Almonds come with a very extensive nutritional cv. They are a great source of vitamins B (riboflavin and niacin) and E, protein, fibre, manganese, magnesium, copper, phosphorous, calcium and zinc. Although high in fat, Almonds contain the good kind.
And while we know them as a nut, an Almond is actually a seed of a fruit from the almond tree.
Almonds also have a long, long history.
Much in the same way as we value their benefits today, research shows nomadic tribes ground up kernels for energy boosting snacks as far back as the 4th century BC. And, it’s also said King Tutankhamen was buried with Almonds to sustain him in his afterlife.
Delicious and filling, the protein in Almonds keeps the munchies away, making them a favourite nibble and afternoon pick up, including at our office.
They have a good health resume as well …
The calcium and phosphorous in Almonds is reported to help strengthen bones and improve bone health.
They may also help with heart health, protect against high blood sugar levels and in weight reduction.
Tasty and full of goodness, they are enjoyed raw, roasted, used in baking and many other recipes.
Research offers that certain kinds of foods included in the diet can be a natural way to a healthier skin. While there appears to be limited research on Almonds effects on the skin, they certainly earn a place in the diet.
It is believed Almonds are a tonic for the skin when used topically, including oil or extracts.
As they are packed with antioxidant vitamin E they can help neutralise free radicals that contribute to the ageing process.
Almonds also contain linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid that can help keep the skin supple and prevent dryness.
Their zinc content can help support the integrity of the skin and their source of copper plays a role in pigmentation.
Almonds are impressive skin polishers and rid the skin of impurities. Finely crushed shells and hulls of the Almonds are used in face and body exfoliators.
Sweet Almond Oil (Prunus Amygdalus) which comes from the seed kernels of the Sweet Almond tree is used as a replenishing and moisturising ingredient in many skin and body care products. This includes our Diamond, Pearl, Silver Day and Gold Day Creams and the Turmeric Cellulite Cream.
While we generally eat them raw or maybe roasted, there’s a question about soaking them overnight.
Soaking them helps break down their tough shell, making them easier to digest. Soaked Almonds release the enzyme, lipase which is said to support the process of digestion. Soaking also helps free them of their slight bitterness so their buttery texture is tastier.
The jury is still out on soaking v/s eating them in their natural form, regardless of how we decide to enjoy them, Almonds are definitely one of nature’s superfoods.
Road trips, overnight stays or playing diva for a weekend, our Travel Kits are a must and there’s one for everyone.
We know it’s not easy to edit beauty needs so we’ve taken care of that with our travel-friendly Kits. Fabulous mini versions of OmVeda indulgent must-haves and your favourites in just right 25ml sizes.
Each product works hand in hand to keep skin and body naturally healthy, silken and smooth. These little herbal beauties make great gifts and are perfect as a starter kit for teens or first timers to OmVeda.
So, so practical to stow in your carry-on for short or long hauls (and afterwards) or top-drawer stashers at the office. Each Kit is packaged in a soft, wrap-around, pouch design, made from 100% unbleached cotton canvas. They can be washed and used again and again, and again.
There are five (5) in our Travel Pack collection and here’s the line-up …
Gold Essential Kit – Sandalwood Cleanser, Walnut Scrub, Gold Toner, Gold Day Cream, Saffron Oil and Rehydrating Body Lotion or Honey Body Lotion.
Silver Essential Pack – Sandalwood Cleanser, Silver Toner, Silver Day Cream, Saffron Oil and Rehydrating Body Lotion or Honey Body Lotion.
Essential Anti-Blemish Kit – Sandalwood Cleanser, Cream Soap, Pigmentation and Blemish Lotion, Pimple Clear (spot treatment) and Silk Screen.
Essential Travel Kit – Sandalwood Cleanser, Rose Toner, Date Enriched Moisturiser, Saffron Oil and Rehydrating Body or Honey Body Lotion.
Luxe Pack – Sandalwood Cleanser, Rose Toner, Gold Day Cream, Saffron Oil and Rehydrating Body Lotion or Honey Body Lotion, Silk Screen and Night Lotus.
Vayasthapana means maintaining youthfulness or arresting age. Vayasthapana herbs give support to the skin by balancing the skin, example, Centella Asiatica (brahmi, Indian pennywort) is rich in amino acids, beta carotene, fatty acids, and numerous potent phytochemicals. Extracts have been found to calm inflammation, speed wound healing, stimulate new cell growth, build collagen, and improve circulation. One of its many properties is to enhance collagen synthesis.
Varnya means to brighten skin glow. – Varnya herbs have the ability to enhance the radiance or brighten skin. Tyrosinase inhibition, is the most commonly reported method of skin lightening and brigtening. Dull skin is not considered youthful from an ayurvedic perspective. Varnya herbs include sandalwood, vetiver, Indian madder and Indian sarsaparilla to name a few.
Kantivardhaka promotes lustre, Sandhaniya (cell-regeneration), Vranaropana (deep healing) – red sandalwood and brahmi, Tvachya (nurturing) Gotu Kola, Silk Cotton Tree, Costus and Rose Petal are the most widely used, Shothahara (anti-inflammatory), Tvachagnivardhani (strengthening skin metabolism) and Tvagrasayana (retarding aging) herbs that are considered beneficial for skin health.
Feeding the skin properly is very important to prevent it aging.
Ayurveda described Skin (twak) in seven layers (As per Acharya Susruta). The outermost layer is called Avabhasini, reflects the complexion and the quality of the Rasa Dhatu (nutrient fluid, the first of the seven tissues of the body). It also acts as a mirror as it indicates whether the physiology as a whole is balanced or imbalanced, and whether there is inner health or disorder; it also reflects the aura of the individual. Mamsadhara is the innermost layer is the platform for the skin’s stability and firmness. When this layer is in balance, the skin looks young and supple.
According to Ayurveda, many factors decide skin health – three important body tissues that reflect our skin health– plasma (Rasa), blood Rakta and muscle (Mamsa). Plasma keeps the skin healthy, Blood helps in detoxification process along with the liver, while muscles provide firmness to the skin. An effective skin-care herbs should provide support to all these three areas.
A few herbs that are known for their benefits in various skin conditions are aloe vera, neem, Yashti madhu (Glycyrriza glabra), Liquorice, turmeric
Anti-inflammatory (Shothahara) – protects the skin against allergens, inflammatory subtances, chemicals and stress. External environmental factors can cause inflammatory skin conditions. Inflammatory skin is considered a prime cause of aging – it forms a micro-scar that over time develops into a wrinkle or blemish. Inflammatory mediators such as leukotrienes and prostaglandins, cytokines and growth factors target skin texture, integrity and tone. The skin should be protected from the sun. Rose petal, Aloe Vera, Gum resin exudates of Boswellia serrata (indian frankincense), Silver Bhasam are anti inflammatory herbs have been used in the Ayurvedic to manage several inflammatory conditions.
Tvagrasayana means literally ‘skin rasayana’, which refers to refined and powerful formulations to prevent aging of the skin. Phyllanthus emblica (amalaki), a potent antioxidant, rich in Vitamin C, tannins and gallic acid, is foremost amongst the rasayana herbs, it has properties like ajara (usefulness in aging), ayushprada (prolongs cell life), sandhaniya (improves cell migration and cell binding) and kantikara (improves complexion)
What you use on your skin is as important as what you eat. Our aim is to provide you with skincare – “from the earth to your skin as is food for your body”
Understanding anti aging from an ayurvedic perspective
