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4 Magical ways you can use rose water for your facial skin!

Rose water  has an irresistible, refreshing aroma, and is extensively used for high quality skin care due to its scientifically proven skin balancing, hydrating, antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

1.As a toner 2. As a facial mist 3. As a makeup remover 4. As a cleanser Learn more about rose water in our latest blog (link in bio)

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4 Magical ways to use rose water for your facial skin!

There has been quite an upswing in women trying to find natural and purest ingredients for their skincare and make-up products, one of such ingredients is - yes, you guessed it - Rose Water!

Rose Water is not something we are new to, sure, the western beauty world might be just discovering rosewater, but it has been around in the east for a long time. Thousands of years ago, when poets and lovers were using rose to flirt, Ayurvedic experts were juicing, grinding, drying, and preserving it for herbal remedies, skincare recipes and aromatic oils. 

Rose Water is not only a beauty elixir but also plays a vital role in maintaining our mental and emotional health. According to Ayurvedic treatise, rose balances ‘Sadhaka Pitta’, the subdosha of Pitta, which governs emotions and their effect on the heart and thoughts. Rose water or colorless liquid water is commonly known as Golab (in Iran where it originated or Gulab jal in India where it was cultivated) due to its calming and relaxing properties. Isn’t it amazing how Rose Water can do wonders for your body as well the mind?

Rose Water is produced by distilling hundreds of rose petals with steam. This magic potion contains a ton of benefits, especially for skin health! Would you like to know how to use rosewater properly? We have explained it all for you right here! 

Content:

Benefits of rose water

How to use rose water for the face?

Side effects of rose water

How to find pure rose water

FAQs about rose water

Benefits of Rose Water

Anti-ageing properties:

The process of skin ageing can be divided into two categories: Intrinsic and extrinsic ageing Intrinsic skin ageing or natural ageing occurs due the changes in elasticity of the skin over time. Extrinsic skin ageing is a result of skin’s exposure to UV radiation, chemicals present in our beauty care products, microbes and physical pollutants that surround us in our day to day lives. These factors damage our skin gradually via the formation of lipid peroxides and overproduction of ROSs (reactive oxygen species) that is the ultimate cause of skin ageing. Therefore, we always want to use herbal extracts and all natural products for our skin that prevent or reduce oxidative stress, not aggravates it!! 

Rose, Rose oil and consequently rose water possess a number of powerful antioxidants due to the phenolic and flavonol content, which can help protect skin cells from damage. It has been found that these antioxidants (catechin and epicatechin) had potential lipid peroxidation inhibitory effects. This provides powerful cell protection as a result. Combine the knowledge of these facts and the fact that rosewater already has antimicrobial properties, rosewater is an excellent help against ageing! Due to its proven anti-collagenase and anti-elastase activity (prevents degradation of skin’s extracellular matrix) Rosewater helps your skin retain its firmness and bounciness for significantly longer with long-term use!

Soothes red and itchy skin:

Rose water is one of the go-to skincare products if you need to calm irritated and blotchy skin! It has strong anti-inflammatory properties which can help soothe eczema and rosacea! 

Rose water has strong anti-inflammatory properties, which means it can be put on the skin to help soothe the irritation caused by conditions, such as eczema and rosacea.Moreover, rosewater contains antibacterial properties which can help in evening out your complexion by reducing the redness caused by acne and allergies.

How To Use Rose Water For The Face?

In the benefits section above, we walked you through the scientifically proven health benefits that rosewater can offer to you for your skin, and now you may want to try it for yourself! Are we correct? Can we offer you some interesting and prudent ways in which you can utilize rosewater in your day-to-day lives? Here you go -

1. Rosewater as a Toner: 

Most people prefer to skip the toning part while doing their regular skincare routines, but there is a reason why it exists in the first place since the ages! A toner removes leftover oils and dirt from the skin that the cleanser may have missed and subsequently closes the pores preventing any further dirt to enter. Hence, a toner aids in cleansing the skin thoroughly while maintaining the skin’s delicate pH balance vital to prevent infections. While most toners in the market these days are all loaded with chemicals such as alcohol and surfactants that react with protein and lipids of the skin disturbing its homeostasis leaving the skin dry and dull. Pure rose water is incredibly gentle in nature and also possesses natural astringent properties which help clean the pores of oil and grime.

Use it regularly (at least 3 times a week) and Rose Water will keep the skin free of extra oil and help prevent problems like blackheads, whiteheads, acne and pimple. Oh bonus, it helps skin look firm and youthful!

2. Rosewater as a hydrating facial mist: 

Other than being impeccable toner, rose water is an excellent all natural hydrating agent for your skin! Carry some rose water with you in travel-sized bottles, and boom - you have a refreshing natural and calming facial mist to spritz on your face for your summer adventures or winter getaways! Plus it smells heavenly! 

3. Rosewater as a Makeup Remover:

While it’s probably common knowledge that you need to take your makeup off before bed to help skin breath and avoid issues like breakouts and blackheads, not all makeup removers are efficient and gentle to the skin at the same time. Some are so inefficient they require you to scrub your eyes resulting in the imbalanced skin which is a big problem for any skin type. Well, you don’t have to tolerate those make up removers anymore! Rose water is your saviour!

When applied liberally on the face with a cotton pad or ball, due to its natural astringent properties, it clings to dirt, oil, and makeup on your skin and dissolves them while leaving behind a hydrated finish and a balanced skin unlike a regular makeup remover!

4. Rosewater as a Cleanser

As indicated earlier, rose Water can take off the leftover dirt and grime which the cleanser fails to take off, but can it be used as an actual cleanser? Yes, it can be! The combination of rose water with a natural cleanser helps efficiently remove debris and sebum from deep pores. Mix 2-3 teaspoons of Rosewater with 1 teaspoon of Fuller’s Earth (also known as Multani Mitti), mix it in till it is smooth and apply it by spreading it on to your face evenly. Once applied, you can massage the exceptionally oily areas of your skin (the nose, the T-zone, the chin) gently and briefly, let the mix stay on your face for a couple of minutes and then wipe off gently (do not rub!) with a soft clean cloth dipped in lukewarm water, then rinse your face.

The Fuller’s Earth in this Rose water cleanser helps in extracting the excess sebum and dirt from your pores as it is very absorbent, and the rosewater, naturally, works like a charm in every situation by calming any inflammation and acting on the breakouts on the surface of the skin.

Side effects of rose water

Rosewater happens to be extremely safe to use unless someone is allergic to roses or its fragrance in general. We would recommend doing thorough research before buying to make sure it is, in fact, pure rosewater with no added substances for preservation or artificial fragrance. Once you have made sure the product you have is pure rosewater, we emphasize the importance of doing a patch test before using any new skincare product, in case you turn out to be allergic to any of the ingredients in the product. Simply apply the new product on the inside of your arm, or behind your ear, and leave it applied for 24-72 hours, if there is no redness, itching, burning, or dryness after this period of time, the product is safe for you to use!  

