âGreeshma varjyeshu kaaleshu divaswapnath prakupyathaâ
(Charak Sutrasthan 25/44)
Sleeping during the day time in the seasons other than summer is not advisable as it causes vitiation of kapha and pitta.
The process of degenerating cells as you grow old is known as ageing. Ageing is an inevitable process and involves the changes in a person with physical, psychological, mental and social changes. Wrinkled skin, greying hair and muscular degeneration are a few symptoms of ageing. But who would love a flabby dropping appearance with sagging jowls? Yeah... definitely we won't, right?!!
We all love to look youthful, elegant and radiant as far as we could manage. Since time immemorial, staying and looking young has been sought after. Many anti-aging secrets are hidden in the ancient medicinal science of Ayurveda. It offers a safe and long lasting solution to anti-aging and skin care, opening new realms of beauty, health, and wellness. There is ample evidence supporting multiple biologic and anti-aging properties of these Ayurvedic herbal preparations. Ayurveda is known to be the art of daily living in harmony.
Modern research trends mainly revolve around principles of anti-aging activity described in Ayurveda: Vayasthapana (age defying), Varnya (brighten skin-glow), Sandhaniya (cell regeneration), Vranaropana (healing), Tvachya (nurturing), Shothahara (anti-inflammatory), Tvachagnivardhani (strengthening skin metabolism) and Tvagrasayana (retarding aging). Many rasayana plants such as Emblica officinalis (Amla) and Centella asiatica (Gotukola) are extensively used.
According to Ayurveda, a number of factors determine skin health and youthfulness. These include proper moisture balance (Kapha in balance), effective functioning of the metabolic mechanisms that coordinate all the various chemical and hormonal reactions of the skin (Pitta in balance) and efficient circulation of blood and nutrients to the different layers of the skin (Vata in balance). An effective Ayurvedic anti-aging cosmeceutical should be in accordance with the doshic constitution.
For Vata Skin:
The skin should be nourished and rehydrated to avoid wrinkles and premature aging. Massage yourself with some warm oil and natural moisturizers.
For Pitta Skin:
Good facial skin oils should be used everyday.
For Kapha Skin:
A daily warm oil massage and cleansing of the skin with gentle exfoliation is advised.
A few wonder herbs:
Haridra: turmeric, Shigru: drumstick, Nimba: neem, Taila parni: eucalyptus, Haritaki: myrobalan, Rubia cordifolia:manjistha are excellent herbs for the skin, enhancing the quality and luster of the complexion. These are cooling herbs and may be used for several skin conditions including petechial hemorrhages, traumatic wounds, acne, blemishes, and darkened skin.
Centella asiatica (Gotu-Kola) is the foremost vayasthapana herb with anti-aging effects; one of its many properties is to enhance collagen synthesis
Varnya (brighten skin-glow) herbs include sandalwood, vetiver, Indian madder and Indian sarsaparilla and so on.
Enhancing and nurturing (Tvachya) â These herbs support moisture balance and provide overall nourishment to the skin. Gotu Kola, Silk Cotton Tree, Costus and Rose Petal are the most widely used.
Grapefruit extract and natural sources of Vitamins A, C and E nourish the skin and enhance the value of herbs. Feeding the skin properly is very important to prevent it aging.
Let us see some tips:
- Darvi lepam: This body wrap is the perfect therapy for radiant skin. This therapeutic body wrap is developed with a combination of Turmeric and exotic herbs which act as a natural purifying agent that makes your skin smooth and nourishes the entire body.
- Haritakalepam : This wrap rejuvenates the skin. This therapeutic wrap uses moringa oleifera leaves from the âmiracle tree,â freshly ground with pure water into an aromatic paste. With a rich array of vitamins, proteins, and minerals, this lepam effectively provides powerful antioxidants to the skin cells along with moisturizing, nourishing and cleansing the skin.
- Fruit body wrap: Fruit body wraps help to detoxify and hydrate the body with magic of fresh organic fruit pulps, cleansers, and oils that tone and condition the skin. This body wrap will make your skin tight and healthy with a youthful glow and silky-soft feel.
- Sandalwood body wrap: A body wrap with freshly ground sandalwood paste, which is an antibiotic element can give you baby soft skin. It cleans the skin clearing the freckles, leaving the skin moisturized with a radiant glow.
In addition, consuming the rejuvenating Ayurvedic preparation Chavanprash, which contains a tremendous amount of vitamin C and bioflavonoids, also helps to keep the skin healthy. Studies have shown that Chavanprash significantly suppresses skin thickening, a typical marker of skin photoaging.
Finally, drink plenty of water, and avoid very hot water for baths and showers if your skin is photosensitive to keep your skin properly moisturized and to protect it from the sun.
Once in a while, pamper yourself and indulge your skin in these lush Ayurvedic therapies. Youâll be surprised at the results.
Garlic butter dipping sauce
Saffron is a quite good addition to your food during spring. It boosts mood, settles the stomach, and balances cognitive processing. Furthermore, saffron helps the skin stay healthy by supporting immune function.
Ingredients
- 1 garlic clove peeled
- Âź cup unsalted butter melted
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- Chopped chives parsley, or scallions for garnish, if desired
Preparation
1) Moisten the garlic grater with a little cold water.Grate garlic . Discard the root end of the garlic.
2) Add the hot melted butter to the garlic in the dish, and sprinkle salt over the top. Garnish as desired.
3) Dip crusty bread into the dipping sauce. Enjoy.