The Golden Continuum Journal

Understanding Your Doshas - Part II

To know more about the five elements of nature that constitute your doshas, click here. In Ayurveda, doshas are believed to be the fundamental energies that are present in every living being and influence the functioning of our bodies. The elements of space and air make up the ‘vata’ dosha, that of fire and water the ‘pitta’ dosha and that of water and earth form the ‘kapha’ dosha. Ayurvedic science has long since considered these doshas to be responsible for influencing who we are and all that we do. When in balance, they are believed to create perfect health - mentally, physically and spiritually and when out of balance, they can cause diseases and disorders. Every single living being has all three doshas present in their body according to their individual prakruti (or physical constituency), but there is almost always one that is primary, one that is secondary and one that is least prominent. Ayurveda believes this unique ratio is akin to an energy print (and one that can be identified by a trained Ayurvedic practitioner) that deeply influences our mental, physical and spiritual health. VATA As the energy of movement, vata helps to regulate all the activity in the body - both mental and physiological, including the blinking of the eyes, beating of the heart and the movement in the cytoplasm and cell membrane. When vata is in balance, it expresses itself through the feelings of creativity, flexibility, happiness and joy. When out of balance, vata is believed to produce the feelings of fear and anxiety. PITTA Pitta is the principle of fire and the energy that influences our metabolism. It is believed to govern the biochemical changes in the human body, including regulation of digestion, absorption and assimilation and promotes appetite and vitality. Pitta dosha is also believed to be crucial to processing and ‘digesting’ every single impression that our body and mind is subjected to. When in balance, pitta promotes intelligence and understanding and helps foster learning. KAPHA Kapha - the dosha that combines the elements of earth and water - is the energy that forms the structure of our bodies and also provides us with strength, vigor and stability. Excess or imbalanced kapha is responsible for the feelings of greed, lust and envy. When in balance, kapha manifests as love, forgiveness and a sense of calm. Together, three doshas are responsible for governing the body’s functioning and are constantly influenced by both internal and external factors, including food, weather, our thoughts, the time of the day and the different phases of life. When we crafted our line of Ayurvedic skincare essentials, we made sure to create something that could benefit a range of dosha types. Stay tuned to our INSTAGRAM and BLOG as we help you uncover how you can use this ancient science to live a healthy + balanced life! Soha Joshi

Understanding Your Doshas - Part I

In Ayurveda, the source of all existence is believed to manifest itself as the male and female energies, or the purusha and prakruti respectively. Both these energies are timeless and present in every living being (including humans!) as well as inanimate objects. Human beings - an inevitable result of the merging of these two energies - are considered to be a reflection of the universe; every single element that is present in nature is present in human beings. The five elements of nature are the building blocks that are instrumental to the science of Ayurveda; these five elements include space, air, fire, water and earth and are believed to exist in all universal matter. Since human beings are believed to be a reflection of nature, these five elements are also believed to be a part of our physical bodies and deeply influence the way we function. SPACE Also referred to as ‘ether’, space is empty, light and subtle. It is also formless and considered to be universal. In the physical body, space is associated with sound and the sense of hearing. Spaces in the body include the mouth, nose, gastrointestinal tract, respiratory tract, abdomen and thorax. Psychologically, space is associated with a sense of freedom and peace and is responsible for the feelings of love, compassion, separation, isolation, insecurity and fear. AIR The element of air is light and clear and associated with the sense of touch. It moves in space and manifests itself as the movements of the muscles, the pulsations of the heart, the expansion and contraction of the lungs and sensory and neural impulses that move to and from the brain. The element of air is also responsible for breathing, ingestion, the movement of the intestines and elimination. Psychologically, it is associated with the feelings of happiness, joy, excitement, fear, anxiety and insecurity. FIRE A hot, sharp, penetrating and luminous element, fire manifests when moving air produces friction. In the human body, the proverbial fire in the solar plexus regulates body temperature and metabolism, including the actions of digestion, absorption and assimilation. Fire is important for transformation, comprehension, recognition and understanding and is crucial for the manifestation of ambition, competitiveness, anger, hatred and envy. WATER The element of water is fluid, heavy, soft and dense. It is associated with the sense of taste; without water (or more specifically, moisture), our tongue cannot taste anything. Water manifests in the human body as plasma, saliva, nasal secretion, urine and sweat and is believed to be associated with the feelings of contentment, love and compassion. EARTH As the most solid of all five elements, earth is heavy, hard and rough and gives strength and structure to the human body. The solid structures of the body (bones, cartilage, nails, teeth, hair and skin) are a manifestation of the earth element. Earth is associated with the sense of smell and promotes the feelings of forgiveness, support and growth. When off balance, it can also create feelings of attachment, greed and depression. Stay tuned for our next post where we uncover how these five elements manifest themselves into the three doshas. Soha Joshi