How to find pure Rose water

In general, rose water doesn’t have any other ingredient in it, but manufacturers may add parfum (perfume) to enhance the rose smell, or other ingredients/preservatives that may irritate or damage skin. To check your product, look at the ingredients list. The fewer ingredients there are, and the higher the rose extract listed on the bottle, the purer the product.

Cakra life rose water is the purest possible rose water which has only one ingredient- “rose water.” The Pure Rose Water is made from the roses of Kannauj (Perfume capital of India)- a region in North India, which is rich in white soil, favorable to the roses’ growth. The Kannauj rose is considered special because of its similarity to the Bulgarian rose. The steam distillation process of production of the Pure Rose Water is hygienic and uncontaminated to an extreme length. Plus it comes in a sustainable amber glass packaging that helps to keep it fresh and effective for longer. 

What you get as your end product is a light, clear, and cooling water that can be applied directly to your skin, and leaves your skin revived and hydrated without any residue or stickiness - so you can enjoy it happily!

FAQs about rose water:

How can I use rose water for the face?

You can use it in many different ways, as mentioned in the article above - you can use rosewater as a cleanser, toner, moisturizer, or simply as a facial hydrating mist!

 Can I use rose water daily?

Yes, you can! It is extremely gentle and can be used daily - you can use rosewater on your face for some hydration during the day, combining it with cleanser or you can just use it as your toner as part of your regular skincare routine.

Can I sleep with rose water on the face?

Yes, you can! If your skin is not reacting to the use of rosewater, prolonged use of it on your face should not be a problem! 

Should I wash my face after applying rose water?

It is not necessary, considering how many people tend to apply rosewater as a toner and then put on some moisturizer, no rinsing needed - however, it is up to your preferences!

Does rose water have side effects?

Unless you have an allergy to roses or your skin is too sensitive to the mild fragrance of pure rosewater as well, no, rosewater is extremely safe and gentle on the skin.

What happens if I use rose water on the face daily?

As mentioned throughout the article, unless you are allergic to roses or sensitive to any fragrance, in general, rosewater is incredibly mild and safe. Incorporating rosewater regularly into your skincare routine will help your skin by reducing your acne and calming the inflammation, all while hydrating your skin and reducing the appearance of your pore size and fine lines.

References

Pharmacological benefits of rose on human health.

Antioxidant and potential anti-inflammatory activity of extracts and formulations of rose.

Damask rose extract protects the Skin against stress mediators.

Rosa damascena as holy ancient herb with novel applications.

Effect of rosa damascene aromatherapy on anxiety and sleep quality.

Anti-collagenase, anti-elastase and anti-oxidant activities of rose extract.

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Marvelous Mung beans

The mung bean (Vigna radiata), alternatively known as the green gram, is a plant species in the legume family. This green bean is an important pulse consumed all over the world, and has a long history of usage as traditional medicine. It has been known to be an excellent source of protein, dietary fiber, minerals, vitamins such as folate and significant amounts of bioactive compounds. 

History and cultivation:

Mung bean was domesticated in India, later cultivated beans spread from India to China and Southeast Asia. Today, it is mainly grown in East Asia, Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent.

Mung in Ayurveda

The English word mung originated from the Hindi word मूंग ("moong"), which is derived from the Sanskrit word मुद्ग ("mudga") (1). As per Ayurveda, mung bean is considered to be a sattvic legume as it provides nourishment to tissues, and the astringent taste, cooling nature, and high fiber content help in aiding proper digestion. In Indian vedas, it is mentioned as one of the best and lightest (laghu) to digest among all the pulses. This is why khichdi made of split mung beans is the first choice of food for mothers just after the childbirth, for a person going through the panchakarma detox therapies and for the babies after 6 months of breastfeeding. 

Mung bean health benefits: 

Mung beans are increasingly used as plant-based meat and egg alternatives as they are packed with healthy nutrients. 

1 Cup (202 g) boiled mung beans contains (2):

Calories: 212

Fat 0.768g

Protein 14.2 g

Carbs  38.7g

Fiber  15.4g

Calcium 54.5mg

Iron 2.83g

Magnesium: 97 MG

Zinc 1.7mg

Selenium 5 mcg

Folate 321 mcg

Choline 59.4 mg

 Being high in fiber content and low in glycemic index, it is tremendously beneficial for people with Type 2 Diabetes. It is iron-rich so it is an excellent dietary supplement for infants and children.

One cup boiled Mung beans provide 80% of the recommended (400 mcg) dietary intake for folate, which is essential for the growth of the fetus and so is an excellent legume for pregnant women in general or with gestational diabetes .

Furthermore, based on their high constituents of the bioactive compounds, mung beans are playing a major role in radical scavenging activities and detoxification.  These compounds have the potential health benefit as a complementary and alternative medicine due to their antioxidant, hepatoprotective, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, anticancer, anti-obesity, hypolipidemic, and potent chemopreventive properties (3).

 Ways to incorporate Mung beans in your diet

Mung Sprouts

Mung beans forms the major part of the traditional Indian diet. Mung beans are germinated by leaving them in water for about four hours of daytime light and spending the rest of the day in the dark. The germinated bean is simply called “bean sprouts”. In Ayurveda, mung sprouts are generally good for all doshas, but they are said to be best for pitta and kapha. From a nutritional point of view, germination of the mung bean significantly increases its vitamin C content, antioxidant activity (6 times higher as in raw) and  phytochemical content (4). 

However, vitamins (folate), protein and other minerals content reduces significantly in sprouted beans(5). Pregnant ladies are advised to eat steam cooked sprouted beans as raw sprouted beans might have bacteria growing in them. 

Boiled with Salt and Turmeric:

Pressure cook the Moong beans with little salt, turmeric, cumin and water and enjoy it with a curry or with rice, jaggery and ghee (clarified butter)

Having low carbs and high in proteins, vitamins (C,A, B complex, ), antioxidants and minerals (Ca, K, P, Fe, Mg), mung beans is a superfood by all means, and a great addition to your balanced diet. Being vegetarian, I eat them 3-4 times a week and never get bored. Sprouted beans do provide the essential nutrients and are simply crunchy and yummy to have! Below is my breakfast bowl that I prepared with steamed sprouts and tomatoes, lime juice and chopped green chilis for an extra punch! What’s your favourite way of having mung beans? Let me know in the comment section below :)

References:

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mung_bean

2. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/175255/nutrients 

3. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2213453017301453

4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23088738/

5. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/169957/nutrients

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How to use Çakra Hair Potion

Oil massage: Massaging your hair and scalp with herbal oil is an age-old secret of the ancient Indian medical system, also known as Ayurveda. Medicinal herbs such as Aloe, Amla (Indian gooseberry), Brahmi, Fenugreek, Hibiscus, Tulsi (Holy basil) and antibacterial Neem (Indian lilac) in Çakra hair potion are well described for their benefits in ancient Ayurvedic treatises. Oil head massage, also known as Siro-abhyanga, done with oils containing such herbs is an Ayurvedic holistic approach to nourish hair, soothe and calm the mind, relieve stress and boost blood circulation to promote healthy hair growth.

