Enter the World of Ayurvedic Cosmetics
A science of life shrouded in the mists of time
Ayurvedic and Ayurveda are made up from two Sanskrit words: Ayu and Veda. Ayu means life and Veda means knowledge or science. Life according to Ayurveda is a combination of senses, mind, body and soul. Ayurveda is not only limited to bodily or physical symptoms but also encompasses spiritual, mental and social well-being. Harmony between nature and human beings is also central in this holistic health system. Ayurveda aims at preventing disease and enhancing health, longevity and vitality.
Several internet resources give extensive definitions and information about this traditional Indian medicine, see in particular the excellent pages of the Karolinska Institute: www.mic.ki.se/India.html
Ayurveda origins are shrouded in the mists of time, probably more than five thousand years ago in India. The oldest Ayurvedic written references are found in the Vedas, the oldest known written records in Indo-European languages (around 3000 BC). In the 6th century BC, Ayurveda spread to Tibet, China, Mongolia, Korea and Sri Lanka, carried by monks travelling to those lands. People from many countries also visited Indian ayurvedic schools to learn about this medicine and the religious scriptures it sprang from. Learned Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, Afghans, Persians and others travelled to learn the complete wisdom and bring it back to their own countries.
Although not much of it survives in original form, Ayurveda has a huge influence on many Asiatic spiritualities and mindsets regarding the body and spiritual health. Its effects can be seen both in Buddhism and Taoism.
Ayurveda is recognised by the World Health Organization as a traditional health science, and is currently used by 70-80% of the Indian population.
Many consider that the roots of recently developed alternative therapies such as aromatherapy, homeopathy and naturopathy originate from the art of Ayurveda. In any case, in the wake of the growing search for natural remedies in western countries, Ayurveda is becoming increasingly popular and ayurvedic cosmetics are gaining ground in the market.
>> Ayurvedic cosmetic formulations
Of course, ayurvedic cosmetology is not mentioned as such in the Vedas. But ayurvedic principles regarding the relationship between human beings and nature form the basis of generally recognised principles which ayurvedic cosmetic formulations must comply with:
- pure and natural ingredients from vegetable sources
- pure herbs and/or herbal extracts
- pure essential oils
- use of recognised traditional ayurvedic plants
- highest quality control standards
- no artificial preservatives
- no artificial fragrances
- no artificial colours
- no artificial ingredients in general
- no alcohol
- no mineral oil
- no pesticide
- no chemical handling
- no animal ingredients
- no testing on animals
- environment friendly packaging
There are many similarities with organic cosmetics, with one important difference: to date there is no official certifying body. Loss in consumer confidence and general credibility caused by abusive ayurvedic claims, are certainly the main threats that may hinder the development of ayurvedic products in general and cosmetics in particular. Full Article>>
Source: Courtesy of Beauty-on-line.com
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