December 19, 2020

WHAT IS INDIAN CUISINE

Indian cuisine? It seems like we know it. But do we? I spent many hours with my Indian friends talking about the dishes typical of their region. I spent a lot of time in India exploring and learning about Indian cuisine. India is a diverse country - each region has its own language, culture and cuisine! Different culinary regions combine plants used in the kitchen such as chili pepper, mustard, cumin, turmeric, fenugreek, ginger, garlic, cardamom, cloves, coriander, cinnamon, nutmeg, saffron, rose petals, curry powder and asafoetida (a strong-smelling spice). These ingredients are used in different combinations in different regions. Most of them are also ingredients of Orientana cosmetics Indian cuisine is divided into 4 regions North Indian cuisine is probably the most widespread culinary style outside India. It reflects a strong Mughal influence and is characterised by the significant use of dairy products: milk, paneer (an Indian mild cheese), ghee (clarified butter) and yoghurt are all used regularly in the region's dishes. Samosas, fried dumplings stuffed with potatoes, are a characteristic northern snack. Also popular here are dishes from the clay oven, tandori, roasted meat or naan bread, which have a characteristic charcoal aroma. The cuisine of the West Indies is made up of three main regions: Maharashtra, Gujarat and Goa. Due to its location, fish and coconut milk dominate the cuisine of Maharashtra, while Gujarat cuisine is mainly vegetarian, and many dishes have a sweet flavor due to the influence of Chinese dishes. The region is well known for a dish called chutney. These are slightly spicy preserves made from fresh or pickled vegetables and fruits. They have a sweet, sour or quite hot flavor. Goa was once a Portuguese colony, but today it has a unique blend of Indian and Portuguese culinary elements. Due to its coastal location, fish is popular here. East Indian cuisine is the realm of desserts. Desserts from this region are often found in Indian restaurants outside India because of their wonderful taste. Rasgulla is very popular - a sweet delicacy made of porridge and cheese (chenna), cooked in a light sugar syrup. Mustard seeds, poppy seeds and mustard oil dominate in Eastern cuisine, giving dishes a slight spiciness. Rice and fish also play an important role here. South Indian cuisine is not usually found on Indian restaurant menus and is very different from other regions. Here, curry sauce has a different consistency – more solid than liquid. Sambar, rasam and kootus are three popular stew-like dishes, differing in their basic ingredients and degrees of liquidity. Sambar is a stew of peas and vegetables with a tamarind flavour. Rasam is more like a soup and consists mainly of tomatoes, tamarind and lots of spices. South Indian cuisine is famous for its delicious fried or steamed snacks. This is where Dosa comes from, which I love and which I have already written about on the blog. Utthapams are also popular here – similar to pancakes, but thicker and filled or topped with vegetables. In this region, we can eat very healthy idlis – steamed, as well as vadas, similar to doughnuts with a hole. I hope you are hungry now

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December 19, 2020

BATU CAVES - A TOURIST ATTRACTION NEAR KUALA LUMPUR

Batu Caves are often recommended by guidebooks. Sometimes it is worth turning into a real tourist and visiting what the guidebooks recommend. Discovered in the 19th century, hidden in the mountains near Kuala Lumpur, it is a place of pilgrimage for Hindus living in Malaysia and tourists from all over the world. The main cave – the Cathedral Cave – can be reached by steep stairs, which have 272 steps. In fact, it is a complex of three main caves and several smaller ones. The caves are dedicated to the god Murugan – the god of war. It is difficult to walk on the stairs without being accosted by monkeys, accustomed by tourists to being fed. It is a small evil if you give a monkey a banana or a cookie, but do you know that irresponsible people give them cans of cola? The monkeys hurt themselves opening them and trying to get inside... It is weak. I had to warn several people, but I cannot tolerate such harm to animals. The caves are decorated with beautiful paintings, sculptures and it is really worth coming here. And it is definitely worth coming here during the Thaipusam holiday. In January, during the Tamil month of Thai, processions with volunteers taking mortifications are held here. During this holiday, the faithful give thanks for previously expressed and fulfilled requests, for example for health or a good husband or wife. Sound familiar? Right? We are not so different