Warming the oil: There is nothing like a good scalp massage, and with warm oil, you are going an extra mile! Oil massage is generally effective for your hair, but the addition of heat opens up the scalp pores and hair cuticles to allow the nourishment to penetrate deeply and nurture the hair follicles and the hair shaft.  Warm oil can also help prevent frizz without weighing your hair down. It also helps to seal the ends of your hair, which consequently prevents split ends.

Step-by-step usage instructions:

First, wash your hair. Nourishing oils work the best on clean hair. 

Once you’ve washed and dried your hair, microwave 2 to 4 tablespoons of the oil in a microwave-safe bowl for 20-30 seconds.

Before applying the oil, test a small amount of the oil on your wrist to make sure it’s not too hot.

To protect your clothing, place a towel over your shoulders. Run a brush through your hair to untangle any knots.

Starting from the crown area (where a high ponytail sits), apply the oil evenly throughout your scalp and the entire length of hair. After spreading evenly, massage the entire scalp in small circular motions with the help of fingers for about 5 minutes to stimulate blood circulation and exfoliate your scalp. This may help promote healthier hair.

Secure your hair with a braid or bun and wrap around a piece of cloth (or a shower cap) to hold the heat and allow the oil to penetrate the roots for at least 30 mins. Rinse off with mild shampoo in a correct manner.

For an overnight experience, uncover your hair after 30 mins of warm oil application, spread a towel on your pillow and sleep. Rinse off thoroughly with mild shampoo the next morning and air-dry your hair.

For normal hair, repeat this treatment 1-2 times a week. You can do it as often as 3 times a week if you have dry hair. Oil massage needs some extra effort, but let me assure, you’ll be rewarded with beautiful and lustrous locks!

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How to shampoo your hair: The right way!

Cleaning hair is a necessity of our life. Consequently, it can turn into a mindless routine like moisturizing the skin or brushing your teeth. As a result, it often surprises many of us that there is a “correct way” of washing our precious locks! Putting a tiny bit of extra effort and time can have a huge impact on our hair health.

Here we’ll walk you through 6 simple steps to shampoo your hair the right way to ensure it stays fresh, clean and shinier for the longest possible time.

How to wash hair: Step-by-step

First wet your hair: Get every strand wet under the shower with lukewarm water-not hot!. Soaking in warm water helps open up the hair cuticles, loosening the dirt and build up, hence ensuring deep cleaning. 

Application: Rub a dime sized shampoo in between your palms and apply directly to the roots. If you have long hair, adjust the amount of shampoo accordingly. 

Starting at the scalp is crucial: After applying shampoo to scalp, gently massage (not scrubbing) the scalp using fingers for at least a min. Pay close attention to the nape of the neck (the spot where the back of your hair begins) as this area often gets missed during washing. Once your roots are completely washed, softly massage the shampoo down to your hair ends. Focusing your initial shampooing efforts on the scalp helps remove dirt, sebum, and build-up that collects there.

Rinsing thoroughly: After massaging the scalp, it’s time to rinse with lukewarm water. A quick 20-second rinse should suffice, but depending on your hair type, you could need a little more time. Now if you need to, you can go for the round two of shampooing focusing this time on your hair, not the scalp. Sometimes, the oil remains in the hair at this step especially after having an oil head massages or warm oil treatment. This second step ensures the deep clean. That said, over cleaning can strip off the moisture and result in dry and dull appearance of hair so one has to adjust the shampoo quantity and time accordingly if going for the second wash. 

Final cold rinse: While hot water raises the cuticle and therefore makes products more effective, cold water does the opposite by sealing the hair cuticle and leaving your strands extra smooth and shiny. If you're brave and determined to having shiny hair, then take a chance and move that tap over to cold. Trust me, your hair will thank you for that!

Air dry: You may be out of the shower, but your job of taking care of your hair isn't done just yet. The way you treat your hair post-wash is equally important for its overall health and appearance. Always air dry your hair and avoid using any hot tools if possible.  Human hair contains keratin proteins and hydrogen bonds. When you use blow-dryers or other heat styling tools they strip your hair of its natural oils and proteins by breaking down its hydrogen bonds which is the reason heat styling tools are successful in achieving the desired look in the hair. They alter the texture of hair in order to make them appear straight, curly or sleek. If you need to use hot tool, wait for the strand to dry completely as even the slightly damp hair will be more prone to breakage! 

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8 Most Amazing Benefits of Aloe vera

The Aloe vera plant has been known and used for centuries for its health, beauty, medicinal and skin care properties. The name Aloe vera derives from the Arabic word “Alloeh” meaning “shining bitter substance,” while “vera” in Latin means “true. It grows mainly in the dry regions of Africa, Asia, Europe and America including Hawaii!

Aloe leaves contain the clear healing gel that is 96% water. The other four percent contains 75 potentially active substances including antioxidants, Vitamins A, B, C, and E, choline, B12, folic acid; calcium; amino acids for protein building; and enzymes used in the digestive system (1,2). The active ingredients hidden in its succulent leaves have the power to soothe human life and health in a myriad ways. This might be the reason the Egyptians called Aloe “the plant of immortality.” 

The plant has importance in everyday life to soothe a variety of skin ailments such as mild cuts, antidote for insect stings, bruises, poison ivy and eczema along with skin moisturizing, anti ageing and digestive tract health makes it a boon to human kind. Following is a list of some of the Aloe Vera benefits:

Healthy hair

Heals skin 

Moisturizing effect

Anti-aging agent

Helps in digestion

Boosts immunity

Detoxification

Laxative

1. Hydrates and strengthens hair and scalp: One of the greatest benefits of Aloe Vera is its beneficial effect on hair and skin. Egyptian queens Nefertiti and Cleopatra used it as part of their regular beauty regimes. Aloe gel deeply nourishes the hair follicles and strengthens the roots with nutrients including the vitamins and minerals. Due to its antibacterial and anti-fungal properties, aloe is also very effective for dandruff fighting. Moreover, the enzymes contained in the gel of aloe, eliminate the dead cells of the scalp (3), as well help the quick recovery of the skin tissue around the hair follicles. Click here to know more on how to tackle dry and itchy scalp naturally. Therefore, hair oils, such as Cakra hair potion, that contain aloe gel happen to be an excellent tonic for hair growth, scalp nourishment and dryness issues.

2. Heals skin problems: Alexander the Great, and Christopher Columbus used its gel to treat soldiers wounds. Hormones present in aloe gel stimulate fibroblasts that boosts collagen production and its cross-linking for fast healing (4). Ayurveda recommends this healing herb for the treatment of various skin diseases, such as wounds, insect bites, bruises and eczema. Furthermore, the antiseptic property of Aloe vera, due to presence of six antiseptic agents namely lupeol, salicylic acid, urea nitrogen, cinnamonic acid, phenols and sulphur, inhibit the action of fungi, bacteria and viruses, thus helping the healing process (4). Aloe vera gel has also been reported to have a protective effect against radiation damage to the skin which makes it an effective remedy for sun burns (4). 

3. Moisturizing agent: The skin absorbs aloe vera up to four times faster than water; it is known to keep pores of the skin open and receive the moisture and nutrients of the plant.The Aloe gel gives a cooling effect and also acts as a moisturizing agent due to its muco-polysaccharides content which helps in binding moisture into the skin. Its moisturizing effects has also been studied in treatment of dry skin associated with occupational exposure where aloe vera gel improves the skin integrity, decreases appearance of fine wrinkles and decreases erythema (rashes on skin) (1).

