Kerala Herbal Ingredient Glossary — A-Z Botanical Reference Guide

Kerala Herbal Ingredient Glossary — A-Z Botanical Reference Guide

A complete reference guide to all 13 traditional Kerala herbal botanicals in the Herbal Beauty Treasures collection. Search by Malayalam name, English name, or botanical name.

Amukkuram (Ashwagandha)

Withania somnifera — Indian Ginseng
WellnessAdaptogenKerala name: Amukkuram

One of Kerala’s most revered wellness botanicals. Amukkuram is the Malayalam name for Ashwagandha. Traditionally prepared as a warm milk or water preparation. Consult a qualified practitioner before use.

Product Guide · Buy 100g · Traditional Uses Blog

Ashwagandha Powder

Withania somnifera — Indian Ginseng / Amukkuram
WellnessAdaptogenSanskrit: Ashwagandha

Same botanical as Amukkuram — Withania somnifera. Available in a 50g pack. Traditionally prepared with warm milk or water. Consult a qualified practitioner before use.

Product Guide · Buy 50g · How to Use Blog

Brahmi Powder

Bacopa monnieri
Hair CareWellnessDual-purpose

Kerala’s dual-purpose botanical — used both as a scalp care hair mask and as a traditional wellness preparation. Mix with coconut oil for hair, warm milk for wellness. Consult a practitioner for internal use.

Product Guide · Buy 50g · Hair Care Blog

Henna Powder

Lawsonia inermis
Hair ColourPPD-freeStep 1 of two-step method

The cornerstone of traditional Kerala natural hair colouring. Gives warm reddish-orange tones. Used as Step 1 in the two-step Henna + Indigo method for brown tones. No PPD, no ammonia, no synthetic dyes.

Product Guide · Buy 100g · Complete Guide Blog

Karingali Powder

Acacia catechu — Khadira
Herbal DrinkDecoctionKerala name: Karingali

Produces a dark brown, astringent herbal decoction. Traditionally consumed warm as a morning wellness ritual in Kerala households. Often paired with Pathimugam. Consult a practitioner before use.

Product Guide · Buy 50g · Complete Guide Blog

Kasthuri Manjal (Wild Turmeric)

Curcuma aromatica — Wild Turmeric
SkincareFace PackNon-stainingExternal use only

The non-staining turmeric used exclusively in traditional Kerala skincare. Unlike kitchen turmeric (Curcuma longa), Kasthuri Manjal does not stain skin. For external use only — not for consumption.

Product Guide · Buy 100g · Kasthuri Manjal vs Regular Turmeric Blog

Manjatti Face Pack

Rubia cordifolia — Manjistha
SkincareFace PackOily skin

The cornerstone of traditional Kerala herbal face pack routines. Reddish-brown powder with an earthy, astringent character. Best for oily and combination skin. Mix with Rose Water for oily skin, milk for dry skin.

Product Guide · Buy 100g · Complete Guide Blog

Neelamari Indigo Powder

Indigofera tinctoria
Hair ColourPPD-freeStep 2 of two-step method

Used as Step 2 in the traditional Kerala two-step natural hair colour method. Apply immediately after mixing — do not let paste rest. Gives dark brown tones when applied after Henna. No PPD, no synthetic dyes.

Product Guide · Buy 100g · How to Use Blog

Nellikka Powder (Amla)

Phyllanthus emblica — Indian Gooseberry / Amla
Hair CareConditioningKerala name: Nellikka

Traditional Kerala hair conditioning powder. Mix with water, coconut oil, or yoghurt for a hair mask. Also used as a pre-colour conditioning treatment before Henna application.

Product Guide · Buy 50g · Hair Care Blog

Pachootti Powder

Traditional Kerala herbal face pack botanical
SkincareFace PackAll skin typesSensitive skin

The gentlest traditional Kerala face pack powder — suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin. Mix with Rose Water for oily skin or milk for dry skin. Can be combined with Manjatti or Vetiver.

Product Guide · Buy 50g · Complete Guide Blog

Pathimugam (Sappanwood)

Caesalpinia sappan — Sappanwood
Herbal DrinkDeep red colourKerala name: Pathimugam

Produces Kerala’s iconic deep red herbal drink. Mild, slightly sweet, earthy flavour. Traditionally used as daily drinking water in Kerala households. Simmer in water, strain, consume within 24 hours. Consult a practitioner.

Product Guide · Buy 50g · Complete Guide Blog

Rose Water

Rosa damascena — Damask Rose floral water
SkincareTonerFace pack baseDaily use

The essential companion to every Kerala herbal face pack powder. Used as a daily toner, face mist, face pack mixing base, and post-pack soothing rinse. No alcohol, no synthetic fragrances.

Product Guide · Buy 100ml · Skincare Recipes Blog

Vetiver Powder (Ramacham / Khus)

Vetiveria zizanioides — Ramacham / Khus
SkincareFace PackCoolingSummer ritual

Kerala’s traditional cooling face pack botanical. Earthy, grounding aroma. Best used in summer with cold Rose Water. Can be applied as a face pack or a cooling body pack. Suitable for oily and combination skin.

Product Guide · Buy 50g · Complete Guide Blog

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Disclaimer: For informational purposes only. Not a substitute for professional advice. Consult a qualified practitioner before internal use. Blueberry Botanicals makes no therapeutic claims.