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December 19, 2020

EKOTYKI - NATURAL COSMETICS FAIR

Last Saturday, September 30, we had the opportunity to visit the autumn edition of Ekotyki - Natural Cosmetics Fair. The event took place in a well-known place in Krakow - Forum Przestrzenie. Such events show how strongly and dynamically the natural cosmetics market is developing. On the Western market, the trend of natural cosmetics is no longer a niche, their sales and popularity are increasing twice every year. It is slowly becoming a mainstream trend in Poland, which we can see from the popularity of such fairs, among others. This trend is also starting to be clearly visible on drugstore shelves, where separate shelves are already being allocated for natural care. We are very happy that buyers are starting to attach such great importance not only to healthy food, but also to what they feed their skin. It is impossible not to notice how much awareness and knowledge of customers about the composition of cosmetics is growing, we no longer want to lubricate our skin with unnecessary chemicals, parabens, silicones, wash our hair with harmful surfactants. Each of us wants to know not only what we eat, but also what we use to care for our skin. That is why we read the ingredients with great care, attention and curiosity. Due to the great interest in the first edition of the Ekotyki Fair, which took place in March, it was decided to organize an autumn edition as well. A lot of you showed up in March, but this year the turnout was definitely even bigger. Our stand - the Orientana stand was very popular with you, there were a lot of questions, and we tried to tell each of you as much about our products and brand as possible. You came with your families, friends, neighbors, your significant others. It's wonderful to see that what we do makes sense! We create cosmetics addressed specifically to your needs, we want to help you take care of the beautiful, healthy appearance of your skin, we take great care of the quality of our products and we are extremely pleased with your positive reception! Thank you for such a large attendance and shopping at our oriental stand. And we hope to see you at the next edition of the Ekotyka Fair!