4. Amazing Anti-aging effect: In Sanskrit, Aloe Vera is called Ghrita - Kumari, which means „young girl”. This name is given to it because the Vedas believed that the plant gives the woman youth and it has a regeneration effect on the females. Aloe vera is used extensively as skin tonic in cosmetic industry. Aloe stimulates fibroblast which produces the collagen and elastin fibers making the skin more elastic and less wrinkled, the protein that controls the aging process of the skin and wrinkling. It also acts  on the superficial flaking epidermal cells by sticking them together, which softens the skin. The amino acids present in the gel also soften hardened skin cells and zinc mineral  acts as an astringent to tighten pores and rejuvenate aging skin. This property of Aloe is be- cause it’s biogenic material (4).

5.  Helps in digestion: Due to the high content of digestive  enzymes, as well as the presence of anti-inflammatory substances, aloe is absolutely a miracle herb for people who have problems with the digestive system. Drinking Aloe vera juice naturally detoxifies the whole digestive system, thus   resolves a wide range of digestive diseases.

6. Strengthens the immune system: The healing plant is a great immune stimulator because the polysaccharides (Alprogen) in the aloe juice stimulate the macrophages and the white blood cells that fight viruses (3).

7. Detoxifies the organism: Aloe Vera is a wonderful natural remedy for detoxification of the body. As Ayurveda recommends cleaning our systems from time to time, the regular use of aloe juice provides a rich cocktail of vitamins, minerals and micronutrients, that support our organs cope with stress, oxidation and tension.

8. A great laxative: Anthraquinones present in Aloe latex are a potent laxative. Aloe vera juice is known to stimulate mucus secretion, increase intestinal water content and intestinal peristalsis that helps in cleaning the body (muscle contraction helps in cleaning) and in constipation. Aloe is often used during Virechana procedure. (It’s an Ayurvedic way of cleansing the body with the help of natural laxatives) (3,4).

Aloe vera is undoubtedly, the nature’s gift to humanity for cosmetic, burn and medicinal application.Researchers are continuing to discover new methods to o prove the effectiveness of aloe vera, which the Ayurvedic tradition has long been aware of. It remains for us to introduce it to ourselves and thank nature for its never-ending gift. 

Caution: Pregnant women and children under five should not take aloe vera internally. Oral aloe is not recommended during pregnancy due to theoretical stimulation of uterine contractions, and in breastfeeding mothers, it may sometimes cause gastrointestinal distress in the nursing infant.

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2763764/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6684795/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4452276/

https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/e9ca/6b5440addd5545217498bcdd4c6fb91fd76f.pdf

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5 Easy Ways to Treat Dry Scalp Naturally

Scalp is a quite sensitive area and slight changes in the surroundings such as in the weather, our lifestyle or hair products can make it dry and itchy. Feeling an increase in dryness in the scalp and skin is a very common problem during the summer months as the heat aggravates dehydration. A dehydrated scalp can be a breeding ground for some unpleasant conditions such as dandruff, irritation, infection and an overall appearance of dry brittle hair. Continue reading to know how to tackle your parched scalp and bring it back to life naturally.

How to detect a dry scalp? It’s very easy to point out a dry and dehydrated scalp. If you are beginning to see small white flakes, you most likely have a dry scalp. Similar to dry skin, your scalp will become tight and itchy and you will find yourself scratching your scalp every now and then.

All-natural Warm oil treatment: Combine natural oils like sesame and coconut for massaging your scalp. For best results, use herbal oils like Cakra hair Potion which has coconut and sesame seed oil as the base with Ayurvedic herbs in it such as, Aloe vera, Fenugreek seeds and antibacterial Neem, well known for nourishing and conditioning dry scalp and dandruff (1). Warm the oil and massage it about 5 minutes into your roots to stimulate circulation and exfoliate your scalp. When you’re finished massaging, apply the remainder of the oil generously to the ends and length of the hair. Secure your hair with a braid or bun and wrap around a piece of cloth to hold the heat and allow the oil to penetrate to the roots. Leave on at least 30 minutes and up to overnight. Rinse off with mild shampoo (Harsh shampoo will strip off the moisture) and air-dry your hair. Avoid using the hairdryer if possible, especially when hair is wet as it’s hair’s most fragile state. For normal hair, repeat this treatment 1-2 times a week. You can do it as often as 2-3 times a week if you have dry hair. Oil massage needs some extra effort, but let me assure, you’ll be rewarded with beautiful and lustrous hair.

Natural hair masks:

Methi or fenugreek seeds are suggested as one of the top natural remedies for dry scalp/dandruff both by modern and ancient research (2). One can use these seeds by soaking them overnight and grinding them in the morning to make a paste or by soaking directly seed powder to make a paste. Another way to use the seeds is to heat (simmer) them with sesame seed oil. Strain and use this oil to massage onto your scalp for an itch and scale-free scalp! 

Lime juice also makes a great homemade dandruff treatment due to its high antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-fungal properties (1). Lemon has citric acid, vitamin C, flavonoids and trace amounts of zinc, which makes it a wonderful herb to heal the parched scalp.  

Neem oil or leaves can be used as a hair oil to eliminate dandruff, on its own or along with fenugreek seeds and lemon juice.  Due to its powerful antibacterial properties (3), neem paste or powder added to hair masks can be a potent dandruff killer (1).

Aloe vera: The use of freshly prepared gel or aloe vera oil is recommended by some studies to help relieve the symptoms of the dry scalp (1) because of its sensitivity to enzymatic, oxidative and microbial degradation.

Garlic:In ancient Indian medicine, garlic was a valuable remedy used as a tonic to cure a lack of appetite, common weakness, cough, skin disease, rheumatism, haemorrhoids etc. In the Vedas – the Indian holy book – garlic was mentioned among other medicinal plants as a potent anti-fungal plant (4.5). Add it to your diet or use the diluted juice in your hair masks.

Life-style-The most important thing to consider in kicking off the dandruff is to maintain good hair hygiene. Keep the hair and scalp super-clean so as to minimize the accumulation of dead cells. Massage regularly scalp and hair with herbal all-natural oil every time you shampoo to protect your hair from harsh shampoos. 

The hair should be brushed daily to improve circulation, remove dirt, flakes and encourage hair growth. Sensible exposure of the head to the sun is considered beneficial as vitamin D has direct connection with hair. 

Never use hot water when washing your hair, because it strips the natural oils from your scalp, leaving it very dry and sensitive. Dryness and itchiness can also result from trips to the hair salon. Harsh chemical treatments like permanent colour, keratin treatments, hair straightening can permanently damage both hair and scalp making them ultra-dry and dull in the long run. Cut back on chemically loaded hair gels, sprays and serums and rather opt for all-natural hair products for good scalp and hair health.

