The cacao bean is the source of perhaps the most magical and beloved foods on Earth because it is the source of chocolate. Even the cacao tree's official name, Theobroma cacao, recognizes the long-standing love most of us have for the fruit of this tree. Theobroma comes from the Greek language for "food of the gods." And while chocolate is the most popular and favorite of these foods from the cacao bean, an even healthier choice is raw cacao powder. How Is Cacao Powder Made? To produce raw cacao powder, raw cacao beans are simply cold pressed to remove the fat, and the remaining solids are ground into a fine powder. Cacao vs. Cocoa: What's the Difference? Cacao powder contains all the beneficial nutrients and beneficial compounds of the raw cacao bean minus the fat. In contrast, cocoa powder is made from roasted cacao beans. And even if they look alike, the two are different. In making cocoa powder, up to 90% of the nutrients and beneficial compounds in raw c
“Nights
of this season are amorous as they are chilled with the onset of snow,
further chilled by silvery moonbeams of the moon. These nights are
ornamented with very silver clusters of cluttered stars.”
(Ritusamharam by Kalidas)
(Ritusamharam by Kalidas)
Winter, also known as Tusharkaal in
Ayurveda, is considered to be the best season associated with
creativity, warmth, and relaxation. However, there is a dominance of
Vata when the weather turns cold and dry. The skin has a tendency to get
de-hydrated and requires constant replenishment of moisture along with
intensive care and nourishment.
While we generally do take care of our facial skin, body care sometimes
takes a backseat. In such a context, the following recommendations will
nourish and take care of your body skin during the winter season.
As a routine, exfoliate regularly with
the Hydrating Sea Salt Crystal Rose Body Polisher. This will leave your
skin buffed up with a silken satin sheen. The Desi Gulab Essential Oil will hydrate and replenish moisture levels of your skin. This should be followed by a warm oil massage with Cold Pressed Body Massage Oil
Eucalyptus and Black Pepper which will detoxify your body as the body
tends to accumulate ‘ama’ or toxins. This needs to be done on a weekly
basis with vigorous, long and flowing strokes.
Instead of a shower gel, use the superfatted Nargis Cleansing Shower Butter to gently cleanse your body
during a warm shower. It melts at your body temperature to give a rich
and creamy lather which not only gently cleanses but also leaves a mild
fresh fragrance throughout the day. Soap lovers can try the delectable
new Handmade Butter Soaps infused with Tender Coconut water, Avocado Butter and ‘rasas’ of succulent Litchis.
Do not forget to finish the ‘Snana’ or
bathing routine with the Moisture Replenishing Nargis Bath and Shower
Oil. If you have very dry skin, you can nourish it by using the Cocoa Butter Velvet Silk Body Cream. Apply generously specially focussing on your arms, elbows and knee areas.
Winters bring a sense of joy, but it
can sometimes make you lethargic. A warm herbal tea spiced with ginger,
cinnamon or nutmeg, and the spicy Oudh and Green tea Body Mist from Forest Essentials will help you kick start your day with renewed vigor.
According to Ayurveda, Diet and Lifestyle also play a significant role in taking care of your skin. Kapha and Vata
Prakriti people need to more careful in this season. Warm water with
dry ginger powder is a must during the late winters to avoid cold and
coughs. Add a pinch of nutmeg to warm milk for a comfortable and relaxed
sleep. One should avoid food and drinks which have a pungent, bitter,
astringent taste like olives and cold vegetables as they are cold &
dry. Also avoid salads or other drying food such as chickpeas or dry
lentils, during this season as all these will increase Vata.
Take care and enjoy a cozy and well-nourished winter!!
Stay tuned for more on Ayurvedic Facial and Organic Hair Care product recommendations for winters in the next update.
Top 3 picks for the season:
– By Dr. Ipsita Chatterjee
Sr. Ayurvedic Beauty Consultant at Forest Essentials
Sr. Ayurvedic Beauty Consultant at Forest Essentials
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