Ayurvedic Ingredient Glossary

Every Roots & Herbs formulation is built around herbs with centuries of use in Ayurveda. This glossary explains what each one is, how it has traditionally been used, and which of our products you'll find it in - so you know exactly what you're putting on your skin and hair, and why. Curious how these herbs stack up against familiar actives like retinol or vitamin C? See our Ayurvedic vs Western actives explainer. Want to know how we choose and source these herbs in the first place? Read our sourcing story.

Hair care herbs

Bhringraj

Known in Ayurveda as the "king of hair," Bhringraj is a leafy herb traditionally used to strengthen hair from the root, reduce hair fall and support a healthy scalp. It's one of the core herbs in our 49 Herbs Ayurvedic Hair Oil.

Hibiscus

Hibiscus flower has long been used in Ayurvedic hair care for its conditioning properties, traditionally valued for adding shine and softness while supporting scalp health. You'll find it blended into the 49 Herbs Ayurvedic Hair Oil.

Brahmi

Brahmi is traditionally used to calm the scalp and is often paired with Bhringraj in Ayurvedic hair formulations for its nourishing, cooling properties. It's part of the herb blend in our 49 Herbs Ayurvedic Hair Oil.

Triphala

A traditional blend of three fruits - Amla, Bibhitaki and Haritaki - Triphala is used in Ayurveda for gentle, balancing care suited to sensitive skin and hair, including children's. It's the base of our Triphala Herbal Ayurvedic Kids Hair Oil.

Jatamansi

Jatamansi is a root traditionally used in Ayurveda to soothe an irritated, flaky scalp and support hair strength. Explore it in our herbal hair oil range.

Face care herbs

Mulethi (Licorice root)

Mulethi, or licorice root, is traditionally used in Ayurveda to help even out skin tone and calm visible redness, making it a common ingredient in acne-focused formulations. Find it in our Mulethi Acne Clarifying Treatment Regime.

Anjeer (Fig)

Fig extract is used in Ayurvedic skincare for its traditional role in supporting an even, radiant complexion. It's the centerpiece of our Anjeer Flawless Skin Kit.

Ashwagandha

Best known as an adaptogen, Ashwagandha is also used topically in Ayurveda for its traditional role in supporting skin glow and resilience. It anchors our Ashwagandha Skin Illuminating Kit.

Anantmool

Anantmool, or Indian sarsaparilla, is traditionally used in Ayurvedic cleansers for its gentle, refreshing feel on the skin. It's the base of our Anantmool Refreshing Face Wash.

Manjistha

Manjistha root is traditionally valued in Ayurveda for rebalancing and clarifying the complexion. It's a key ingredient in our herbal face wash range.

Fenugreek

Fenugreek seed is traditionally used in Ayurvedic skincare for its soothing, nourishing properties. Discover it in our face care range.

Kashmiri Kesar (Saffron)

Saffron has a long history in Ayurveda as a prized ingredient for brightening and hydrating the skin. Find it in our face care range.

Body care herbs

Chandan (Sandalwood)

Sandalwood is one of the most traditional Ayurvedic ingredients for cooling, de-tanning skincare suited even to children. It's the foundation of our Chandan De-Tan Kids Body Wash.

Tulsi

Tulsi, or holy basil, is traditionally used in Ayurveda for its purifying properties and is a staple of everyday herbal routines. Explore it in our body care range.

Gotu Kola

Gotu Kola is traditionally used in Ayurveda to support skin healing and even-toning on the body. Find it in our body care range.

Neem

Neem has one of the longest histories in Ayurveda as a purifying herb, traditionally used for clear, calm skin. It's featured in our facial hair removal mask range.

Tea Tree

Tea tree is valued in Ayurvedic-inspired formulations for its traditionally purifying, clarifying role in body care. Find it in our body care range.

Frequently asked questions

What makes Ayurvedic skincare different from conventional products?

Ayurvedic skincare uses whole herbs and traditional formulations rather than isolated synthetic actives, with ingredients chosen for how they've been used for generations rather than lab-engineered for a single effect.

Are these herbs safe for sensitive skin?

Many Ayurvedic herbs, like Triphala and Anantmool, are traditionally chosen for gentler formulations, including for children. As with any product, it's worth patch-testing first, especially if you have known sensitivities.

Where can I find these ingredients in your products?

Every product page lists its full ingredient blend. This glossary links to a starting product or collection for each herb, but most of our formulations combine several of these herbs together.