Why Modern Skincare Needs the Wisdom of Hortus Malabaricus
News
Feb 26 2025
In January 2025, a shocking news report in major newspapers like the Times of Indiaalarmed cosmetic product users. The report highlighted a statement by Kerala's Health Minister, Veena George, revealing that lab tests in Thiruvananthapuram and Ernakulam found dangerously high mercury levels in some lipsticks and face creams. In some cases, the mercury content was over 12,000 times the safe limit. Since mercury can seriously harm internal organs, the minister directed the state's drug control department to increase inspections and take strict action. In this context, Hortus Malabaricus herbal cosmetics have gained importance. It's the perfect time to revisit ancient Ayurvedic skincare wisdom.If you care about your skin or want to discover Kerala’s beauty secrets, you're in the right place! This blog will deepen your knowledge and introduce you to Kerala’s age-old beauty traditions.Let’s dive in: ➔ Why Hortus Malabaricus is considered a treasure of knowledge➔ The rich medicinal heritage preserved in Hortus Malabaricus➔ Why modern skincare needs to embrace ancient wisdom Keep reading to unlock the iconic beauty secrets of Kerala!
What is Hortus Malabaricus?:Discover the Goldmine of Ancient Ayurvedic Skincare
Hortus Malabaricus is an ancient book about the medicinal plants of Kerala.The book was written by Hendrik van Rheede, who was the Governor of Dutch Malabar at that time. It was written in the 17th century and describes various herbs, their uses, and benefits. The book is considered a valuable source of knowledge about traditional herbal medicine and Ayurveda.This 12-volume book contains illustrations of 742 plants, representing 691 modern species. Each plant is described along with its medicinal and other uses.
The plant names are given in Malayalam (written in Roman, Malayalam, and Arabic scripts) and, in many cases, also in Konkani, Portuguese, and Dutch. The entire text is written in Latin.It was based on the wisdom of native physicians like Itty Achuthan, Ranga Bhat, Vinayaka Pandit, and Appu Bhat. In the early stages of the book's preparation, Father Mathews of St. Joseph also helped Van Rheede.About a hundred years after Hortus Malabaricus was published, Carl Linnaeus, the father of modern botany, recognized it as a reliable guide to Asian plants. He used it extensively when developing his binomial system for naming plants.It also recorded the local wisdom—the traditional ways people used these plants, passed down through generations.This made Hortus Malabaricus a unique mix of scientific study and native knowledge. The book's information on the medicinal use of plants is highly valuable today, as many countries are working to rediscover traditional knowledge and native wisdom in different scientific fields. Indeed, as a beauty product enthusiast, what we are about to discuss will be a completely new experience for you.So, let’s explore the next nugget of information!
The Medical Legacy Of Hortus Malabaricus
Let’s take a trip down memory lane. If you have a grandma at home, you might know about using turmeric for skin care. She may have lovingly smeared turmeric mixed with oil on your face, a ritual you cherished.While applying it, she probably told stories of how turmeric was an essential part of her skincare routine.This golden spice was used for wounds and inflammation. Today, science has proven that turmeric contains curcumin, which soothes irritated skin and gives it a natural glow.Have you ever used neem for itchy skin? Maybe during chickenpox, you rubbed neem leaves on your body to relieve the irritation. Now, science confirms that neem has antibacterial properties and it is perfect for acne-prone skin.
The Medical Legacy Of Hortus Malabaricus
Let’s take a trip down memory lane. If you have a grandma at home, you might know about using turmeric for skin care. She may have lovingly smeared turmeric mixed with oil on your face, a ritual you cherished.While applying it, she probably told stories of how turmeric was an essential part of her skincare routine.This golden spice was used for wounds and inflammation. Today, science has proven that turmeric contains curcumin, which soothes irritated skin and gives it a natural glow.Have you ever used neem for itchy skin? Maybe during chickenpox, you rubbed neem leaves on your body to relieve the irritation. Now, science confirms that neem has antibacterial properties and it is perfect for acne-prone skin.
Another powerful but often overlooked plant is aloe vera. It needs little care but works wonders for burns and skin irritation. Even today, it’s widely used to soothe and hydrate the skin.These are just a few medicinal plants you or someone around you might have used. All of them are documented in Hortus Malabaricus, an ancient book on herbal medicine.Sadly, not many people know about these natural remedies, and instead, they rely on harmful skincare products. It's time to rediscover nature’s classic teachings!
“Feed your skin with nature, not lab-made junk!”
Beauty isn’t in a bottle of chemicals; it’s in the purity of nature.If love yourself,say no to the bottle of chemicals.Remember, Your skin is your body's largest organ—feed it with nature, not with toxins. If you're not concerned about the harmful ingredients in today’s cosmetic products, understanding the top toxic ingredients will help you identify the villain in your favorite cosmetic brand.That’s why HerbAush was born—made from the ingredients found in Hortus Malabaricus.HerbAush: The Best Skincare Brand from Kerala
At HerbAyush, we believe that beauty should be about care. We want to change the way you think about skincare and haircare by bringing together nature’s wisdom and modern solutions.Our products are made with natural, plant-based ingredients, and we make sure they are available to everyone.Have you ever wondered how good it would feel to use products that truly care for your skin and hair? At HerbAush, that’s exactly what we aim to do. Every product is created to nourish, protect, and soothe, without any harsh chemicals. Whether you're looking for a face cream, a hair mask, or a body lotion, our products are made with you in mind.We also care about the planet. Our ingredients are natural and sustainable, so you can feel good about using them. By choosing HerbAush, you're not just caring for yourself, you're connecting with a more authentic, eco-friendly way of self-care.Isn’t it time to treat your skin and hair with the love and care they deserve? With HerbAush, you’ll experience the beauty of nature in every product.Are You Ready to Experience Ancient Ayurvedic Skincare?
In the journal Environmental Health Perspectives, Dr. Katharine Hammond, a professor of environmental health, shared that she found small amounts of cadmium, cobalt, aluminum, titanium, manganese, chromium, copper, and nickel in 24 lip glosses and 8 lipstick brands.
Many studies are highlighting the harsh effects of modern cosmetics. Now is the time to return to the ancient ways of keeping your skin glowing. But how? This question may be on your mind. Worry not, HerbAush is here to offer you eco-friendly skincare products made with natural ingredients that are gentle and nourishing for your skin—no harsh chemicals!
Explore our herbal skincare products and give your skin the nourishment it needs for a healthier, glowing complexion that lasts.
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