for skin that tends to feel warm or sensitive.

Found in: Pitta Cleanser & Mask, Pitta Body Oil, Pitta Spice Blend and Tridoshic Spice Blend

CYPRESS

Cupressus sempervirens

Cypress is an evergreen tree native to the Mediterranean region with a long history of use in traditional aromatic preparations. Its essential oil has a fresh, woody and subtly resinous aroma.

In skincare, cypress is valued for its cleansing, toning and astringent qualities, making it particularly well suited to skin that tends toward excess oil or congestion. Its fresh aromatic profile also brings a clarifying quality to botanical skincare rituals.

Found in: Kapha Serum