Thanaka tree is a native of Myanmar but is also found in neighbouring countries like Thailand and India. Thanaka powder is made by grinding roots, bark and wood of Thanaka tree and small quantity of water with the help of ‘kyauk pyin’ a circular slate slab.
Primarily, women in certain Asian countries used it for cosmetic purpose but today there are several other benefits of thanaka powder. Let us have a look.
Ways to apply thanaka powder
- For uneven skin tone
- For dead skin removal
- For skin whitening and softening
- For hair removal
- For skin nourishment
For uneven skin tone
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon thanaka powder
Directions
- Take 1 tablespoon thanaka powder in a bowl and mix it with adequate quantity of water and stir well.
- Make a lump free paste and apply it on your face.
- Let the paste rest on your face for 20-25 minutes or until it completely dries.
- Rinse off with lukewarm water.
- Splash your face with cold-water couple of times to close your pores.
For dead skin removal
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon thanaka powder
- ½ tablespoon honey
- Milk
Directions
- In a bowl, mix 1 tablespoon thanaka powder with adequate quantity milk and ½-tablespoon honey.
- Apply the mixture on your face and massage it in circular motion for 4-5 minutes.
- Leave the mixture untouched for the next 5 minutes.
- Rinse the paste with lukewarm water.
For skin whitening and softening
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons thanaka powder
- 1/4 tablespoon turmeric powder
- Honey
Directions
- Take 2 tablespoons thanaka powder, 1/4 tablespoon turmeric powder, honey, and mix them well to get a smooth paste.
- With the help of a fan brush apply the mixture on your face and leave it for 20 minutes.
- Wash your face with a wet towel and pat dry.
For hair removal
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon thanaka powders
- 2 tablespoons of kusuma oil
Directions
- Mix 1 tablespoon thanaka powders with two tablespoons of kusuma oil until you get a thick lotion.
- Now apply the lotion on your face or skin where there is growth of unwanted hair.
- Leave the lotion on your face for at least two hours or more.
- You can also keep the lotion overnight and wash it while having shower in the morning.
For skin nourishment
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons thanaka powder
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 4 tablespoons milk
- 25 grams walnut powder
Directions
- In a bowl mix 2 tablespoons thanaka powder, 1 tablespoon honey, 4 tablespoons milk and 25 grams walnut powder until you get a creamy paste.
- Apply the paste on your face and leave it undisturbed for 15-20 minutes.
- Wash off with tepid water and pat dry.
Skin benefits
Soothes your skin
Thanaka powder contains natural elements that make your skin feel cool and fresh. It provides necessary hydration to your skin and rejuvenates your skin from within. This is the reason why every single application of thanaka powder gives you a soothing and refreshing feel.
Acts as natural sunscreen
Since decades, thanaka powder has been used as a natural protector against harmful sun rays and it is proven more effective than commercially available sunscreens in the market. Thanaka not only protects your skin from sun for long hours but also prevents excessive sweating caused by sunburn.
Controls skin ageing
Thanaka powder is very rich in antioxidants due to which its fights various skin hazards. Apart from this, it also naturally refines skin pores, maintains oil balance and guards against harmful sun rays. Due to all these factors, thanaka powder helps in preserving the youthfulness of your skin and makes you look younger.
Deeply cleanses skin pores
Thanaka powder efficiently reaches the deep pores of your skin and cleanses it thoroughly thus removing all dirt and impurities accumulated in deep layers of your skin. This further gives you a naturally clear and glowing skin.
Maintains moisture levels of skin
Thanaka powder maintains proper moisture level of skin by controlling growth of sebum, which is an oily secretion of sebaceous glands placed beneath the skin. Due to this, the chances of acne, blackheads, blemishes reduce to a great extend. In addition, healthy moisture levels also protect your skin from several skin diseases and infections.
Improves skin tone
A study by University of London School of Pharmacy 2010 state that Thanaka powder has very low toxic level and contains certain properties, which prevent skin discoloration. Such properties prove beneficial in improving skin tone and lightning it.
Health benefits
Guards against dangerous skin diseases
If minor skin problems are ignored it can lead to severe skin issues in future. Thanaka powder being a rich source of antioxidants fights free radicals by eliminating and attacking it. It protects your skin from harmful skin diseases like abscesses and pustules by creating powerful antibacterial action.
Controls excessive growth of unwanted hair
Regular application of thanaka powder with Kusuma oil helps to control and reduce the growth of unwanted facial hair like upper lips, side locks etc., in women. You can get rid of unwanted hair permanently with regular usage of this thanaka powder mixture.
Other health benefits:
- Can treat gastritis
- Preventive measure for Malaria
- Reduces side effects of radiotherapy in cancer patients.
Some safety tips while using Thanaka powder
Thanaka powder is suitable for external use only and its oral consumption may lead to disturbance in digestive system. People with diabetes, thyroid and history of allergies must avoid use of Thanaka powder. This is also applied to pregnant and lactating women.