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December 19, 2020

TEN NOVELS WITH INDIA IN THE BACKGROUND WORTH READING

As it is still the holiday season, some of us have more time to read. Books have been my hobby since childhood and I got to know many countries by reading novels about them before I had the opportunity to visit them in person. As you know, I like to travel around Asia, I am fascinated by its culture and nature and I am very curious about people. I am not able to go everywhere, and books will take me to even the most undiscovered regions of the world. I come to you today with a list of books about India that I have read and that I recommend. CHITRA BANERJEE DIVAKARUNI "AT THE FEET OF THE GODDESS" An interesting family saga showing the fate of Indian women. The story of Grandma Sabitri, a baker's daughter living in an Indian village, her daughter Bela, who will leave in search of a better education and a better life in the United States, and her granddaughter, who has never seen her grandmother, but who writes her a letter from distant India when she learns that the girl wants to give up her education and quit her studies. Beautifully described fates of women. MACIEJ WESOŁOWSKI "VERTICAL SPLIT" A colourful and interesting report. The author takes us through India from Varansi where corpses are burned on gathas by the Ganges, to a visit to Rishikesh where in 1968 the Beatles sought eastern spirituality. A lot of interesting information for people who want to visit India and find interesting places there, not only those described by tourist guides. RANA DASGUPTA "DELHI. THE CAPITAL OF GOLD AND DREAM" The author, born in Great Britain, half Indian, half British, settled in Delhi to better understand the city and its people. A colourful reportage about contemporary India, explaining its culture and giving the reasons for many phenomena resulting from a difficult history, which in my opinion is very similar to the history of Poland. Did you know that Independence Day in India is celebrated on August 15? JOANNA IRZABEK "INDIA SPÓŁKA Z OL" A very compensated story that briefly touches on the most controversial topics related to India. You will find information here about how living in the slums you can start a business and become almost a millionaire but still not be accepted by society, how arranged marriages look like, how and why women are treated this way and not differently, and you will read about other most current problems of modern India. VIKAS SWARUP "SIX SUSPECTS" A very interesting crime novel by the author of the novel on which "Slumdog Millionaire" was based. A very complicated and interesting story about the six people in the title, who are suspects in the case of a murder that took place at a party. All the suspects had weapons with them. The road through India leads us to solving the mystery. GREGORY DAVID ROBERTS “SHANTARAM” A terribly thick book that you will either love or hate. This is the true story of an Australian heroin addict. His family life fell apart, he became a bank robber. Sentenced to 20 years in prison by a court, after a few years he escapes spectacularly and becomes one of the most wanted men in Australia. After reaching India, he hides in the slums, where he does a kind of penance for his previous life and tries to be a good person - he heals the poor, but in the process he gets involved with the Bombay mafia. WILLIAM DALRYMPLE "NINE LIVES. IN THE TRAIL OF SACREDNESS IN MODERN INDIA" One of the most interesting collections of reports describing the lives of nine different people through religious experiences. Here we have the opportunity to meet Jains (I really recommend it!), we learn the story of a follower of Jellamma obliged to provide sexual services, and a Buddhist monk who became a guerrilla fighting Chinese soldiers during the annexation of Tibet. WOJCIECH JAGIELSKI "EAST FROM WEST" A moving and interesting story of a Polish woman who left Warsaw taking one backpack with her. She rejected her previous life – studies, apartment, career and chose India to live in, where she seeks spiritual balance. The author also describes the story of a hippie “Saint” – who values ​​free love, drugs and religious communes. They travel along the path of India, which fascinates many who choose it in order to find a different, better spiritual life. And what they find, you will learn from this book. ANNA JANOWSKA "MONSOOON COMES TWICE. A JOURNEY ON THE PEPPER TRAIL THROUGH KERALA, OMAN AND ZANZIBAR" Reportage not only about India, but I chose this book because the author beautifully describes Kerala - a state that I like very much and often visit because it is the capital of Ayurveda. You will read here how the cultivation of not only pepper but also other important spices and herbs has changed over the years. You will get to know the Kerala spa-sanatorium, completely different from what you can find in Thailand, for example. PIOTR KŁODKOWSKI "THE EMPIRE OF GOD HANUMAN. INDIA IN THREE VIEWS" This is a book written by a former Polish ambassador to India. We get to know India from the political perspective – we have the opportunity to meet statesmen, incredibly wealthy businessmen, influential journalists and Bollywood stars. We get to know the interesting history of India and its connection with the history of Poland – it is really interesting how much we have in common. The author also shows the fate of ordinary people: salespeople, taxi drivers, servants. Summary: My goal is not to summarize these items, but only to indicate what you can expect and encourage you to reach for these items. The order is very random, they are different and everyone will definitely find something for themselves

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December 19, 2020

SKIN IRRITATION OR ALLERGY?

