In a quiet village near Rishikesh, nestled between jasmine vines and mango trees, we sat down with Dr. Meera Singh, a third-generation Ayurvedic healer whose family has practiced natural medicine for over 70 years.
With a warm smile and turmeric-stained fingers, she welcomed us into her home clinic to talk about timeless beauty, ancient wellness secrets, and her favorite skin-smoothing recipe.
Q: Dr. Meera, thank you so much for having us. Many people around the world are rediscovering Ayurveda. Why do you think it’s gaining popularity again?
Dr. Meera:
Thank you for inviting me to the interview. I believe people are tired of quick fixes. Ayurveda is not just about treating a symptom. It’s about restoring balance—of your body, your emotions, your diet, your sleep, everything. It teaches us to listen to the body like we’d listen to a wise elder. Slowly, gently, with respect.
Q: What are some common skin concerns you help people with?
Dr. Meera:
Dryness, dullness, premature aging—these are very common, especially in Vata-dominant individuals or people who skip meals and sleep late. But the skin is a messenger. When it’s dry or inflamed, it’s often showing us that digestion or stress is out of balance. I don’t just give a cream. I ask what they eat, when they eat, how they feel when they wake up. Skin health is inner health.
Q: Do you have a favorite natural remedy for smoothing and softening the skin?
Dr. Meera:
Yes, very simple. I call it The Queen’s Paste, because it was used in my grandmother’s time for brides before their wedding. You can make it at home:
The Queen’s Paste Recipe:
- 2 teaspoons chickpea flour (besan)
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon sandalwood powder
- 1 teaspoon fresh cream or yogurt
- Rosewater to mix
- A few drops of cold-pressed sesame oil (for dry skin)
How to use:
Mix everything into a smooth paste. Apply to clean skin and let it sit for 10–15 minutes—not until it cracks. Gently rinse off with lukewarm water. Your skin will feel soft like butter.
This paste brightens, hydrates, and calms inflammation. Chickpea flour exfoliates, turmeric purifies, sandalwood cools, yogurt nourishes, and rosewater soothes. But don’t use it during active acne breakouts—then I recommend neem and tulsi instead.
Q: That sounds amazing. Do you also recommend dietary or lifestyle changes for better skin?
Dr. Meera:
Absolutely. No paste can heal a poor lifestyle. I always say: glow begins in the gut. Eat warm, fresh food. Avoid cold drinks and processed snacks. Sip hot water or cumin-fennel tea during the day to support digestion. Sleep before 10 pm if you want your skin to repair itself. And take 10 minutes a day just to breathe and be still.
Q: What’s one thing you wish everyone knew about Ayurvedic beauty?
Dr. Meera:
That true beauty is softness in the body and sweetness in the mind. If your thoughts are dry and your life is rushed, your skin will reflect that. Be kind. Breathe slowly. Eat with love. The glow will come on its own.