Diet-Add more vegetables and fruits, nuts and seeds to the diet as one must intake enough zinc, B-complex vitamins and essential fatty acids to keep dandruff at bay. Include healthy fats like Ghee in your diet to give natural shine to your locks. Eat a diet that’s rich in probiotics as it helps good gut bacteria flourish which is one of the best ways to zap dandruff. Drink plenty of water and liquids. Hydrated scalp leads to hydrated and healthy-looking hair.

Yoga- It’s a group of physical, mental, and spiritual practices which originated in ancient India. The beauty of yoga is that you don’t have to be a yogi or yogini to reap the benefits. Yoga helps to increase circulation in the body. By doing some of the yoga poses, the roots of the hair follicles pump energy to the scalp needed to nourish, remove toxins and boost hair growth. Here are some of the easy yoga poses that are hugely beneficial for the hair:

Paschimottasana (two-Legged Forward bend): This pose helps to fully stretch the posterior portion of the whole body from head to heels. Helps control hair fall and slow down ageing as well.

Balayam Yoga (Rubbing nails): In Ayurveda, hair and nails are by-product of bone tissue (Asthi dhatu), hence are connected. Rubbing nails energise the roots of the hair follicles connected to the fingernails by boosting the circulation. This can help dandruff and other hair ailments.

Chakrasana (lying down body twist): This pose is named Chakrasana as the body shape looks like a circle (chakra). This pose supplies more oxygen to the scalp and hydrates it.

Adho Mukha Swasana (Downward facing dog pose): This pose allows more blood circulation to the brain, thus enhancing the condition of the scalp. 

Therefore, dry scalp, dandruff, hair fall and other hair ailments, while being complicated, are possible to tackle with uncomplicated means like herbal masks, warm oil treatments, yoga and simple habits like eating healthy and avoiding oily food, mental stress and chemical-laden products. 

References:

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5499037/

2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3834722/

3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4791507/

4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4211483/

5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3249897/#ref3

[cakralife]

The only way to conquer our fears is to come face to face with them!

[cakralife]

Celebrate National Watermelon day, August 3, 2020

Did you know that the color of red watermelon is the result of high percentages of a phytonutrient, lycopene. Lycopene is solely responsible for the deep red color which is also the reason tomatoes are red.

Watermelon fruit is 91% water, contains 6% sugars and is rich in Vitamin A (good hair) and C (good skin). Stay hydrated in the summer heat with this wondrous fruit. 

[cakralife]

Honey: Heavenly Nectar or Harmful poison?

The ancient vedic civilization considered honey one of nature's most remarkable gifts to mankind. When taken in small quantities, honey provides energy, soothes pain, acts as an antiseptic, hastens healing and is effective in aiding in the cure of burns, wounds, and sores (1).

However, when not taken properly, it can act as a poison! Viruddha Ahara or incompatible diet is a unique concept described in Ayurveda.  The literal meaning of the word Viruddha is “opposite” and Ahara means “diet”. In Ayurveda, heated honey is referred as Virrudha Ahara (processing incompatibility) When heated, honey is difficult to digest; it produces toxins, and the molecules become glue-like, adhering to the mucous membranes, clogging the channels (2). This ancient wisdom is now being discovered by modern science. Recent research in rats showed how heating this nectar produced a chemical called hydroxymethyl furfuraldehyde (HMF) (4), a substance linked in certain forms to toxicity and possible links to carcinogenic effects (2).  Heating also alters its chemical contents in other ways by reducing the specific gravity with a subsequent raise in ash value, pH and browning. 

Another Viruddha Ahara described in Ayurvedic texts is – “Honey + Cow's ghee mixed in equal proportion”. Honey is a complex polysaccharide. To be used as simple sugars it requires special enzymes to break it down. Ghee is a complex chain of fatty acids. It requires emulsification and action of lipase and other lipid breaking enzymes. These combinations interact with one another within our G.I and cause too much accumulation of free radicals within systems, a cause for many diseases including cancers (2, 3). 

Additionally, ghee is a by-product of milk. Milk, in fact, all the dairy products are severely susceptible and suitable for the bacteria to grow. Bacteria present in honey multiplies and grows in the ghee mixture so rapidly that it becomes too toxic for humans to consume. Due to these reasons, honey is not advised to be consumed with milk, milk products or oils. Furthermore, ghee is cooling, but honey is heating. Therefore, honey and ghee are not considered an ideal combination, particularly in equal quantities. 

Persons who consume Viruddha Ahara are prone to many disorders. It is very important to correlate the mechanism as to how Viruddha Ahara is a cause of many metabolic disorders. It is also essential to know how certain food combinations interact with each other and create disease. Viruddha Ahara was defined by Charaka. (fl. ca. 100 BCE - 200 CE) who was one of the principal contributors to Indian medicine, also known as the father of Ayurveda.

According to Ayurveda, only raw unprocessed (unheated) honey should be used, and it should never be cooked. It even prohibits honey during fever and hot summers. No hot water should be taken after taking honey. Heating honey is reputed to create a toxin, madhu ama, which can be very difficult to get rid of once it enters the body.

Love to add honey to hot tea? No worries — it is fine to use honey in your drinks as long as the temperature does not go higher than our body temperature (37-degree Celsius).

Ways to consume honey:

As a tonic/medicine - 1tsp of raw honey first thing in the morning. (Sweet should be the first taste of the day).

Fruit and Honey - Drizzle 1 tsp honey on seasonal fruit. 

Topical applications. Honey is a wonderful medicine for all skin types. When applied externally, it nourishes and moisturizes the skin deeply and leaves a smooth supple and glowing skin. Check easy-peasy DIY Mango-honey face pack recipe here.

Buyer beware: Next time you shop, do check the source of your honey.  Find out how they extract the honey. If the honey is cold-extracted or unheated, this is medicine. Read the labels as most honey sold in mainstream supermarkets are toxic. Care should be taken to avoid cereals, breads, baked goods, sauces, bars and other “health food” products that include honey which has been cooked.

Even though the age-old wisdom is now being supported by modern science, it will take a while till science conducts studies and evaluates serious effects of processed food and food incompatibilities like these. Therefore, it becomes crucial for consumers to be aware of their daily life choices and opt for the food that is less processed and in the best form to consume. The first step is–Start reading the labels! 

Precautions with Honey:

Regardless of its usage as food or remedy, being a  natural product, honey may be contaminated by pesticides, antibiotics, heavy metals, and other toxic compounds. In addition to those chemical compounds, honey may also be contaminated with pathogens, particularly Clostridium botulinum and its spores. As such, the consumption of honey or its derivatives is considered to be dangerous for infants, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals (5). For this reason, honey used for therapeutic purposes should be sterilized in a way that it retains its quality. sterilized using gamma irradiation.

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3758027/#B34

 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7221839/

 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7235625/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3215355/#ref4

https://sapientia.ualg.pt/handle/10400.1/6316

[cakralife]

Ingredient of the Month: Magical Mango!

Do you know why it is  called  a nutrient-powerhouse?  It has a large variety of antioxidants, minerals and vitamins essential for human health. Antioxidants make it great for your skin.

For a glowing skin, apply ½  cup fresh mango pulp with 1 tsp honey and a few drops of lime juice on face, massage and rinse after 10 minutes to get young and beautiful skin instantly.