The use of facial skin care cosmetics can lead to adverse skin reactions, which most often take the form of contact irritation or contact allergy. Although the symptoms of both reactions may be similar, their immunological mechanisms, causes, and clinical consequences differ significantly. Understanding the differences between these conditions is crucial for both consumers and dermatology and cosmetology professionals. Skin irritation and allergy after using cosmetics - differences, mechanisms and epidemiological data Contact Skin Irritation skin irritation mechanism Irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) is the most common skin reaction caused by cosmetics. Its mechanism is not immunological, but results from direct damage to the epidermal barrier by chemicals contained in the product. The most common irritant ingredients include alcohols, preservatives, fragrances, and acids and bases used in cosmetics. Applying several cosmetics to the skin at the same time or in a short period of time can also lead to irritation, especially if their ingredients interact. The mechanism of this phenomenon may result from several factors, such as the accumulation of irritants, a change in skin pH, destabilization of the cosmetic formulation or chemical reactions between ingredients. Some cosmetic ingredients have the potential to irritate on their own, but their combination can intensify the effect. For example, alcohols (e.g. ethanol, alcohol denat.) used in toners or anti-acne products can increase the skin's permeability to other substances and intensify irritation. AHA/BHA acids (e.g. glycolic, lactic, salicylic acid) used simultaneously in different products can cause excessive exfoliation and weaken the skin's protective barrier. Some ingredients require a specific pH to be effective, and mixing them can lead to adverse reactions. Vitamin C works best at a low pH (<3.5), while niacinamide prefers higher values ​​(~5-7). Combining them can lead to an increase in pH and loss of effectiveness of both substances, as well as temporary skin irritation. Using retinoids after AHA/BHA acids increases the risk of irritation if used concurrently with retinoids, which are strongly irritating on their own. Some ingredients can react with each other to create substances with potentially irritating effects. An example of this is the reaction between benzoyl peroxide and retinoids. Benzoyl peroxide can oxidize retinol, which leads to its inactivation and at the same time increases the risk of irritation. Mineral oils, i.e. petroleum derivatives, create an occlusion, which may increase the penetration of active substances and their potentially irritating effect. Some ingredients, especially in occlusive creams, can cause substances applied earlier to penetrate deeper into the skin than normal, which can lead to irritation or an allergic reaction. Silicones and paraffin in moisturizers can trap irritants on the skin, prolonging their effects. Emollients and acids used together can cause occlusion to increase the exfoliating effects of acids, leading to dryness and irritation. How to avoid irritation resulting from ingredient interactions? Skin irritation caused by interactions of cosmetic ingredients can be minimized by conscious care planning and appropriate use of products. The order of application of cosmetics, avoiding an excessive number of active substances in one routine, gradual introduction of new preparations, as well as protection of the skin from external factors, such as UV radiation, are of key importance. The correct order of applying cosmetics affects their effectiveness and minimizes the risk of irritation. Products should be applied according to their consistency and effect on the skin. Generally, cosmetics with a lower pH are used first, which penetrate deeper layers of the skin more easily and can actively affect its structure. Examples are AHA and BHA acids and vitamin C in the form of ascorbic acid, which work best in an acidic environment (pH 3-4). After applying low pH cosmetics, you should wait a few minutes for the ingredients to absorb and work effectively. Then you can move on to moisturizing products that restore skin balance and help rebuild the hydrolipid barrier. Finally, protective cosmetics are used, such as sunscreens, which prevent the degradation of active ingredients and protect the skin from the negative effects of external factors. Combining several powerful active ingredients in one skincare routine can lead to excessive skin burden and irritation. An example of an unfavorable combination is the simultaneous use of retinol and AHA/BHA acids. Retinol, a derivative of vitamin A, has a regenerative effect and stimulates cell renewal, but it can also cause redness and peeling of the skin. AHA and BHA acids, which exfoliate dead skin cells, additionally increase the risk of irritation if used at the same time as retinol. A similar risk is posed by