Vaidyaratnam Lakshadi Choornam - #32179
I am really struggling with some skin issues that have been around for too long now. About a year ago, I started noticeing these weird patches on my skin that would itch like crazy, and they seem to get worse with each season. A friend suggested Vaidyaratnam Lakshadi Choornam, which I kinda brushed off at first because I didn't think Ayurvedic remedies would help me. But now, I’m at that point where I’ll try anything. I went to the dermatologist, and they said it might be some sort of eczema, gave me creams that worked for a bit but then just stopped. Ugh! I still have dry, flaky spots and it just feels uncomfortable, y'know? When I read about Vaidyaratnam Lakshadi Choornam, it said it’s good for vata and pitta imbalances — does that mean it could help with my dryness and the itching? Also, I thought maybe changing my diet could also do something, but just not sure where to start. Should I mix the Vaidyaratnam Lakshadi Choornam with something, or just take it on its own? If any of you guys have used it, can you share how it worked for you? Hope to hear some great stories or tips!


Doctors’ responses
Vaidyaratnam Lakshadi Choornam can indeed be a promising option for addressing your skin issues, particularly if we’re looking at Vata and Pitta imbalances. This choornam is known for its soothing properties, and it’s traditionally used for conditions involving dryness and itching. Given your description, where you mentioned persistent dry and flaky patches that become aggravated seasonally, there may well be an imbalance in your Vata and Pitta doshas.
This herbal powder works by pacifying these doshas, aiming to reduce inflammation and calm the skin. You could apply it topically, typically by creating a paste with warm water or a suitable carrier oil like coconut or sesame oil, and gently applying it to the affected area. Leave it on for a short while before washing it off with lukewarm water. Usually, application once or twice daily can help with symptom relief, but consistency over time is key.
Regarding diet, you’ll want to avoid foods that exacerbate Vata and Pitta — such as overly spicy, dry, or processed foods. Integrating foods rich in healthy fats and oils, which can lubricate the body internally, is often beneficial for dry skin. Favouring warm, cooked meals with grounding spices like cumin or coriander is typically recommended.
For internal use of Lakshadi Choornam, which is less common but might be suggested by an Ayurveda practitiner, it can be mixed with ghee or honey to ingest. However, do this cautiously and preferably under the supervision of a trained Ayurvedic doctor, especially since skin conditions can sometimes signal deeper systemic issues.
Lastly, it’s crucial to listen to your body and note any changes when trying new remedies. If there are severe or persistent issues, particularly ones that cause significant discomfort, it’s advisable to consult directly with a healthcare provider or an Ayurvedic professional who can offer personalized advice. Skin being the body’s largest organ, it often reflects constitution or lifestyle imbalances, ensuring your approach is both inward and outward can provide more comprehensive relief.
Vaidyaratnam Lakshadi Choornam could be beneficial for your skin issues, especially if they stem from vata and pitta imbalances. These doshas, when imbalanced, can lead to dryness, itching, and inflammation. This herbal formulation can help soothe and nourish the skin by reducing excess vata and pitta. It’s usually meant for external application, not internal consumption, so apply a paste made by mixing a small amount of the choornam with water or coconut oil directly onto the affected patches. Do this once or twice daily, depending on your schedule. It’s best to apply after a shower when your skin is clean to allow better absorption.
Regarding your diet, focusing on dietary changes might also support in rebalancing your doshas. Since dryness and itching indicate aggravated vata, grounding and nourishing foods could be useful—these include warm, moist, cooked meals, with plenty of healthy fats like ghee or sesame oil. Avoiding excessively pungent, spicy, or acidic foods can prevent pitta from flaring up further.
Try incorporating more naturally sweet, bitter, and astringent foods like leafy greens, zucchini, and fruits like grapes into your diet. Staying hydrated with warm water throughout the day can also help maintain moisture in the body. If your symptoms don’t improve or worsen, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional or a specialist in Ayurveda to tailor the treatment to your specific prakriti (body constitution) and existing condition. Be cautious and use Lakshadi Choornam externally as recommended, and keep your dermatologist informed of any new treatments you try.

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