Cardamom - The Queen of Spices

Native to South India and referred to as ‘ilaichi’ in Hindi, cardamom is an ancient Indian spice that is a ubiquitous kitchen staple and used in everything from curries to desserts. In India, it is cultivated in the Southern state of Kerala, from where it is transported all across the world. Known as the ‘Queen of Spices’, it is the third most expensive spice in the world after saffron and vanilla and has a unique flavour that is a delightful mix of sweet and spicy - making it the perfect flavouring for a variety of palettes; cardamom flavoured tea is very popular all over India and comes with it’s own nuances depending on where you are drinking it. Cardamom is also revered for it’s potent health benefits; this ancient spice helps improve eyesight and combat teeth and gum infections. It also helps in the treatment of the flu, digestive disorders, kidney stones and gallstones. In Ayurveda, cardamom is especially used to treat urinary disorders, asthma, bronchitis and heart disorders. It also helps treat inflamed skin and combat pigmentation, because of which it has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic and Indian inspired beauty and wellness rituals since centuries. While there are many ways you can make cardamom a part of your lifestyle, the easiest way to do it is to add a bit to your cup of tea (or via our re.lax tisane!) or as a garnishing for your frozen desserts. As with most things in life, the trick to truly enjoying the subtle nuances of this spice is to not overdo it - most often you’ll find that just a pinch is enough. Soha Joshi Looking for a fun way to incorporate the many benefits of cardamom into your life? Check out our Indian inspired tea ice-cream recipe here.

Summer Dessert ft the re.lax tisane

We love a good balance. Whether it is eating clean throughout the week and treating ourselves to a glass of red wine over the weekends or allowing ourselves a day (or two) to sleep in late, we are conscious believers of the idea that life is meant to be enjoyed and celebrated in all it's perfectly imperfect ways; there is too much to do to restrict ourselves to just one way of doing (or as it turns out, eating) something. When we set out to formulate our products, we wanted our community to be able to incorporate them quickly (and effectively) into their ever-changing lifestyles - however it looked for them. And while our teas can be had both hot and iced, we've found an even more delicious way that is appropriate for summer (but for true frozen dessert enthusiasts, any season really) and really easy (comes together in under five minutes!) and still gives you all the mental and physical benefits of a traditional Ayurvedic tea blend. Check out the ingredients + recipe below: INGREDIENTS 🍦 one scoop vanilla ice cream🧊 chilled re.lax tisane brew 🍯 maple syrup OR honey 🥄 ground cardamom 🌹 fresh rose petals RECIPE Scoop out the vanilla ice cream in a bowl. Pour the chilled re.lax tisane brew over and add honey OR maple syrup over it as desired. Sprinkle ground cardamom for an extra burst of flavour + nutrients and garnish with fresh rose petals. Best enjoyed with your loved ones on a sunny day! Soha Joshi

Coconut Oil - An Ancient South Asian Wellness Staple

If you have ever been to India, chances are that you might have come across the coconut - a ubiquitous staple that is celebrated as the symbol of prosperity in the country. While they are used across the country, coconuts have a special place in Hindu culture and are often used in religious ceremonies; on special occasions and in temples, coconuts are placed in copper or brass pots along with mango leaves at the door to welcome the Goddess Lakshmi who is regarded as the Goddess of Wealth in Hindu culture. In the kitchen, coconut finds its way into a variety of different preparations; from chutneys to curries to breads and desserts, coconuts are revered for their uniquely delicious flavour and a host of internal and external health benefits. These benefits also find their way into different skin and hair care rituals; for generations now, Indians have been using coconut oil as a pre-shower overnight hair treatment that yields countless benefits for the hair. Coconut oil is also a potent skincare essential; the medium chain fatty acid content in the oil helps to alleviate dry skin while helping it lock in moisture. It also absorbs into the skin easily - allowing for instant hydration and protection. Coconut oil also makes for a great base for exfoliants, so if you’re looking to incorporate a scrub into your skincare routine, make sure it’s an oil based one like our Body Scrub. For those with sensitive skin, coconut oil also helps alleviate inflamed skin. While coconut oil can be used in a lot of different ways, here is an easy + effective way to incorporate this ancient ingredient into your haircare rituals (especially great if you have a dry scalp!): INGREDIENTS: 1 tbsp honey 1 tbsp coconut oil HOW-TO: - Melt the honey and coconut oil together in a saucepan on a low flame until it reaches a smooth + fluid consistency. - Allow to slightly cool + apply to your hair using your fingers or a spray bottle. - Make sure you go all over your scalp and the entire length of your hair, taking your time to massage it into your hair slowly. - Cover with a heated towel (you can skip this if you don’t have one!) and allow it to sit for 30 minutes to help the scalp and hair shaft soak in all the goodness. - Wash off with your regular shampoo and conditioner. Use this mask a couple of times for best results. Soha Joshi

