How To Use Manjistha for Skin Whitening

The desire for a fair complexion is not a recent trend. The first recorded skin whitening practices date back to over 200 B.C. Better skin tone was mainly marketed to women as a representation of beauty and status. Historically people used to apply natural ingredients to their skins. In modern times, skin whitening involves using more chemical-based substances. However, many studies have shown that these chemical ingredients are mostly toxic or unsafe. Many contain mercury compounds which may lead to neurological and kidney problems. That is why, it is always best to use naturally available plant-based products to get long-lasting results without side effects. Manjistha is an herb widely used in ancient Indian and Chinese medicine for its powerful skin-healing properties. If you too want to make your skin look healthy and radiant, let us look at how to use Manjistha for skin whitening.

Also Read – त्रिफला चूर्ण का फायदा for Skin: लोग भी पूछेंगे दमकती त्वचा का राज़

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Manjistha and Skin Whitening

Skin whitening, also known as skin lightening and skin bleaching, is attained by reducing the melanin concentration in the skin.

Skin whitening products have a huge market globally and are widely consumed by people.

In India, over half of the skin care products are sold with a skin whitening tag.

However, the majority of these skincare products come with side effects.

Research says the prolonged use of mercury-based products can ultimately discolor the skin.

They can also lead to long-term renal and neurological complications.

Also, skin lightened by chemical-based products is highly vulnerable to sun damage and dermal infections.

Plant-based drugs are known as herbal medicines and are considered much safer than synthetic drugs.

Charka Samhita has recognized Manjistha’s importance as a varnya or skin complexion enhancer.

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What is Manjistha?

The botanical name of Manjistha is Rubia cordifolia.

It is also known by the names of Indian madder and Manjisth.

Manjistha is a perennial climbing herb with rough, prickly stems that belongs to the coffee family, Rubiaceae.

The leaves are heart-shaped or lance-like in appearance and are mostly in the group of four around the stem.

The flowers of Majistha are greenish-white in color.

The fruits when ripe turn purplish-black, are round or slightly divided, smooth, and shiny.

Nutritional Properties of Manjistha

Ayurveda has given significant importance to Manjistha.

Apart from its medicinal value, it has commercial value worldwide.

Its use in ancient Europe for dyeing wool, silk, linen, cotton fabrics, and basket-making material is mentioned.

Manjistha is also called a “magic drug” in Ayurveda and its description is found in almost all Ayurvedic literature.

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In Ayurveda, people use Manjistha to pacify the pitta dosha.

They primarily use the roots and rhizomes of Manjistha for medicinal purposes.

Studies have found that Manjistha is rich in more than 100 compounds.

It mainly contains anthraquinones, naphthoquinones, anthraquinone glycosides, naphthoquinone glycosides, bicyclic hexapeptides, triterpenoids, and polysaccharides.

Benefits of Manjistha for Skin Whitening

In ancient times, people used Manjistha for blood, skin, and urinary problems due to its blood-purifying qualities.

Traditionally, they used the roots of manjistha to enhance skin complexion and radiance.

Let us see how Manjistha is beneficial for the skin.

1.) Reduces Hyperpigmentation

Manjistha has anti-tyrosinase properties.

Tyrosinase is an enzyme that controls melanin production, a pigment that gives color to the skin, hair, and eyes.

The active compounds in Manjistha, especially purpurin, inhibit tyrosinase.

By reducing melanin formation Manjistha helps control hyperpigmentation, reducing dark spots and uneven skin tone.

2.) Makes Complexion Lighter and Brighter

By slowing down melanin production, Manjistha gives skin a more radiant look by making the complexion brighter and lighter.

This is beneficial for those who are looking to get a skin-whitening effect.

3.) Antioxidant Properties

Manjistha is rich in anthraquinones, a powerful antioxidant.

These antioxidants protect the skin from damage by free radicals.

This slows down the aging process giving skin a youthful appearance.

4.) Anti-inflammatory Properties

The anti-inflammatory properties of Manjistha help in improving overall skin health.

The compounds in Manjistha soothe irritated skin, reduce redness, and make skin healthy.

Its antimicrobial properties may help in fighting bacteria-causing acne.

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5.) Safe for Skin Care

Manjistha, being an herb, is natural and safe to maintain a balanced skin tone without the harsh effects of chemical-based skin-lightening products.

6.) Prevents Oxidative Browning

Manjistha has properties that may stop or slow the process of “oxidative browning”.

Oxidative browning is the process that leads to the darkening of the skin contributing to pigmentation or dark spots.

7.) Supports Healthy Skin Structure

Manjistha can be used in a long-term skincare routine.

