Hailing from India, ayurveda has made waves in the beauty industry, introducing the powerful impact of turmeric, ashwagandha, saffron, and many others that have reeled consumers in. But what truly is ayurveda and where did it all begin?
Translating to, “the study of life,” ayurveda is a medical approach dating back 3,000 years in India. Originating from Dhanvantari, the physician to the Hindu gods, who received it from the creator god, Brahma, histories of ayurveda were written down in a collection of ancient Indian scriptures called the Vedas. Ayurveda stems from the idea that the body, spirit, and mind must be balanced. If all parts of one’s life are in harmony, then the body will be healthy. If one part changes, that is what leads to illness. Ayurvedic practitioners believe that every person is made of five elements: space, water, fire, air, and earth. These elements combine to create three life forces, known as doshas, that govern different aspects of the body. Vata dosha is known as the most powerful dosha, in charge of controlling bodily functions. Pitta dosha monitors metabolism, digestion, and stomach health. Kapha dosha is said to control muscle growth, immune system, and body strength. Keeping these energies balanced and alive are key to a healthy life.
Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of embracing the natural side of Earth, to live a healthy life. Some treatments include herbal medicine, meditation, yoga, counseling, and purification rituals. As a type of alternative medicine, ayurveda leans away from conventional medicine such as commercial drugs, believing that natural processes are more important for a sustainable life.
With that said, how are ayurveda and cosmetics connected? Well, the cosmetics industry utilizes a plethora of ayurvedic herbal methods and practices to enhance beauty experiences. Amla powder, Bhringraj powder, and Tulsi powder are some ingredients that consumers like to buy and mix with water and various ingredients to apply to their hair to experience the antibacterial, calming, and brightening effects of each.
Furthermore, incorporating various ayurvedic routines to one’s daily life are said to positively impact a person’s overall health, which influences their skin. Introducing oil massages, drinking lemon water in the morning and practicing wellness are some key rituals that ayurveda emphasizes. Enjoying the calmness of life and taking time to slow down will help reduce stress levels and calm the skin as well.
Many Indian-owned brands have embraced ayurveda in their products, “taking back” what were originally cultural practices that consumers have not given credit to. Many of the routines mentioned previously seem like regular activities that many people practice, however, they do not realize that much of their true origin stems from ayurvedic teachings. Some Indian brands include Ranavat Beauty, Fable & Mane and Purearth.
Ayurveda has been all around us without even realizing it, becoming a place to turn to in hopes of embracing the more natural world. As consumers continue to explore various cultural practices, ayurveda will continue to be an interesting way to heal the body both inside and out.
Works Cited
“Ayurveda.” Johns Hopkins Medicine, 8 Aug. 2024, www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/ayurveda.
Azaldin, Medina. “Here’s What Ayurvedic Beauty Really Is, From the Experts Who Know It Best.” ELLE, 3 Nov. 2023, www.elle.com/uk/beauty/body-and-physical-health/a19690965/what-is-ayurveda-beauty.
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Ayurveda | Definition, History, and Facts.” Encyclopedia Britannica, 6 Mar. 2025, www.britannica.com/science/Ayurveda.
TIMESOFINDIA.COM. “These 10 Ayurvedic Powders Are Best to Strengthen Weak Hair.” The Times of India, 21 Aug. 2023, timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/beauty/these-10-ayurvedic-powders-are-best-to-strengthen-weak-hair/articleshow/102884960.cms.
“What Is Ayurveda?” WebMD, www.webmd.com/balance/ayurvedic-treatments.
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