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With fall comes beautiful orange colored leaves covering the landscapes and of course bright orange pumpkins and sweet potatoes being the two fall favorites! But we all know that this is the start of flu season and dry skin, chapped lips, feeling blue with shorter days heading our way!

People with Vata dominance will feel more miserable and best way to stay balanced is via rest, warm foods, and plenty of moisturization and hydration internally and externally.Try this: Self-Massage or Abhyanga: Massaging your muscles stimulates your circulatory and lymphatic system allowing your body to flush toxins out. Consider using warm oils by warming on stove top or using your palms to generate heat. Some oils to consider include sesame seed oil, coconut oil or mustard oil. Massage on yourself (legs, arms, stomach, etc.) two to three times per week for optimal results.

People with Pitta dominance tend to feel much more balanced after a rather troublesome pitta summer season. They should avoid foods that increase pitta like spicy warm foods. Pitta-types can be aggravated by the light, fluid qualities of Fall so focusing on grounding, routine, and stability can be very helpful. Here is a tip: Increase your intake of water. Water helps to carry out waste and toxins out of the body. When you are hydrated, the water surrounds your cells and moves the toxins through your system. Massage your body with cooling oils like coconut oil.

People with Kapha dominance are naturally balanced with the Vata season in the air. But they may want to avoid very heavy foods and stay healthy especially those prone to sinus infections and allergies. Moistness in the fall weather can create imbalances in Kapha dominant types. Get plenty of sunshine when possible and spend more time in nature and practice yoga. The sedentary lifestyle of Kapha types can be overcome with the mobile, light nature of Vata season. Tip for Kapha: Try dry skin brushing (or Garshana) to increase lymphatic drainage and promote circulation, and detoxification. The direction of the stroke should always be toward your heart as this helps drain lymph back to your heart. Massage from your feet upward, continuing up to your torso and on to your neck. Also massage from the hands to the shoulders. Continue for at least five minutes.Complete your Garshana with a shower.

Ever wondered or even get overwhelmed when you are in a cosmetic aisle and in front of an array of creams, lotions, serums, and so on for the face and completely confused as to what is the best skincare product or routine for you? Even more, when you are baffled by the language on the jar or box such as Green, Natural, Preservative Free, Chemical Free. As a trained chemist, I often encounter women struggling with this dilemma and I am tempted to help them. Some think I am weird to even offer this help while others are extremely grateful that I helped them read the label and make sense of it. This mess of not knowing what to buy or read between the lines led me to create Skincare that took away the stress of deciding what skincare routine you should go with. How? At Skinveda, we combine old science with new science. Old science is the science of understanding your skin from your mind-body and your lifestyles. It's true that how we react to stress is unique. Stress can be emotional, physical, or environmental and can directly affect our skin. Skinveda has therefore designed skincare based on our unique mind-body type, which is extremely accurate. A quiz called "What's your V?" where "V" means Vikriti, (a Sanskrit word for your present day mind-body imbalances) is a short quiz whose outcome leads to your skin type and that directs you to your skincare routine. If you are still unsure whether this is some kind of voodoo science or is it really that good, then I invite you to learn more at www.skinveda.com and learn about Ayurveda, Psychodermatology. 

Please feel free to ask questions and even send inquires by filling out the contact form on our website.

Warm weather and increased daylight hours means more outdoor activities with family and friends — and those pesky insects, too. While it may be tempting to reach for your most powerful insect repellent — to ward off mosquitos and other bothersome bugs — you may want to consider a healthy alternative.

Our skin is our largest organ, and many products we use externally may be absorbed and disrupt hormone balance and overall health. DEET is one of the most common ingredients in many insect repellents. Not only does it have a distinct odor, but it’s known to irritate the eyes, can damage plastic, rubber, and vinyl on clothing and accessories. In high doses, it may also impact the nervous system.

The Environmental Protection Agency allows U.S. sales of repellents with up to 100% DEET, however other countries such as Canada have recommendations limiting DEET concentrations to 30%, and even weaker concentrations for young children. So, what are the alternatives that are free of harsh chemicals - Gentle on your skin, Tough on the bugs?Here is a recipe I made and it worked. So I am sharing it with you. Do let me know if it worked for you as well. If you need help finding any of the ingredients, you can contact me.

Lemon Neem Spray:

5 drops of lemongrass oil

6 drops of Neem Oil

2 drops Tea Tree Oil or Eucalyptus Oil

Crush some rosemary and lavender leaves using mortar and pestle and boil them in 1 cup water. Use the filtered water or use 4 drops each of the rosemary oil and lavender oil

 

Mix these into a base as follows: First mix 10 tablespoons water with 3 tablespoons corn starch or Potato starch. Stir until dissolved completely and heat in microwave for 15 seconds. To this with constant stirring, add 3 tablespoons of coconut oil. This is your oil in water base since we have oils and extracts in our active ingredients. Now add the premix to this base with stirring. Transfer into a glass bottle (if possible) with a sprayer. Use it on your exposed arms and legs to repel bugs from biting!!