combining vitamin C in the form of ascorbic acid with niacinamide – these ingredients have different pH requirements, which can lead to their destabilization and reduced effectiveness. To avoid irritation, it is best to use these ingredients at different times of the day, e.g. vitamin C in the morning and retinol or acids in the evening. New cosmetics should be introduced into your skincare routine gradually to assess how well your skin tolerates them. You should test each new product for at least a few days, preferably by first applying it to a small area of ​​skin (e.g. behind the ear or on the inside of your wrist). If there are no adverse reactions after 24-48 hours, such as redness, burning or itching, you can gradually add the product to your daily skincare routine. Special care should be taken with cosmetics containing strong active ingredients, such as retinoids, exfoliating acids or benzoyl peroxide. It is best to introduce them at intervals of a few days, so that the skin has time to adapt. Otherwise, it may cause irritation, dryness of the skin or weaken its natural protective barrier. Sun protection is a key part of your skincare routine, especially when using ingredients that can make your skin more sensitive to UV radiation. Retinoids, AHA/BHA acids, and vitamin C can make your skin more susceptible to sun damage, leading to the risk of discoloration, photoaging, and irritation. Let us remember that conscious skin care, including the correct order of applying cosmetics, avoiding unfavourable combinations of active ingredients, gradual introduction of new products and regular use of sun protection, helps minimise the risk of irritation and increases the effectiveness of cosmetics. symptoms of skin irritation Symptoms of ICD include redness, burning, tightness, and in more severe cases, swelling, peeling, and vesicles. Unlike an allergy, the reaction occurs immediately or within hours of contact with the irritant and is usually limited to the site of application. Chronic irritation can lead to thickening of the epidermis and increased dryness of the skin (Johansen et al., 2022). Contact allergy - mechanism and symptoms Contact allergy ( ACD ) is a type IV (delayed) hypersensitivity reaction that is T-cell dependent. It occurs after previous sensitization to a given substance – initial contact with the allergen leads to its presentation by Langerhans cells and activation of the immune system. Subsequent exposure to the allergen results in an inflammatory reaction in the skin, the symptoms of which usually appear after 24–72 hours of contact (Peiser et al., 2012). The most common allergens in cosmetics are fragrances (e.g. linalool, geraniol), preservatives (e.g. methylisothiazolinone, parabens) and dyes and excipients (Heisterberg et al., 2011). Symptoms of skin allergy include erythema, swelling, itching, and in more severe cases – blisters and exudates. Unlike contact irritation, the reaction can also occur outside the place of application of the cosmetic. Epidemiology and Statistics of Adverse Skin Reactions According to epidemiological studies, contact irritation accounts for the vast majority of adverse reactions to cosmetics. It is estimated that ICD accounts for about 80% of contact dermatitis cases , while ACD accounts for about 20% (Diepgen et al., 2016). Data from the European Network on Contact Allergy (ESSCA) indicate that allergy to cosmetic ingredients affects 1 to 4% of the population , depending on the region and study methodology (Uter et al., 2020). People with atopic predisposition and people who frequently use products containing highly allergenic substances, such as hairdressers, beauticians and chemical industry workers, are particularly at risk. In studies conducted in the United States, preservatives and fragrances were the most common cause of allergic reactions – formaldehyde allergy was detected in 8–9% of patients tested for cosmetic allergens, while methylisothiazolinone was responsible for approximately 6% of cases (Warshaw et al., 2017). What else can cause redness and burning of the skin after using a cosmetic? One of the reasons may be providing too large a dose of active ingredients to which our skin is not accustomed, because so far we have only used ordinary drugstore creams, the effects of which are much weaker than the effects of natural cosmetics full of natural plant extracts. Such skin is not accustomed to such a strong dose of active ingredients and may react with redness and irritation. Sometimes the solution is to mix the cream with the active ingredient with another simple cosmetic, e.g. hyaluronic acid or shea butter. Both irritation and contact allergy after cosmetics are significant dermatological problems. Irritation is a direct reaction resulting from damage to the epidermal barrier, while allergy is an immunological mechanism that requires prior sensitization. Due to the high incidence of skin reactions to cosmetics, it