Hortus Malabaricus: The Foundation of Ayurveda Beauty

In Kerala, herbs have long been revered for their medicinal and beauty benefits. The Hortus Malabaricus, a 17th-century botanical masterpiece, documented this rich heritage, showcasing an extensive array of plants native to the region. Its legacy continues to resonate today as the world rediscovers the benefits of herbal skincare products in beauty and wellness. From herbal face washes to herbal body creams, many modern organic beauty products are inspired by the remedies recorded in this ancient text. In this blog, we probe into the historic significance of Hortus Malabaricus and how its ancient wisdom continues to shape Ayurveda beauty trends.

The Historical Impact of Hortus Malabaricus

Compiled during an era of global exploration and knowledge exchange, Hortus Malabaricus (The garden of Malabar) was created under the guidance of Dutch Governor Hendrik van Rheede, published in Amsterdam between 1678 and 1693, this 12-volume work was spearheaded by Hendrik van Rheede, the Dutch Governor of Malabar, and represents a significant collaboration between European scientists and local experts, including Itty Achudan, the renowned physician in Kerala. The treatise provides detailed descriptions and illustrations of 742 plant species native to the Malabar region, highlighting their medicinal properties and traditional uses. The Hortus Malabaricus not only serves as a comprehensive botanical record but also stands as a testament to the rich heritage of Kerala's plant-based traditions.

What makes Hortus Malabaricus particularly remarkable is its ability to bridge the connection between Kerala’s indigenous herbal wisdom and Western scientific research. The text was written in multiple languages, including Latin, Malayalam, and Portuguese, making it accessible to scholars across different cultures. This ancient compendium laid the foundation for the modern understanding of herbal skincare products by documenting the healing properties of plants still used today. Many of the formulations and beauty rituals detailed in the book are now being revived by the organic beauty products industry, which seeks to harness nature’s power for skincare and haircare solutions.

Herbs That Have Endured Through Centuries

Several plants documented in Hortus Malabaricus continue to play a significant role in natural cosmetics and chemical-free skincare today. Here are some of the most influential herbs that have stood the test of time:

1. Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

Turmeric has been revered in Ayurveda beauty for its powerful anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties. The Hortus Malabaricus described turmeric as a natural purifier, used for promoting glowing, even-toned skin. Today, turmeric is a key ingredient in herbal face creams, face masks, and serums aimed at treating acne, reducing pigmentation, and preventing premature aging.

2. Basil (Ocimum sanctum)

Also known as holy basil or Tulsi, this herb is famous for its adaptogenic and antibacterial qualities. Used traditionally in herbal skincare for its purifying properties, basil helps reduce acne, soothe skin irritation, and improve complexion. Modern beauty brands use basil extracts in herbal face washes and toners to combat skin issues caused by pollution and stress.

3. Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum)

Cinnamon’s antimicrobial properties have been recognized for centuries. The Hortus Malabaricus noted its ability to fight infections and reduce inflammation. Today, cinnamon is a key ingredient in chemical-free skincare, used in cleansers, scrubs, and herbal face creams to enhance circulation and promote a youthful glow.

4. Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum)

Known for its rich antioxidants, cardamom was traditionally used to heal skin ailments and improve radiance. Modern skincare brands now incorporate cardamom extracts into herbal body creams and face serums to protect the skin from environmental damage and enhance its natural glow.

5. Coconut (Cocos nucifera)

The Hortus Malabaricus highlights coconut as an essential ingredient for nourishing and hydrating the skin. Coconut oil is packed with fatty acids and Vitamin E, making it a staple in herbal body lotions, hair oils, and moisturizers that deeply hydrate and restore the skin’s barrier.

6. Sandalwood (Santalum album)

Highly valued for its cooling and anti-inflammatory properties, sandalwood was traditionally used for brightening the complexion and reducing blemishes. Today, it remains a sought-after ingredient in natural face packs, creams, and Ayurvedic skincare formulations to soothe irritation and enhance skin glow.

7. Neem (Azadirachta indica)

Neem has long been recognized in Ayurveda for its antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. The Hortus Malabaricus described neem as a powerful skin healer, particularly effective for acne-prone and sensitive skin. Neem extracts are commonly found in herbal face washes, creams, and soaps to treat breakouts and purify the skin.

8. Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis)

Hibiscus, often called the "botox plant," is rich in natural acids and antioxidants that promote youthful skin. The Hortus Malabaricus mentions its use for enhancing skin elasticity and reducing wrinkles. Today, hibiscus-infused hair care shampoo and serums help improve hair growth and texture.

9. Bhringraj (Eclipta prostrata)

Traditionally known for its hair care benefits, Bhringraj was documented in the Hortus Malabaricus as a natural remedy for scalp health. Modern herbal beauty products incorporate Bhringraj extracts in hair oils and shampoos to reduce hair fall, strengthen roots, and promote thick, healthy hair growth.

10. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

Ashwagandha, an adaptogenic herb, was highlighted in Hortus Malabaricus for its skin-rejuvenating properties. It helps combat stress-induced skin issues, reduce signs of aging, and enhance skin firmness. Today, ashwagandha is found in herbal serums and anti-aging creams to boost collagen and improve skin resilience.

11. Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum)

Fenugreek has been used for centuries for its anti-inflammatory and hydrating properties. The Hortus Malabaricus noted its role in promoting healthy, glowing skin. Modern herbal formulations incorporate fenugreek extracts in face packs and oils to reduce pigmentation and deeply moisturize the skin.

12. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis)

Aloe vera has been described in Hortus Malabaricus for its cooling, healing, and hydrating effects. Rich in vitamins and antioxidants, aloe vera is widely used in herbal face gels, sunscreens, and moisturizers to soothe irritation, reduce redness, and provide deep hydration.

These herbs, among many others, continue to form the foundation of herbal skincare products, proving their effectiveness through centuries of use.

The Impact of Modern Beauty Through Herbal Traditions

The global beauty industry is shifting towards organic beauty products and chemical-free skincare, largely due to increased consumer awareness about the harmful effects of synthetic chemicals. This shift has led to the resurgence of traditional herbal remedies, with many brands drawing inspiration from ancient texts like Hortus Malabaricus.

As a result, premium herbal beauty brands now use time-tested ingredients like turmeric, basil, cinnamon, and cardamom in modern formulations. Consumers are increasingly seeking products that are free from parabens, sulfates, and artificial fragrances, leading to the rise of herbal skincare products that offer both effectiveness and safety.

For example:

●       Herbal face washes infused with basil and turmeric provide gentle cleansing without stripping the skin of its natural oils.

●       Herbal face creams enriched with cardamom and cinnamon help maintain a youthful, radiant complexion.

●       Herbal body creams with coconut oil and botanical extracts deeply nourish and hydrate the skin, making them perfect for daily use.

By adopting these ancient remedies, the modern beauty industry is creating a harmonious balance between tradition and innovation.

Herbal Cosmetics Inspired by Hortus Malabaricus

The influence of Hortus Malabaricus extends beyond skincare into a broader movement of natural cosmetics and Ayurveda beauty. Many beauty brands now focus on sourcing ingredients ethically, using eco-friendly packaging, and ensuring cruelty-free testing.

Some key aspects of this movement include:

●       Sustainable Sourcing – Harvesting herbs in a way that maintains biodiversity and supports local farming communities.

●       Eco-Friendly Packaging – Using biodegradable or recyclable materials to reduce environmental impact.

●       Clean Beauty Standards – Formulating products free from synthetic additives, relying solely on plant-based extracts and essential oils.

This commitment to sustainability ensures that premium herbal beauty brands not only create effective products but also contribute positively to the planet.

Conclusion

The legacy of Hortus Malabaricus continues to shape herbal skincare by bridging Kerala’s ancient wisdom with today’s natural cosmetics innovations. The herbs documented in this historic text have stood the test of time, proving their effectiveness in both traditional and contemporary beauty regimens. HerbAush is a premium herbal cosmetics brand inspired by the historic Hortus Malabaricus, offering high-quality skincare and haircare products infused with natural ingredients. Combining traditional botanical wisdom with modern scientific research, HerbAush ensures that each product delivers the best of nature’s healing power. As the industry shifts toward chemical-free skincare and organic beauty products, these time-honored ingredients remain at the heart of herbal beauty trends. By adopting this centuries- transferred knowledge, modern skincare brands create products that honor the past while redefining the future of premium herbal beauty.