[cakralife]

Ingredient of the month : Magical Mango

Mangifera indica L. (mango) has been an important plant in the Ayurvedic  medical systems for over 5000 years. Native to India, this sweet fruit is also known as “the king of fruits” because of its popularity in ancient India, where princes used to pride themselves on the possession of large mango gardens. The mango is more than a fruit in India. It is an intrinsic part of the country’s culture and a way to celebrate the summer season! Hotter the summer, sweeter the mangoes!

India is the largest producer of the fruit, growing more than 40 per cent of the world’s mangoes, with at least 1,000 varieties. Mango cultivation arrived in the US in Florida in the 1830s and in California in the 1880s, and now it is also grown in Hawaii, Mexico and South America.

The mango tree is an evergreen, dome shaped, and long-lived orchard which can reach up to 30–40 m in height in the tropical regions. The mango fruit has hundreds of varieties, each having its own characteristic taste, shape, and size. Its flavour is pleasant and rich, and its taste is sweet with mild tartness.

Nutrients: Mango is not as common as apples and pear in America, but if you ever try a fully ripe sweet juicy mango, you’ll instantly fall in love with this golden fruit. Mango is a valuable fruit from a nutritional point of view, providing fiber, macronutrients as carbohydrates, proteins, amino acids (alanine, arginine, glycine, serine, leucine, and isoleucine), lipids, and organic acids. It’s an important source of essential minerals for human health, such as potassium, calcium, iron, phosphorus, copper, selenium magnesium fibre, and vitamins A, B and C (1,2) In addition, mango fruit is an important source of antioxidant polyphenols such as  anthocyanins and mangiferin; useful for medicinal applications and also as indicators of fruit quality. Furthermore, up to 25 diverse carotenoids have been identified in the king of fruits, such as provitamin A, lutein, α-carotene, and β-carotene that account for the yellowish colour of this part of the fruit.

Culinary use: Mango can be enjoyed at its best in fresh form. My favourite childhood memories are plucking mangoes by throwing stones on the branches of trees full of mangoes, cutting them and eating them raw with salt and pepper.

A sweet delicacy called mango lassi, prepared with mango pulp and yogurt, is the most popular drink in Indian restaurants worldwide (Recipe: 2 cups mango pulp,½ cup yogurt, 1 cup water, saffron, cardamom powder and pistachio).

Green, unripe mango is also used in Indian cooking. Several varieties are especially cultivated for using raw. Green mango could be picked long before ripening while it is still hard. The fruit is grated and added to dals, curries and vegetables, or made into chutneys and pickles. The ayurvedic qualities of green mango are sour, astringent and cooling. Raw mangoes can also be processed to make tangy pickles! Being born and raised in India, our summers were incomplete without mangoes :) Mango is the dearest fruit of almost all the Indians. 

Research and benefits:

The extensive survey of literature reveals that mango is an important source of many pharmacologically and medicinally important chemicals such as mangiferin, mangiferonic acid hydroxy mangiferin, polyphenols, vitamins and minerals. 

In traditional medicine the different parts of the mango tree (fruit pulp, extracts of fruit kernel, leaves, and stem bark) are used for their health properties. Decoction of mango kernel is used, for example, in the treatment of diarrhea, haemorrhages, and bleeding haemorrhoids for its vermifuge and astringent properties (3), extracts of unripe fruit, bark and leaves are used for their antibiotic activity (4,5), while an aqueous stem bark extract from Mangifera indica L. has been used in as a remedy for diarrhoea, fever, gastritis, and ulcers (6).

The large variety of polyphenols, pigments, and vitamins are responsible for the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer and free radical scavenging activities of mango, a fruit that should be included in everyone’s diet for its multifaceted biochemical actions and health-enhancing properties.

Get summer glow with DIY mango face pack: Mangoes are rich in both Vitamin A and C which are essential for the skin. While Vitamin A boosts collagen production, vitamin C increases antioxidant levels to ward off skin damage. Besides, it also has polyphenolic antioxidants holding anti-cancerous properties to prevent premature skin aging and reduce the risk of skin cancer. Therefore, using mango pulp in a face pack is a great way to nourish and moisturize your skin instantly. Mix ½  cup fresh mango pulp with 1 tsp honey and a few drops of lime juice. Mix well and apply evenly on the skin and rinse off with water before it completely dries. This facepack will help you get clean, nourished and supple skin.

References:

1 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6807195/#B57

2. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/786699/nutrients

3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12499070/

4. http://www.homesciencejournal.com/archives/2016/vol2issue2/PartC/2-1-71.pdf

5. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1365-2028.2007.00731.x

6. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/87559120903153524

[cakralife]

#CakralifeMotivation A smile with love behind it has so many positive effects on us: It stimulates the brain, boosts your mood, and brings joy to the people around you. Keep Smiling, it’s free!!

#cakralife #cakralifegyan #keepsmiling #smile #boostmood #freetherapy #positivity

[cakralife]

“Sunshine” Vitamin (D): A bright Spot for Human Health

Vitamin D is one of the oldest hormones that has been produced on this planet for more than 750 million years. Yet today, it’s insufficiency affects almost 50% of the population worldwide (1,2). This sun vitamin is believed to be essential for healthy bones, teeth and muscles. Without this, the body can't absorb the calcium it ingests, so it steals calcium from bones, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Solving the problem of rickets was only the beginning of research into vitamin D. Research results suggest that vitamin D may have a role in other aspects of human health.

Vitamin D Benefits beyond bone health:

Immunity:

The presence of vitamin D receptors in other tissues and organs suggest that vitamin D function extends beyond bone homeostasis (3).Vitamin D deficiency may affect the immune system as it plays an immunomodulatory role (4), enhancing innate immunity by up-regulating the expression and secretion of antimicrobial peptides (5–6), which boosts mucosal defences. Furthermore, recent meta-analyses have reported a protective effect of vitamin D supplementation on respiratory tract infections (7–9). This makes it evident how important it is to boost our Vitamin D levels during the Novel coronavirus pandemic where immunity plays the key role against COVID-19. In a retrospective study of patients tested for COVID-19, researchers at the University of Chicago Medicine found an association between vitamin D deficiency and the likelihood of becoming infected with coronavirus disease (9a).

The Hair and Vitamin D Connection:

Healthy, long and vibrant hair helps a lot in the improvement of personality. Therefore, keeping hair in a healthy state is entirely important for human-being, because just like the face, hair is also a mirror of a healthy state of the body. Ayurveda, one of the world's oldest holistic healing systems, has clearly stated in its age-old texts that hair is a byproduct of the bone tissue (asthi dhatu). Meaning any nutrient such as  Vitamin that increases bones health will consequently help to improve the quality of hair. By looking at an individual’s hair, one can tell much about the health of bones. This age-old wisdom of Ayurveda clearly explained thousands of years ago why Vitamin D is essential for maintaining healthy hair which has been discovered now by modern researchers (10-12). In ancient Vedas, the Sun was commonly seen as a source of healing, light and inner transformation. Ayurveda believed that sunbathing in the morning when the light is orange in colour is an effective way to keep the body healthy.  The ancient Rishis in India used to worship the sun and realized that sunrays could help one regain lost health. Rigveda states - All living beings of the creation depend on the sun. The sun removes physical, mental and spiritual weaknesses and makes one healthy and long-lived. 