is crucial to consciously choose products with a mild composition and to use patch tests to identify allergenic substances. Bibliography: Diepgen, T. L., Ofenloch, R. F., Bruze, M., et al. (2016). Prevalence of contact allergy in the general population in different European regions. British Journal of Dermatology , 174(2), 319-329. Heisterberg, M. V., Menné, T., Johansen, J. D. (2011). Contact allergy to preservatives in cosmetics: I. Frequency of sensitization . Contact Dermatitis , 64(6), 325-329. Johansen, J.D., Aalto-Korte, K., Agner, T., et al. (2022). Irritant contact dermatitis. British Journal of Dermatology , 187(1), 19-32. Lazarov, A., Trattner, A., Abraham, D., et al. (2019). Contact dermatitis due to personal care products. Clinics in Dermatology , 37(3), 298-305. Peiser, M., Tralau, T., Heidler, J., et al. (2012). Allergic contact dermatitis: epidemiology, molecular mechanisms, in vitro methods and regulatory aspects. Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences , 69(5), 763-781. Uter, W., Geier, J., Frosch, P.J., et al. (2020). Contact allergy and allergic contact dermatitis. Current Dermatology Reports , 9, 1-13. Warshaw, E. M., Raju, S. I., DeKoven, J. G., et al. (2017). Prevalence of contact allergy in North America: Results from the North American Contact Dermatitis Group (NACDG) . Dermatitis , 28(5), 298-306. HOW TO DIFFERENTIATE IRRITATION FROM ALLERGY? Natural cosmetics contain a very high concentration of active ingredients (significantly higher than in drugstore products) to have an intensive, strong effect. Unfortunately, there is no rule and some people may react more strongly to such a change and feel greater discomfort, while for some the skin will definitely switch to a solid dose of good ingredients more quickly. Also, when the skin is in worse condition, it can also react with stronger irritation. Both irritation and allergic reactions are individual issues. Each skin is different, reacts differently and can also react with irritation when we combine different cosmetics with different natural ingredients. Not every natural ingredient will like and react correctly with another natural ingredient from another cosmetic. With capricious, sensitive skin, you have to test a lot to find the right product for yourself. IRRITATION HAS OCCURRED - WHAT SHOULD I DO NOW? Should you absolutely stop using the cream or use it anyway? The most important thing is to carefully observe your skin when using it for the first time. If after applying the cream you feel a slight burning sensation, tingling or redness appears on the skin, which disappears within 40 minutes, it does not necessarily mean an allergy. Some active ingredients have a very strong effect and cause intentional, temporary hyperemia of the skin, which indicates that the active substances have started to work. We should stop using the cream when the redness does not disappear, we feel a prolonged burning sensation and additionally a rash appears. It is also worth adding, which few of us know, that in most cases we are dealing with ordinary contact irritation. What does that mean? Redness and burning appear only in the application sites. When we are dealing with an allergy, the skin reaction can be much more extensive and also appear in other places than the application sites. Let's also remember to use the products according to their intended use! For example, a face cream contains a higher concentration of active ingredients than a cream from the same series dedicated to the eyes, because the skin under the eyes is much thinner and more delicate than the skin of the face and needs different, more delicate care. Using a face cream under the eyes can cause burning, redness, and even other more serious irritation! LET'S GIVE NATURAL COSMETICS A CHANCE! If we already know that we are not dealing with an allergy, it is worth giving the cream a chance and using it for a while. This slight redness at the beginning of use shows that the cream is working. The problem is that the skin was not ready and accustomed to such a large dose of active ingredients - before using the cosmetic, it could have been excessively dry, irritated or damaged. Therefore, let's give natural cosmetics a chance to develop their capabilities and slowly switch it to the action of strong active ingredients, and consequently improve its condition and support its natural metabolism. ALLERGIC TO ANY INGREDIENTS In addition, we must remember that natural cosmetics are made from natural ingredients, such as honey, propolis, rose oil, which can cause allergies in people who are allergic to these ingredients. It is worth knowing that not only chemical substances can cause allergies, but also natural ones! Even those that have a soothing and calming effect will not show such properties in people who are allergic to this substance, and can irritate our skin. So find out what your body is allergic to! Don't rule out natural products!

