Skin tags, known as “vata-pitta” imbalances in Ayurveda, are often benign, but they can increase due to friction, hormonal changes, or metabolic factors. Managing them naturally involves a multi-step approach to balance your doshas and enhance skin health.
Firstly, focus on dietarily reducing vata and pitta imbalances. Incorporate more cooling and calming foods like cucumbers, cilantro, and fresh coconut water in your meals. Avoid excessively spicy, oily, or processed foods as they can aggravate pitta dosha, potentially worsening skin concerns.
For topical application, you might find potential relief in freshly extracted juice from garlic or onion—apply it directly onto the skin tag using a cotton ball. Let it sit for about 20 minutes before washing it off with lukewarm water. Repeat this process once daily. Be cautious as these can be irritating for some individuals, so testing a small area first is advisable.
Applying castor oil mixed with a pinch of turmeric powder to the skin tags can also be beneficial. The anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric can help soothe the skin while promoting gradual tag reduction. Use this mixture nightly, leaving it on overnight and washing it off in the morning.
To address open pores, using fuller’s earth (Multani mitti) can help minimize their appearance. Create a paste with rose water, apply evenly to your face, and allow it to dry before rinsing off with warm water. This should tighten the pores and cleanse accumulated sebum. Use this mask 2 to 3 times per week.
Enhancing skin health internally through herbs like Manjishtha or Neem may also prove beneficial. Both are known for their ability to purify blood and promote skin radiance. They are often taken in powder form, steeped in hot water, making a herbal tea to sip twice daily.
Additionally, prioritize regular physical activity to improve circulation and support detoxification, aiding in overall skin vitality. Ensure good hydration, which supports detox through the lymphatic system and skin.
Always remember when dealing with skin tags, seeking professional medical advice is important, especially if they become painful or exhibit changes in color or size. For persistent cases or complications, consult a healthcare practitioner experienced in both modern dermatology and Ayurveda.
Skin tags, particularly on the face, can be a concern both aesthetically and comfort-wise. From a Siddha-Ayurvedic perspective, they often indicate an imbalance particularly in the kapha dosha, manifesting as excess skin growth. Open pores and increasing numbers of skin tags suggest that there may also be an underlying imbalance in vata, typically linked to dryness and skin irregularities. Here’s a natural remedy approach to consider:
1. Turmeric Paste: Mix turmeric powder with water or rose water to form a paste. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help shrink skin tags over time. Apply the paste directly to the skin tag daily and leave it on for 20-30 minutes before washing off with lukewarm water.
2. Garlic application: Crushed garlic, when applied to skin tags, can help in reducing them over time. Wrap a piece of gauze around the crushed garlic applied to the skin tag. Leave it overnight and rinse off in the morning. Garlic has compounds that may help in breaking down the skin tag over time.
3. Triphala Powder: Consuming ½ teaspoon of Triphala powder with warm water before bed can help in detoxifying the body and balancing the doshas. It’s a holistic approach to manage skin health from the inside.
4. Oil Massage: To address open pores, consider sesame oil massage. Lightly massage a few drops on the face, especially on the skin tag area—this helps nourish the skin and maintain its texture.
Remember, skin tags are generally benign, but if they change in appearance or become painful, it’s important to seek medical attention. The remedies mentioned can be integrated into a daily routine but might not replace medical treatments if necessary. It’s also crucial to maintain a balanced diet and hydrate well, as dietary causes often exacerbate kapha and vata related imbalances.