Cancer and other diseases: 

Furthermore, Researchers have discovered that Chronic vitamin D deficiency may have serious adverse consequences, including increased risk of hypertension, cardiovascular diseases (13, 13a), multiple sclerosis (14), cancers of the colon (15), prostate (16), breast (17-18), and ovary (19), and type 1 diabetes (20). There needs to be a better appreciation of the importance of vitamin D for overall health and well being.

Hos your body makes Vitamin D

To prevent vitamin D deficiency, one should spend 15 to 20 minutes daily in the sunshine with 40% of the skin surface exposed. When human skin is exposed to sunlight, the solar ultraviolet-B (UVB) (290 to 315 nm) photons penetrate into the skin (epidermis) and are absorbed by 7-dehydrocholesterol, and converts it into vitamin D3. Vitamin D3 travels to the liver, where it picks up extra oxygen and hydrogen molecules to become 25-hydroxyvitamin D, or 25(OH)D. This is the chemical that doctors usually measure in blood to diagnose vitamin D deficiencies. But although 25(OH)D is used for diagnosis, it can't function until it travels to the kidney. There it acquires a final pair of oxygen and hydrogen molecules to become 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D; this active form of the vitamin is known as 1,25(OH)2D, or calcitriol.

Timing:

In summer the sunlight is intense, so bask in the early morning sun, not in the afternoon heat as it leads to diseases of pitta (bile) and induces fatigue. The significance of the morning sunbathing to achieve better health has been accepted worldwide. Many Ayurveda experts believe that sunbathing in the morning when the light is orange is an effective way to keep the heart-healthy.  However, during cold weather, one can bask in the afternoon heat too, as the intensity is not as strong as summer. One should start off with a small duration of 5-10 minutes for a week and gradually increase it to 15-20 minutes maximum. Always stay out only as long as you feel comfortable. 

Factors affecting Vitamin D production

Under the right circumstances, 15 to 20 minutes of sun on the arms and legs a few times a week can generate nearly all the vitamin D we need. Unfortunately, the "right circumstances" are elusive: the season, the time of day, where you live, cloud cover, and even pollution affect the amount of UVB (5% of sunshine) that reaches your skin. What's more, your skin's production of vitamin D is influenced by age, skin colour, and sunscreen use. Use of sunblock, common window glass in homes or cars and clothing, all effectively block UVB radiation – even in the summer. It’s also believed that oil massage enhances vitamin D production and its distribution as it's a fat-soluble vitamin. Indian Mothers often massage their babies with oil prior to exposing their skin in sunlight for vitamin D production!

Vitamin D deficiency: An ignored pandemic

Vitamin D deficiency is a global health problem. Over a billion people worldwide are vitamin D deficient or insufficient. Half of Americans are deficient in vitamin D, with much higher rates seen in African Americans, Hispanics and other individuals living in areas where it is difficult to get enough sun exposure in winter.This pandemic of hypovitaminosis D can mainly be attributed to fear of having skin cancer, lifestyle (for example, reduced outdoor activities) and environmental (for example, air pollution) factors that reduce exposure to sunlight, which is required for UVB (5% of the sunshine)-induced vitamin D production in the skin.

Creating a balanced message: The Vitamin D Solution 

The World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer recommends avoiding outdoor activities at midday, wearing clothing to cover the whole body, and daily use of sunscreen on usually exposed skin (21) . The American Cancer Society advocates Slip! Slop! Slap! and Wrap! to make sure skin is covered in clothing or sunscreen and to avoid exposure to the sun between 10 am and 4 pm (22).

These recommendations are understandable from the viewpoint of preventing the 3.5 million new cases of and 2000 deaths from nonmelanoma skin cancer in the United States each year (23), but they neglect the fact that we have a long cultural history of appreciation of the sun and use of UV radiation for healing purposes (24). Even in Australia, the skin cancer capital of the world, it is now recognized that the slip, slap, slop message has led to more than 40% of the population being vitamin D deficient (25-26).

Sensible sun exposure which is free, eating foods that naturally contain vitamin D or are fortified with vitamin D as well as taking a vitamin D supplement should eliminate vitamin D sufficiency (27-28). Constructing public health messages that highlight the pros and cons of sun exposure in a balanced way is indeed a good direction to end this pandemic.

Caution:

Keep changing your body position while taking sunlight. Do not take a sunbath immediately after meals. Ultraviolet rays dehydrate the skin, so after sunlight, you need to nourish and moisturize it with the help of oil or cream. The person concerned with sun-skin infection should adopt sunbathe only after consulting the doctor. Look for supplements for the areas  that are not close to the equator and deprived of sunlight in winter or rainy season. You can’t do anything about it. 

References:

1 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3356951/

2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21310306/

3. https://academic.oup.com/ajcn/article/80/6/1689S/4690513

4a https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4488782/

5a https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2807280/

6a https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15985530/

7 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27826955/

8 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3543548/

9 https://www.bmj.com/content/356/bmj.i6583

9ahttps://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.05.08.20095893v1

10https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23428658/

11https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28994020/

12 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30547302/

13 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9260973/

13a https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1969518/

14 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28619429/

15 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26811638/

16 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29667615/

17https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18422861/ 

18 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24705652/

19 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30157901/

20 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18548227/

21 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1098301511035303

22 https://www.cancer.org/cancer/skin-cancer.html

23. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/basal-and-squamous-cell-skin-cancer/about/key-statistics.html

24 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4536937/#cit0004

25 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21592422/

26 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22442274/

27 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17634462/

28 https://books.google.com/books/about/The_Vitamin_D_Solution.html?id=csrsj0p2_ygC

[cakralife]

5 Easy Ayurvedic Hand Care Tips from Cakra Life

While the importance of washing hands was realized as late as 1900 in the western world, Ayurveda believed in cleansing oneself before taking anything from around the personal sphere of the body. While it’s a protective measure to avoid infection, frequent handwashing with soap results in stripping off moisture and natural oil from hand skin leaving them dull and dry. 

Well, when it comes to hand care, Ayurveda has a lot to say about it. At Cakra life® we are sharing 5 simple and natural ways to get those beautiful looking hands easily at home, while the salon is out of reach due to the Novel Coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19):

Tip 1. D.I.Y. moisturising hand mask-  Even if you moisturize your hands daily, they may not get all the moisture that they need. Use a mask once a week to deliver a super dose of hydration to keep the skin of your hands soft and supple. Mix aloe vera gel with lemon juice and apply it on hands like a lotion. (Use only 2-3 drops of lemon juice if you have dry skin). Leave it for 10-15 mins and rinse it off with lukewarm water. The Aloe vera plant has been known and used for centuries for its endless health, beauty, medicinal and skincare properties. It’s known to stimulate fibroblast which produces the collagen and elastin fibres making the skin more elastic and less wrinkled. The amino acids present in the gel also soften hardened skin cells and zinc acts as an astringent to tighten pores (1,2). If unavailable, one can also use honey in lieu of aloe. Honey is an excellent moisturiser for all skin types and works wonderfully when mixed with lemon juice. Apply this pack weekly to achieve clean, soft and radiant skin instantly.