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December 19, 2020

ORIENTANA CHARITY - Magic STAR

On DECEMBER 9, we took part in a charity meeting "A Christmas Full of Magic" at the Radisson Blu Sobieski Hotel in Warsaw. It was a meeting organized for children from an orphanage. Orientana was a sponsor of the Christmas bauble painting workshops! The Christmas meeting was led by Paulina Koziejowska (journalist from Nowa TV) and Natalia Siwiec. WHO TOOK PART IN THE MEETING WITH CHILDREN On this beautiful day, we were joined by actress Anita Sokołowska and Nicole Bogdanowicz known from the series "Przyjaciółki", Paulina Chruściel (actress who played in the series "Singielka"), Monika Dryl (known from "Barwy szczęścia", "Klan", participant of the program "Twój Twarz Brzmi znajomo"), Marcelina Zawadzka (presenter of "Pytanie na Śniadanie", host of "Bake off - ale ciacho", Miss Polski 2011), Agnieszka Kaczorowska (dancer of "Dancing with the Stars"), Adrianna Pałka (athlete, personal trainer), Katarzyna Krupa (dancer, presenter) and Rafał Maślak (Mister Polski 2014). Our festive table was also joined by the finalists of the program "Masterchef" - Ola Nguyen, Laurentiu "Lorek" Zediu, Martyna Chomacka and "Masterchef Junior"! Congratulations to Oli Nguyen on winning the show! WHAT WERE THE ATTRACTIONS? Everyone, together with the children, created beautiful baubles, read books together, played games and cooked Christmas dishes. Delicious dishes and desserts were created, the participants of "Masterchef Junior" helped with cooking and gave valuable tips. It was a day full of fun, filled with love and joy! The children spent the day with celebrities and bloggers. There was no end to laughter, group photos and autographs! Our little ones also received lots of presents from Santa Claus! At the end of our Christmas meeting, when leaving, the children said that they felt "like in paradise". It is wonderful that we could bring a smile to their faces together. They will definitely remember this magical day for a long time! We are glad that Orientana could contribute to this happy day for them!

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December 19, 2020

SIKH - MEET PEOPLE FROM INDIA

Sikhs - we meet more and more often on Polish streets. Men in turbans looking exotic and foreign, but there is nothing to be afraid of. They are wonderful people. As you know, before I created the Orientana brand, I spent a lot of time in India, mainly learning the principles of Ayurveda, which I used in my natural cosmetics. In this post I would like to tell you about Sikhs. For me, they are a very interesting religious and social group that I had the opportunity to meet in India. In Poland, we know little about them and I have noticed that they are often confused with Muslims. So if you ever see a man in a turban, be sure that it is a Sikh. In India they are not a very large group, only about 2% of the population, but they are most recognizable precisely because of the turban, thick mustache and beard. I have met several Sikhs, they are educated people with an open mind and heart. It is the Sikh who is responsible for maintaining the GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) ISO standards that apply to the production of natural cosmetics in the factory in India, where we produce only part of our cosmetics. I asked him to tell me about his religion and explain who the Sikhs are. WHO ARE THE SIKHS? WHO IS THE MAN IN THE TURBAN? Sikhs come from Punjab and in their language, Sikh means disciple. Although most Sikhs live in India, they are not Hindus. Sikhism is the fifth largest religion, with 25 million followers worldwide. Sikhs believe in one God, equality, freedom of religion, and social service. They cover their hair, which they haven’t cut since childhood, with a colorful turban. The turban is a commitment to equality and justice. Sikhism emphasizes the equality of all men and women, which I really like. Sikhs believe in three basic principles: meditating on the existence of God (prayer), earning a living in an honest way (industriousness), and sharing the fruits of one’s labor with others (charity). SIGH WILL HELP EVERYONE It was this charity that I liked so much about the Sikhs. I saw it with my own eyes in India. When I visited their temple in Delhi, called a gurdwara, I noticed a large group of people sitting at the side of the temple, as if waiting for something. It turned out they were pilgrims and the needy, waiting for a meal. The temple serves meals to the poor every day and everyone is involved in this work. At each gurdwara, huge kitchens and places are built where people eat what volunteers have cooked for them. Everyone can enter the kitchen and watch the process of preparing free meals, but they can also join in the action and help another person selflessly. I observed people who even came with their children and joined in preparing the dough or rolling out huge amounts of roti. A meal will be served to anyone who needs it, regardless of religion or background. Anyone can come to the gurdwara and everyone will receive support. At the appropriate time, those waiting are let into the huge dining hall, wash their hands, sit cross-legged on the floor and patiently wait for their food. A Sikh walks among the people with a huge pot and ladle, pouring lentil soup for everyone, while another hands out hot roti flatbreads. The community kitchen is a symbol of equality and brotherhood. Believe me, it is impressive. I got shivers down my spine. FOR A SIKH ALL ARE EQUAL Equality is of the utmost importance to Sikhs. Their religion rejects all distinctions based on caste, creed, sex, colour, race or national origin. All are equal and should be treated equally. For Sikhs, God is not found in isolation or through renunciation of the world, but is attained as an active member of the family and a member of one's community. SIKHISM RECOGNIZES THE EQUALITY OF WOMEN AND MEN The Sikhs’ treatment of women is interesting. The Sikh faith considers women equal to men and defines God as gender neutral. It is one of the few religions in the world that does this. There is no activity in a gurdwara or in a Sikh community that is permissible for a man but not for a woman. There is no religious function that prevents women from performing it at any time. SIKHS WORK HARD Sikhism is a practical religion, and Sikhs are pragmatic people. In their community, the emphasis is on leading a hard-working, successful life, and the achievements and successes of others are highly valued. And these people, thanks to their education and hard work, are able to work out a very successful life and high social status. However, they always remember others, those in need, and support them as much as they can. Cooperation for peace and harmony in the world is also important. If you meet a Sikh on the street (there are already 5,000 of them living in Poland) remember this post and smile. Sikhs are peaceful people who are very tolerant, honest and nice.

