Skin10 min
Manjistha and Sandalwood Paste for Pimple Marks
A thin dab of manjistha and sandalwood paste on old, flat pimple marks a few nights a week. Patience and sunscreen matter most.

Manjistha in everyday Indian homes
Manjistha (Indian madder) is a red root that Ayurveda uses for skin and as a blood-purifying herb. At home it is mostly used as a powder in face packs; it tints skin slightly pink.
Both manjistha and sandalwood are traditional skin-brightening herbs in Ayurveda. Used gently on marks left behind after pimples heal, they may help a little over weeks, but daily sunscreen does the most to fade marks.
Ingredients
- ¼ tsp manjistha powder
- ¼ tsp sandalwood powder
- Rose water or raw milk
How to prepare
- Mix into a thin paste.
How to use
- Dab on flat marks, not on active pimples, for 15 minutes.
- Rinse and use three nights a week.
Helpful habits
- Manjistha powder should be reddish-brown with an earthy smell.
Precautions
- Do not use on open, inflamed pimples.
- Taking manjistha by mouth is for a vaidya to advise, not self-use; it can colour urine red.
- Patch-test on the inner arm 24 hours before using on the face.
- Stop if you notice itching, rash, stomach upset or any other discomfort.
Frequently asked questions
How long before marks fade?
- Often several weeks to months; dark marks fade slowly.
Can I leave it overnight?
- No, 15 minutes is enough.
Will manjistha stain my face?
- It can leave a light pink tint that washes off in a rinse or two.