Tomato Dal

To those of who have grown up in India or eating Indian food, the humble dal needs no introduction. This ubiquitous Indian staple is a part of every meal and is paired with rice, an ingenious combination that works to regulate glycemic index and ensure a steady blood sugar response. While the type of dal and style of cooking it can vary (like much of Indian cuisine) depending on the region, it remains an excellent source of protein (great if you’re a vegetarian and looking to incorporate natural protein options into your diet) and dietary fibre that regulates blood sugar. Masoor dal - a variant of dal that is popular in the states of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan - is packed with essential nutrients that promotes clear skin and helps prevent acne while toor dal (used in the recipe below) is commonly found in South Indian households and is a powerful source of folic acid, making it extremely beneficial for pregnant women. Check out out delicious tomato dal recipe below that is made with the goodness of toor dal, tomatoes and traditional Indian spices: INGREDIENTS: 1 tsp Mustard Seeds 1 tsp Cumin Seeds 1 tsp Turmeric Curry Leaves Chilli 2 chopped tomatoes 2 Cooked Split Pigeon Peas Salt RECIPE: Heat oil in a pan until it starts spluttering.To the spluttering oil mix, add a tsp of mustard seeds, cumin seeds, gram dal.Add curry leaves and chili to the spice mix.Once the mixture starts giving off a flavourful aroma, add 2 chopped tomatoes and allow to cook. Add a tsp of turmeric as the tomatoes cook.Add 2 cups of cooked split pigeon peas (aka toor dal) and allow to cook until you achieve a smooth + creamy consistency. Add salt as per preference.Enjoy with plain, cooked rice + a spoonful of ghee to soak in all the benefits of this traditional Indian meal. Tap here to check out the video. Soha Joshi

Khichdi - The Ayurvedic Detox Essential

The word khichdi comes from the Sanskrit word ‘khiccha’ meaning a dish made of rice + legumes. Across the many cultures that make up the canvas of India, khichdi is one of the few constants with every state having its own unique recipe and is usually served with an assortment of delicious sides that include kadhi, papad, achar and so many others. Because of how easy it is to digest, it is one of the first solid foods that is given to babies. It is recommended for those undergoing a physical detox (especially of the Ayurvedic kind) as well, as it allows for a reset of the digestive system and supports the cleansing of the body. Khichdi helps support a healthy agni - the body’s digestive fire that, when functioning at its optimum, is believed by Ayurvedic practitioners to be the key to good health. The spices that are used to cook khichdi - ginger, cumin, fennel, coriander and salt - are also key in khichdi’s ability to aid in the health of all dosha types; while Kapha and Vatta types benefit from all spices, Pitta types can find their balance with spices such as fennel and coriander. The dal that is used to make khichdi is also believed to be astringent, a quality that helps remove toxic buildup from the intestinal lining. The astringency has a natural pulling action that is gentler on the body and aligns well with our body’s natural ability to remove toxic buildup. Khichdi also helps liquefy the ama (the toxic product of improperly digested food) during the second stage of the digestion process, making it easier to remove. The split mung dal in the khichdi provides enough fibre to help eliminate the toxins from the body. Khichdi is also perfect for all dosha types and is a complete meal in itself. It is usually prepared using rice and split mung dal, which by themselves are missing one or more of the essential amino acids that our bodies are not able to make on their own. However, when cooked in combination with each other, they provide all the amino acids that our bodies need to form a complete protein. We love to prepare - and eat - khichdi fresh; usually at the end of a long day when our bodies especially need an abundance of nutrients to replenish those that have been lost during the day. Khichdi is best enjoyed with a spoonful (or two) of ghee; this combination further amplifies the many benefits of khichdi and also adds a delicious flavour to the dish - ensuring a feeling of deep contentment (that few dishes are able to give) and practically no post dinner dessert cravings. Tap here to view + try our recipe for khichdi. Soha Joshi

