While modern beauty routines rely on serums and chemical treatments, ancient Indian sages and vaidyas achieved glowing skin through pure, natural ingredients drawn from the nature. One such powerful formula comes straight from the Sushruta Samhita, an ancient Sanskrit medical text. Let’s explore Sushruta’s Brightening Face Pack, as revealed in ancient Indian Sanskrit texts and discover how these timeless beauty secrets were originally formulated.

Classical Ayurvedic Sources of Sushruta’s Brightening Face Pack
"Chandana, Tunga, Pandmaka, Usliira , Madhuka, Manjishtha, Sariva, Payasya, Sita and Lata - these ten are promotives of complexion" Atridev. - Sushruta - Samhita, chap. 4: 8. p. 53-54. Source: Herbal Cosmetics in Ancient India.
Things You’ll Need
- Tunga (Nagakesara) – Mesua ferrea Linn.
- Pandmaka (Himalayan cherry) – Prunus cerasoides
- Ushira (Vetiver) – Vetiveria zizanioides
- Madhuka / Yashtimadhu (Licorice) – Glycyrrhiza glabra
- Manjishtha – Rubia cordifolia
- Sariva (Anantmool) – Hemidesmus indicus
- Payasya – Ipomoea digitata
- Sita and Lata (Durva Grass) – Cynodon dactylon
Getting Started: How to Make Sushruta’s Brightening Face Pack
First, make sure your ingredients are clean and dry. You can easily find these herbs in powdered form at your local Ayurvedic store. Many, like Vetiver and Licorice, are commonly sold this way. You can also purchase them online just make sure to choose products with good ratings and trusted reviews.
If any of the herbs are in solid form, grind them into a fine powder. Otherwise, you can directly use the powdered versions.
| Herb (Botanical Name) | Part Used | Quantity (Powdered Form) |
|---|---|---|
| Chandana | Heartwood | ½ teaspoon |
| Tunga | Anthers | ¼ teaspoon |
| Padmaka | Stem | ½ teaspoon |
| Ushira | Roots | ½ teaspoon |
| Yashtimadhu | Root & Stolon | ½ teaspoon |
| Manjishtha | Roots | ½ teaspoon |
| Sariva | Roots | ½ teaspoon |
| Payasya | Tuberous Root | ¼ teaspoon |
| Sita & Lata Durva | Entire Plant | ½ teaspoon |
Method: Apply the face pack
Clean your face gently with lukewarm water and pat it dry. Apply the herbal paste evenly across your face and neck. Make sure to avoid the eyes and lips. Let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes. As it dries, you’ll feel it tightening, a good sign that the herbs are doing their work.
Superpower Explained: Why These Ingredients Work
| Sanskrit Name | Part Used / Purpose |
|---|---|
| Chandana (Sandalwood) | Cooling and calming. Great for pimples and sunburn. |
| Tunga (Nagakesara) | Known for reducing dark spots and uneven pigmentation. |
| Pandmaka | Rare Himalayan cherry that works as a skin rejuvenator. |
| Ushira (Vetiver) | Detoxifies skin and tightens pores. |
| Madhuka / Yashtimadhu | Fades blemishes and lightens scars. |
| Manjishtha | Blood purifier that reflects through healthy skin. |
| Sariva | Soothes irritated skin and balances pitta. |
| Payasya | Moisturises and softens the skin from deep within. |
| Sita & Lata (Durva grass) | Ancient wound healers that reduce skin inflammation. |
ALSO READ: Why Madhuka (Licorice Root) Remains a Powerful Healing Root
Disclaimer
This formulation is shared based on classical Ayurvedic texts and trusted botanical knowledge. All ingredients mentioned are traditionally used in skincare and are generally considered safe. However, everyone’s skin is unique. If you have very sensitive skin or known allergies, we recommend doing a patch test first. In case of irritation, rinse immediately and consult a qualified dermatologist.