Sometimes referred to as the third lung, the skin covers the entire surface of our bodies, making it the largest organ of elimination. Due to its large surface area, the skin can eliminate through it's pores as much waste as the bowels, kidneys, and lungs together. This elimination is in the form of acidic toxins, gases, and mucus. If the colon, kidneys, or liver is backed up with toxic overload, the skin has to eliminate a large part of the waste. If you are experiencing rashes, pimples, boils, acne, eczema, or abcesses, this indicates that your organs of elimination may be unable to keep up with detoxification. 

A great way to facilitate the process of detoxification via elimination is by drinking water, aerobic exercise, perspiration and eating fiber through fresh vegetables and fruits.

Our skin needs nourishment inside out! We need to regularly steam our face to open up pores and remove toxic ingredients by using mud masks and a good toner to close the pores immediately after cleansing. 

Good sleep and rest is imperative for good skin. 

Try this Liver Cleansing Recipe:

1 pear, Bartlett or Asian

1 large handful dandelion leaves

1 cup almond milk

Juice of 1/2 lemon

1/4 cup flaxseeds

Place all ingredients in a blender and process until creamy and smooth!

Serves 2!

 

 

Stress is the new norm! Why not take charge of your life? Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum or Holy Basil) is a member of the mint family.Though it is closely related to the sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum) frequently used in cooking, holy basil has a much richer history. Tulsi is a sanskrit word meaning "The Incomparable One".In Ayurvedic medicine, holy basil has been used to treat a variety of conditions - everything from the common cold to bronchitis to fever to certain digestive complaints, including ulcers.The most compelling data, however, suggests that holy basil possesses its greatest potential in the areas of stress relief and relaxation. And in the fast paced world in which we live, these findings may prove to be extremely significant.Stress is a normal and natural part of everyday life. Stress occurs when the demands placed upon us exceed our body's ability to cope. The body's response to stress, often referred to as the “flight-or-fight” response, occurs automatically at these times.
It's when stress becomes chronic, or on-going, that it can create problems. Stress hormones have other, not-so-obvious effects. They play a role in metabolism, inflammation, and immune system responses. So when our body is continually stressed, that is, continually bombarded by high levels of cortisol and corticosterone, our digestive function can become impaired - leading to increased appetite and weight gain, our nervous system can be damaged - leading to anxiety or depression, and our immune system can be suppressed - leading to sickness or even autoimmune diseases.It is therefore imperative to not let our stress take over our lives. Tulsi is a COX-2 inhibitor and also has natural salicylic acid. So, stress related acne or hormonal acne can be relieved with Tulsi. Tulsi is present in Skinveda's Tulsi Pore Refiner, as well as Rose Sesame Masque and Ashwamilla Toner and Amlaki Cocoin Milk. For more information visit: www.skinveda.com

The art of reading the label is such a powerful tool. Yet, a lot of consumers are fooled by products that claim as “Natural”, “Cruelty-Free”, “Plant-based”.  There are several ingredients that may sound toxic or chemical, but are in fact more natural than others. For example, I get a lot of questions about “phenoxyethanol”. It is a preservative found in many cosmetics with water in them and is relatively safe.  It is also found in nature as well as in green tea. But consumers are alarmed by this ingredient and think of it as an alcohol or perhaps an endocrine disruptor. This brings me to the subject that little knowledge is a dangerous thing. So the nail polish you use may have nitrocellulose as the number one ingredient-also known as gun cotton and used to make explosives. But we see 95% brands calling nail polish safe and 3 free, or 5 free!

 

When reading a label, remember to see the top 5 ingredeints which make up the majority (about 90%) of the product where the top ingredient may be water or aloe vera leaf juice (75-90%). Sulfates, parabens, mineral oil, silicones are some ingredients you want to stay away from. Anyone claiming a Preservative Free or Chemical Free product is misguiding you! Water is also a chemical and so is salt and sugar. Think about it!

 

By Shilpi Jain, MS Hons.Chemistry, magna cum laude

President and Founder, Skinveda

www.skinveda.com

Happy 2016!

I am not going to ask you to make a resolution because to me looking after yourself should be every day's resolution for not just for yourself but also for the people who care about you. Good health = solid mind, solid relationships, long life and more productivity!

We all know that vata imbalance is common this season. To avoid excess Kapha, we need to kick start our metabolism with light yet warming fruits and vegetables. 

Here are some key food choices I recommend:

Citrus fruits like oranges, mandarin, grapefruit can help reduce cholesterol and clean out your liver passages. This when combined with warming cinnamon and ginger can help with vata imbalances and warm up your body.

Continue to take your vitamins and especially Vitamin D!

Massage your body regularly with warm sesame seed oil, or almond oil and add a few drops of your vata - balancing essential oils to balance your mind and body.

Exercise regularly - whatever makes you want to do it - be it dancing, running, yoga, or going to gym - just do it !!

Last but not the least - laugh more, stay focused and listen to your body!

