This year, we’re launching a new monthly post where we share one superfood/superherb ingredient that we’re most excited about!
At cocokind, we’re constantly researching the latest and greatest superfoods from all around the world. From this process, we discover ingredients that we use in future products and DIY recipes! As such, we wanted to start sharing some of our research with you on a monthly basis.
This month, we’re talking about ashwagandha, one ingredient that we’re LOVING for skincare.
Ashwagandha is a traditional herb that originates from India and is used to strengthen people’s immune systems. This plant is used in Ayurvedic medicine and is also known by the names of Indian ginseng, poison gooseberry, or winter cherry. Rich in iron, antioxidants, fatty acids, glucose, and much more, there are more than enough benefits to trying ashwagandha.
Full of valuable chemicals like fatty acids and amino acids, ashwagandha is believed to encourage balance within the body. Additionally, studies show that by helping the body produce white blood cells, ashwagandha can prevent disease and illness. For your mental health, we have been hearing plenty about adaptogens and how they help us manage our daily stressful situations. As a powerful adaptogen, ashwagandha helps to normalize psychological functions and therefore reduces stress and anxiety.
Now, we know you’ve been hearing about this ingredient for internal use lately, but we’ll explain how to include ashwagandha in your skincare routines for even more beauty benefits!
This ingredient is our top superfood find for natural, organic skincare this month. The herb is anti-inflammatory, so it’s perfect for wounds, blemishes, or skin irritations. Ashwagandha root has both antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, protecting the skin from infections or acne. It’s high levels of antioxidants protect your skin from free radicals, also helping to keep your complexion vibrant. All in all, this is a wonderful ingredient to help treat dark spots (like sun spots), blemishes, acne scarring, or fine lines. Let’s get some ashwagandha in our skincare because who doesn’t want more even skin?
Other benefits of Ashwagandha:
- Increases collagen production in the body
- Improves learning, memory, and reaction time
- Stabilizes blood sugar and lower cholesterol
- Treats insomnia
- Prevents graying and reduces hair loss
Pro Beauty Tips
Face Mask
You can add about a teaspoon of ashwagandha powder to your rosewater toner to enhance the properties of the toner and keep your skin healthy! Apply as a face mask and leave on for 15 minutes before washing off.
Hair Mask
Add a tablespoon of ashwagandha powder to your shampoo to activate the hair follicles and stimulate hair growth! Massage onto hair for 2-3 minutes and then wash off with warm water.
We hope you found ways to incorporate this month’s featured ingredient in your skincare routine. Ashwagandha may find its way into our skincare products (wink wink)…stay tuned!
-The cocokind team