5 Easy Ways To A Skin Friendly Summer

If your plans to travel this summer include spending time in the sun, check out our top five tips below for protecting your skin + staying safe as you enjoy your time with your loved ones: Hydrate While this one seems like a no-brainer, it’s easy to lose track of how much water you’re drinking once you begin your day. While how much water you should drink depends on a lot of internal and external factors, a general tip that we recommend sticking to is to drink just enough water so that your urine is crystal clear. Understand what you need to stay true to your goals; if it helps, invest in tools such as a cute water bottle or simply set a reminder for every couple of hours to ensure that you are drinking enough water to stay adequately hydrated. SPF Whether you’re hitting the beach or taking a road trip with your friends, don’t forget your SPF! Apart from protecting against sunburn, using SPF reduces the risk of skin cancer, avoids inflammation and hyperpigmentation and prevents the early onset of wrinkles and fine lines. If you’re looking for a great SPF, we love the one from SuperGoop. Use A Body Oil While our Body Oil is a great addition to your daily wellness rituals, it is also a fantastic way to prevent dry skin from a day spent in the water (perfect if you’re going to be spending a lot of time at the beach!). We love to apply a generous layer of our Body Oil just before we hit the water; apart from protecting the skin, it also gives you a beautiful all-natural glow. Eat Fresh + Seasonal Food The food that we eat has the ability to impact everything from our energy levels to the health of our skin. If you’re travelling to a new city or country, we recommend scoping out the local food + drink scene there; while this is a great way to explore the local culture, it also helps amp up your fresh food and drink intake to keep your energy levels at an optimum and your skin healthy and glowing. Unwind With Your Favorite Beauty Tool At the end of a long day, the one thing that we love is a quick massage with our Kansa Wand. The Kansa Wand helps boost the supply of oxygen to the skin and aid in lymphatic drainage, which results in skin that is firmer, brighter and naturally lifted. We recommend chilling the Kansa Wand for a while before using it for an extra cooling experience. What is your favorite way to protect your skin in the summer? Share with us @ummskincare x Soha Joshi

DIY Mask For Sunburned Skin

The use of multani mitti - or Fuller’s Earth - in South Asian culture dates back to at least the 1870s. The name is inspired by the city of Multan in present day Pakistan, where the origins of the lime rich clay were first discovered. In India, multani mitti is primarily found in the state of Rajasthan and has been used in several wellness rituals since centuries. With its ability to remove excess oil + sebum, cleanse the skin and remove impurities and prevent acne, it is especially effective for those with an oily skin and hair type and can be used on the face, body and hair. It is also beneficial to treat sunburned skin because of it’s natural cooling and soothing properties. If you’re going to be spending a lot of time outdoors this summer, check out our DIY multani mitti and rose water face + body mask below: INGREDIENTS: Multani mitti Pure rose water HOW-TO: Add pure rose water to multani mitti until it forms a smooth paste. Apply a thin layer of the paste to your face and body, paying close attention to the parts of your skin that are sunburned. Wash off with plain water or use a gentle cleanser for a more hydrated finish. What’s your go-to trick for treating sunburned skin? Share with us @ummskincare x Soha Joshi Feature Image Courtesy: @nicolemehta

Why We Love Breakfast (+ A Bonus Recipe)

