A convincing claim of Ayurvedic  medicine is its wide acceptance in this country for more than 20 centuries, offering alternatives for the easing of many ailments that defy allopathic treatment. Thus, Sri Lankans take the common cold in their stride, with a hot, comforting gruel of coriander and root ginger or a pungent herb  tea called Peyawa. Stubborn coughs are cured with a brew of thorny katuwelbatu (solanum xanthocarpum), coriander, delicious marmalade of wild oranges, green ginger and honey.

Remedies	A herbal bath

Nature's Remedies

Sri Lanka has a great variety of plants that can be used as effective beauty aids. In fact, plants that you see growing by themselves in your patch of garden or even in a flowerpot, could be very effective beauty aids. The common plant karavila (memodica charantia) is not only a health giving vegetable, especially good for those suffering from diabetes and for lactating mothers, but can also improve your complexion. Its leaves, crushed and applied on skin infections of parasitic origin, are very effective. Karavila leaves can be crushed and the juice massaged into your scalp to give you a healthy head of hair and prevent hair loss and baldness. 

Another herb that is excellent for healthy hair and stops premature graying is Olinda. Botanically known as avrus precatorius, an oil prepared with Olinda seeds, together with sesame seeds and coconut milk, will stop early graying and improve the thickness of the hair. For lustrous and shiny hair Nelli juice together with a little lime juice makes an instant shampoo. Turmeric powder or kaha (safron) ground to a paste can also be used as a hair wash and acts as a cleanser also eliminating dandruff.

For an effective hair tonic, a decoction of Seenidda (acacia concinna) makes an excellent hair wash. Lunuwilla can be used as a substitute. Both herbs promote the growth of hair, kill lice and do away with dandruff.

Kikirindiya (eclipta prostrata) prevents premature graying. It also cures skin diseases and the herb can be used internally as well as externally. A very beneficial hair oil can be made from eclipta alba or ranwan kikirindiya as the base.
Margosa leaves, ground and mixed with raw turmeric or saffron powder is a good remedy to remove blackheads. It should be applied as a paste on the face at night.