It stops tyrosinase without permanently altering the enzyme’s structure, making Manjistha a gentle option for skin whitening.

8.) Help in Preventing Skin Darkening

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You can prevent skin darkening caused by sun exposure or other environmental factors by using Manjistha.

The molecular interactions in Manjistha prevent excessive melanin formation, averting the skin from darkening due to sun or other factors.

9.) Purifies Blood

Manjistha is known for its blood-purifying properties.

Ayurveda also calls it a ‘detoxifying herb’ because it removes toxins from the blood.

Purified blood contributes to healthier skin by removing the impurities that can lead to skin issues like acne, pimples, and blemishes.

How to Use Manjistha for Skin Whitening

Ayurveda widely recognizes Manjistha as a versatile herb for addressing various skin-related issues.

Traditionally, people across various parts of India also use Manjistha for skincare.

Below are some ways on how to use manjistha for skin whitening at home:

1.) Manjistha and Honey Paste for Skin Whitening

• Mix Manjistha root powder with honey to form a paste.
• Apply the paste to brown spots, freckles, or other skin discoloration areas.
• People have traditionally used this combination to reduce pigmentation, heal damaged skin, and achieve a brighter complexion.

2.) Manjistha Face Pack for Skin Whitening

• To make this face pack you will need dried orange peel powder, sandalwood powder, and turmeric.
• Mix Manjistha powder with all the above ingredients.
• Apply the mixture as a face pack to brighten the skin and get an even tone.
• This face pack is beneficial in reducing pigmentation, promoting a natural glow, and rejuvenating the skin.

3.) Manjistha Root Powder with Ghee for Acne

• Mix Manjistha root powder with ghee (clarified butter).
• Apply this paste on acne-affected areas of the skin.
• This remedy helps soothe acne, reduce inflammation, and promote faster healing without scarring.

4.) Manjistha and Turmeric Paste

• Combine Manjistha root paste with turmeric.
• Apply this paste to affected areas for treating skin-related issues.
• Groups in Kerala use this paste to manage skin conditions, treat pigmentation, and maintain healthy skin.

5.) Manjistha and Honey Face Pack for Skin Whitening 

• Take 2-3 tablespoons of Manjistha powder and mix it with honey or rose water.
• Make a thick paste by combining the above ingredients.
• Apply the paste on the skin.
• Once the paste dries, wash your face with fresh water.
• Traditionally, people use this remedy to reduce dark spots and acne, improve complexion, and clear the skin.

6.) Manjistha Oil for Skin Whitening

• Manjistha oil is also very effective for removing skin problems and giving a radiant glow to the skin.
• Manjistadi Taila is an Ayurvedic oil used for its various benefits on the skin.
• Oil prepared using Manjistha reduces discoloration, pigmentation, and scarring, and promotes faster skin healing.
• Regular use of Manjistha oil benefits the skin by fighting free radicals, preventing aging, and keeping the skin healthy from damage.

7.) Manjistha for General Skin Glow and Whitening

• Manjistha is widely available in the market in the form of powder or churna, capsules, or tablets.
• You can use Manjistha both internally and externally as a part of a skincare routine.
• In many cultures, people drink “herbal tea of Manjistha” to enjoy its various benefits.

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Takeaway Message

Various traditional cultures worldwide have well-documented the skin benefits of the “wonder herb” Manjistha.

Vedic physician Charak has categorized Manjistha in Ayurveda as a herb which enhances the complexion.

Ayurveda also widely uses Manjistha for its mutiple medicinal benefits.

Besides its skin whitening properties, people value Manjistha for its neuroprotective, anti-tumor, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunosuppressive effects.

With widespread research on the side effects of chemical-based skin products, it is wise to natural herbs like Manjistha that are not just equally effective but give long-lasting benefits.

Traditionally, many herbal formulations and cosmetic preparations include Manjistha.

Regular use of Manjistha will promote a healthy glow, reduce pigmentation, and reduce pimples, scars, acne, and discoloration, making it an excellent choice for skin whitening and brightening.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article should not be considered as a substitute for a physician’s advice. Please consult your treating physician for more details.

Readings & References

• https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9500525/
• https://www.researchgate.net/publication/353269785_Rubia_cordifolia_Manjishtha_A_review_based_upon_its_Ayurvedic_and_Medicinal_uses
• https://globalresearchonline.net/journalcontents/v25-1/27.pdf
• https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0926669015300765
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skin_whitening#:~:text=Skin%20whitening%20practices%20have%20been,documented%20during%20the%20Elizabethan%20era.
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rubia_cordifolia
• https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0926669015300765