 

I am sure you have felt stressed out especially during this time of the year with organizing parties, while managing work stress, keeping sane with family life and kids and of course thriving on less than 7 hours of sleep. I notice as one of the first signs of stress being weight gain. And this may lead to feeling resentment or even more eating out of frustration because dieting is not a permanent solution. 

So, here I am writing to you the first three remedies.

1. Stay focused: Easier said than done! But when I say to stay focused, I mean to be mindful of your actions. The way to increase your concentration or mindfulness is through meditation even if it means 5 minutes at work or 10-15 minutes before sleep. 

2. Eat when hungry: This is so important. I have noticed when I go to late parties and the hostess has appetizers around 8 pm followed by late dinner it throws me off on my weight control. I end up eating just to please the hostess when I was not hungry as my inner clock is accustomed to having dinner at 6. Sometimes you just cannot avoid this scenario, but you can get back on track by eating when hungry.

3. Curb your carbs: Holiday parties are filled with cakes, chocolates, carb rich food! But we all know that carbohydrates in excess are the biggest culprit with weight gain. Instead try eating more fat and vegetables and fruits. Try getting your energy from proteins and if you are a vegan or lacto-vegetarian like me, you can find plenty of protein rich foods such as edamames, almonds, peanut butter, all nuts in moderation of course, hummus with celery, carrots, kale chips, black beans and quinoa, hemp seeds and so many more choices! 

TRY THESE OPTIONS AND STAY TUNED FOR MORE TIPS!

 

 

Food combining has it's roots in the whole idea of maintaining a proper pH (acid-base) balance in your gut and in your blood. The modern American diet generates a significant amount of acid requiring that your bones release calcium to make your blood more alkaline and to bring the acid-base levels back into balance which can in turn weaken the bones. Excess of protein can throw off this balance. To counter acid, you need potassium and magnesium, ideally from plant based foods. Here is a little cheat sheet for food combining:

1. Eat proteins and carbohydrates separately 

2. Eat only one concentrated protein at each meal.

3. Have dessert. Dark Chocolate is the best.

4. Eat your food warm or at room temperature. Cold food inhibits digestion.

5. Eat fruit alone on an empty stomach as fruit meal. 

6. Diuretics like artichoke work wonderfully to not only help with water retention but increase bile juice and in turn detoxify our bodies!

 

 

There are good fats and bad fats as we know.They are very much needed to help absorb the vitamins A, D, E, and K, the so-called fat-soluble vitamins. Fat also fills your fat cells and insulates your body to help keep you warm. The fats your body gets from your food give your body essential fatty acids called linoleic and linolenic acid.

The human brain is composed of nearly 60% fat, with fatty acids that are critical in facilitating brain performance. Omega 3s (EPA and DHA) in particular are necessary for proper brain development as we know it today, and there are very few vegan sources that are high in this critical component. They include seaweed, flax, chia, and hemp seeds. We need fat for digestion, transport, proper conversion, energy extraction as well as the nervous system.

But you don't have to eat meat to get your fats. Fats can be divided into three classes: saturated fats, trans fats and unsaturated fats. Saturated fats, usually found in animal products, including meat and milk, increase your body's levels of bad cholesterol. Trans fats, which form when vegetable oil hardens, are found in fried foods, processed foods, spreads and baked goods. Saturated fats and trans fats should be limited in a healthy diet. Unsaturated fats, on the other hand, found in nuts, olive oil, canola oil and vegetable oil, are considered "good fats."

Here is a link I recommend for vegetarians and vegans looking to supplement their diet with good fats!

http://www.veganhealth.org/articles/fatstable

 

It is this time of the year when we are entering winter and cool weather is upon us. In Ayurveda, this is the Vata season entering Kapha. With Vata season is associated dryness, poor circulation and especially for people with Vata constitution, the symptoms are aggravated. Kapha, on the other hand, brings wetness with cold harsh climates. For Vata dosha, the latter part of Kapha might be beneficial as we transition from late spring to early summer. Right now, Vatas need to stay balanced and one with the transiton by keeping your bodies warm, eat warmer foods (the best approach to diet during this time of year is to concentrate on herbs and foods that carry dual tastes to avoid aggravating your Vata nature while balancing the effects of your Kapha environment). Pittas, Kapha season can be a mixed blessing,While its cooling temperatures may be balancing to your fiery nature, the practices that best help balance this season invariably involve warming. Licorice in particular is good for you at this time of year as it is Pitta-pacifying and phlegm-loosening. 

It’s tempting to think that it would be easy for Kaphas to stay in balance during Kapha season, but unfortunately that’s not true.Remember that Kapha tends towards stagnation and heaviness if it is not properly invigorated.As in most things, nature is the best teacher. While the weather and temperature may be Kapha-like, plants and animals come to life as winter becomes spring. This is no accident and something that should be mimicked. If you’re not already involved in an active lifestyle, this is a great time for you to start one. Otherwise, the increased cold and wetness in your environment may lead you towards increased sedentary ways.