Tip 2. Cuticle care: Taking care of your cuticles is important as they protect both your nails and the skin surrounding them from infection. Investing a little time in basic nail care can lead to stronger, healthier nails. After cutting the cuticle, it's easier for germs to get inside so ditch your cuticle cutter, push them back gently and trim loose skin and hangnails. For stronger nails, nourish your cuticles with this easy D.I.Y. cuticle oil recipe: Warm Sesame/coconut oil, add a few drops of essential oil for a soothing experience and dip your fingers for 3-5 minutes. Wipe off the excess and massage for 2 minutes. Regular usage will make the nails picture-perfect. 

Tip 3. Ayurvedic hand massage at home: Ayurvedic hand Massage benefits not just the hands but also to the mind and body.  The technique of an Ayurvedic oil hand massage explains rubbing and pressing marma points which are considered as energy points for healing. By definition, a Marma point is a juncture on the body where two or more types of tissue meet, such as muscles, veins, ligaments, bones or joints. The best thing about knowing the location of marma points is that you can gently self-massage them whenever and wherever you are without any equipment! Here are 4 marma points you can massage daily to help you feel vibrant and well.

a. Tala hrida -This point, also known as the ‘heart of the hand’, is located in the middle of the palm, on the line of the middle finger. Being closely linked to Anahata, the heart chakra, it is considered as an important point in boosting immunity and stimulating circulation throughout the whole body.

b. Kurcha - This marma point is located on both the hands at the root of the thumb. It helps with the digestive process and improves the energy flow for a sensory activity. 

c. Manibandha- It is located on both the hands exactly on the wrist joint. Rubbing this point helps maintain functional hand movement and energizes the reproductive system.

d. Kurcha-Shira- located on both the hands distal to manibandha. Promotes visual activity and reproductive stimulation.

Massage these points in a gentle, circular motion for roughly five minutes. Sesame, coconut or almond oil is best used, with essential oils like eucalyptus for opening blocked sinuses or energising the hands. Did you know Cakra life Hair Potion has pure sesame seed and coconut oils as base with herbs and soothing essential oils known to benefit the skin as well as hair? Try it for massaging hands next time! If you are not comfortable enough with pressing the points, you can energise them simply by rubbing the palms together until they feel warm. These motions will revitalize and enhance the blood circulation while locking in the moisture. Try it in day time for a much-needed break or at night to relax and unwind before bed.

Tip 4. Protect your nails when you paint them: This may seem like an obvious tip but most of us forget or feel unnecessary to apply a base coat and prefer using a topcoat over our colourful nail polishes, for that extra shine. While the topcoat makes your nails beautiful in the short run, applying a base coat will ensure your nails stay protected from chemicals in your nail paint and may help make them stronger in the long run. Use natural nail paint and acetone-free remover to preserve the natural shine of your nails.

Tip 5. Wear gloves when required: Whether you’re washing dishes, doing yard work, or working with tools, sanitizing packages during the Coronavirus time always put on a pair of protective gloves first. That will keep your hands from getting dry, cracked, and callused.

Wash hands frequently, for at least 20 seconds, always apply an oil or serum after washing, and avoid touching your face and eyes when outside. Also, looking for skincare tips? Click here to get luminous skin through Ayurveda.

Stay indoors, stay safe!

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2763764/

https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/e9ca/6b5440addd5545217498bcdd4c6fb91fd76f.pdf

Note: Although these recipes involve natural ingredients, it’s possible to be allergic even to the natural ingredients. Hence, do a patch test before trying these recipes.

Disclaimer: The information on this website has been compiled from published sources and is provided only as a guide. Although every effort has been taken to ensure that information published on this site is correct and up to date, Cakra Life cannot guarantee the accuracy of all information presented and accepts no liability in respect of any omission or error. 

[cakralife]

"Great Things Never came from Comfort Zones". Happy Monday!

[cakralife]

Wish to glow naturally without make-up? Make use of these easy face packs to get luminous skin during lockdown.

These days women are more conscious about their skin and hair health as most of us do not want to use preservatives and chemically loaded products on our skin. Since the COVID-19 lockdown, the mindfulness about skin health has increased even more as women are adopting home remedies instead of going out and increasing the chances of infection. The pandemic has unquestionably pushed the humans to glance harder at all the gifts from nature. When it comes to beauty care, it is no-brainer. The best way to nurture skin is through reconnecting with nature. This is where Ayurveda can help us.

Ayurveda, is the age-old science of healing and a reserve of countless best-kept beauty secrets of nature, that emphasizes the use of natural face packs for healthy glowing skin. As per Ayurveda treatise, face packs made with natural ingredients nourishes skin, brings glow, improves skin texture, removes dead cells and helps reduce premature wrinkles and fine lines by controlling sagging skin. If you are looking for natural ways to nurture your skin, we have a list of easy-peasy face packs that will give you a healthy glowing skin. Ditch your chemical-laden makeup and look pretty naturally with Çakra life skin care and hair care tips! The best thing about these natural face packs is that they can be conveniently prepared at home with fewer ingredients during lockdown. Have a look.

Coconut face pack: Coconut water is the liquid endosperm of green coconut. It’s rich  content of vitamins, minerals, cytokines, and proteins hydrates skin and deeply moisturizes it. Apply coconut water mixed with milk cream to nourish and rejuvenate dry skin instantly.

Lentil face pack: Red lentil mixed with gram flour helps in removing all of your dead cells while lemon is a great ingredient to clean the skin and reduce oil secretion. For a naturally glowing skin, mix a spoon of red lentil powder, a spoon gram flour, a pinch of turmeric powder, a few drops of sesame seed oil/almond oil and 1 tbsp lemon juice in a bowl. Add rose water to it until it reaches a paste-like consistency. Next, apply it all over the face and neck and leave it for about 15 minutes before rinsing it thoroughly. 

Fuller’s Earth: Fuller's earth or Multani mitti has been used as a classic home remedy for a clean, radiant and revitalised skin since centuries. It’s healing property comes from its active ingredients that absorb skin impurities like sweat, oil, accumulated sebum and dirt from the clogged pores. From reducing wrinkles and aging effects to improving the overall skin texture and youthfulness, multani mitti has a solution for all skin problems.  Soak it overnight with plain or rose water and apply it as a face mask to relieve your skin from excess oil and make it appear soft and supple.  Whether you have dry, oily or a normal skin, this pack won’t disappoint you! 

Cucumber for eyes: It’s normal to end up looking longer at the screen due to covid-19 lockdown. Need a relaxing break? Cut thin slices of fresh cucumber and keep it on the eyes for some time. The cooling effect of the fresh cucumber will help rejuvenate and soothe tired eyes instantly.  

Note: Although these recipes involve natural ingredients, it doesn’t make them entirely safe for you. It’s possible to be allergic even to the natural ingredients. Hence, do a patch test before trying these recipes.