To eat or to not eat (breakfast)? The question has been one that has been doing the rounds for years and while we always encourage our community to listen to their bodies and do what feels right to them, there is no denying the amazing mental and physical benefits that we have experienced by including a wholesome breakfast as part of our daily meal plans. A very important reason why we prefer to eat something within a couple of hours of waking up is to break the fast that our bodies are subjected to after we have our last meal the night before (and before we have our first meal in the mornings!). Eating a fresh, home cooked breakfast in the morning ensures optimum micro-nutrient delivery and assimilation and prevents binge-eating and over-eating later in the day. It also helps curb the urge to consume stimulants like tea, coffee or cigarettes throughout the day (a perfect idea if you’re looking to cut back on your caffeine intake) and helps you power through the day with much more energy and without any headaches or acidity. However, like with everything else, listening to your body is key; even if you’re a regular breakfast eater, there might be days when you might want to skip it entirely. In this case, it is important to make sure that you respect your body. It is also important that you are fully present when eating, which means no reading the newspaper or scrolling through your emails. This helps prevent overeating and allows you to fully connect with your food and savour it in its entirety. Ayurveda also recommends eating a warm, freshly cooked meal for breakfast for better digestion. We know that planning and eating a home cooked breakfast every day can be challenging, especially when we are juggling so many other things during the day! Here is one of our favorite breakfast ideas to keep you happy, healthy and inspired throughout the day: OVERNIGHT PROTEIN OATS INGREDIENTS: 1/2 cup rolled oats 1 cup @fage fat-free Greek yogurt 1 cup @silk almond milk (you can use a milk of your choice; I just love the taste of this one!) 1 tsp hemp seeds 1 tsp Chia seeds 1/2 cup berries Maple syrup or Honey (Optional) HOW-TO: Mix all of the above except the berries and refrigerate overnight. Add berries and sweetener of choice just before eating. ENJOY! Nutrition: 25 gms Protein: 35 grams Carbs, Fat & Omegas from Hemp and Chia Seeds Antioxidants & Vitamins from berries Soha Joshi

DIY Aloe Vera Mask For Sunburned Skin

Aloe vera is one of our most favorite ingredients when it comes to holistic skincare and wellness and especially in the summer; this natural wonder has the ability to nourish the body from the inside out. With its nutrient dense properties, aloe vera aids in digestion and is also a potent immunity booster. It is also widely used to enhance the health of the skin and the hair because of its ability to instantly moisturize the skin, heal wounds, diminish fine lines and reduce skin infections and acne. It also helps to soothe sunburn so if you’re one of those people who burn easily, try our team favorite aloe vera + lemon juice mask that is rich in antioxidants and minerals that boost the healing process, retain moisture and protect the skin. INGREDIENTS: Aloe vera Lemon juice HOW TO: Slice open the aloe vera leaf and use a spoon to scrape the fresh aloe vera gel into a bowl. You can use the gel fresh or refrigerate it before using for a more cooling effect. Take equal quantities of the aloe vera gel and fresh lemon juice and mix well until it forms a smooth consistency. Apply evenly on your body and face and allow your skin to enjoy the many benefits that this simple and effective mask provides. What’s your favorite tip for treating sunburned skin? Share with us @ummskincare x Soha Joshi

Neem - All Natural Skincare Essential

Neem has long been revered in Indian culture as a potent herb with miraculous benefits for the skin, hair and body. The neem tree (also known as Azadirachta Indica) is a tree that is native to India and in Sanskrit is known as ‘arista’, a term that is often used to refer to something that is perfect, imperishable and complete. In Ayurveda, the tree is said to denote good health; it is not uncommon to spot a neem tree in the yards of most Indian houses. Neem oil - that is obtained from the seed of the neem tree (also known as Indian Lilac) is packed with fatty acids and a host of other potent nutrients (such as Vitamin E, antioxidants, calcium and triglycerides) and is especially used to enhance the health of the skin and hair. Because of its potency, it is generally used in combination with a carrier oil such as the ones obtained from coconut, jojoba or grapeseed. We love to incorporate neem into our daily wellness rituals via our Body Créme but there are so many other ways you can make this ingredient a part of your beauty routines. As an anti-bacterial + anti-fungal remedy The leaves of the neem tree are used to treat fungal and bacterial infections. As a young girl growing up in India, our founder Anisha Vinjamuri remembers the time she had an occasional bath with neem infused water to help protect the skin from infections. A traditional paste made from neem leaves is also used to enhance the health and well-being of the skin. As a potent source of calcium If you thought it was possible to get your daily intake of calcium only through dairy based products, think again. Neem is an extraordinary source of calcium and can help build good bone health. In traditional branches of medicine such as Ayurveda, neem oil is often prescribed to patients who suffer from stiff or painful bones and arthritis. Regularly massaging the skin with neem oil also helps promote strong bones. As an acne remedy With it’s anti-inflammatory properties, neem helps reduce and treat acne. Neem oil is also believed to treat dry skin, redness and blemishes. As a cure for dandruff Due to its anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, neem helps cure dandruff and strengthen hair follicles, promoting hair growth. Traditionally, neem paste is also used as a hair conditioner. As a collagen booster Neem oil is a potent collagen booster and stimulates the production of collagen in the body, helping combat early signs of aging such as wrinkles, sagging and dull or dry skin.