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December 18, 2020

BIO HENNA HOW TO CHOOSE A COLOR?

Are you wondering what henna is and how to choose the color of this natural paint? We will tell you in this post. What is henna? How to choose the color of henna? 100% natural henna for hair is a plant-based product that is made exclusively from the leaves of a plant called lawsonia inermis . It is a natural dye, known for thousands of years, used to color hair, skin (e.g. mehendi) and textiles. Henna is valued for its coloring, hair strengthening and care properties. Henna is a powder made from ground and dried Lawsonia leaves. The main active ingredient is Lawsonia , a natural dye that binds to the keratin in the hair, giving it color and shine. 100% natural Henna does not contain any chemical additives, preservatives, oxidants or artificial colors. In India, henna is also a variety of herbal mixtures adapted to dye hair in specific colors. Orientana offers various types of henna, which not only give hair a beautiful color, but also care for it. HENNY Orientana - 100% natural hair dyes will help you emphasize or deepen your color, as well as completely change it. The most popular color in our store is Henna Dark Chocolate. How to use 100% natural henna for hair? Preparing henna: Mix the powder with lukewarm water or herbal tea until you obtain a thick paste. Leave in a warm place for a few minutes to activate the dye. App: Apply the paste to dry or slightly damp hair, distributing evenly. Put on a foil cap and wrap your head with a towel to keep warm. Operating time: Leave on hair for 1 to 2 hours, depending on the desired effect. Rinse: Rinse the henna thoroughly with water, without using shampoo. The final color develops within 48 hours as the dye oxidizes on the hair. HENNA HOW TO SELECT A COLOR WITH MIXTURES Henna Dark Chocolate Main ingredients: Indigofera tinctoria : Gives cool, brown tones to hair. Lawsonia inermis : Natural henna, strengthens the hair and adds shine. Amla (Emblica officinalis) : Rich in vitamin C, it strengthens hair follicles and adds volume. Bhringraj (Eclipta alba) : Known as the "king of hair", it strengthens hair structure and prevents hair loss. Henna Hazelnut Main ingredients: Indigofera tinctoria : Gives a deep brown colour. Lawsonia inermis : Strengthens hair, giving it a healthy shine. Amla (Emblica officinalis) : Acts as a conditioner, strengthens hair follicles and restores shine to hair. Bhringraj (Eclipta alba) : Thickens hair, stimulates growth and prevents hair loss. Henna Caramel Brown Main ingredients: Lawsonia inermis : Responsible for the warm, light brown shade. Amla (Emblica officinalis) : Moisturizes and regenerates hair. Neem (Azadirachta indica) : Has antibacterial properties and supports scalp health. Shikakai (Acacia concinna) : Natural cleansing agent, improves hair structure. Henna Mahogany Red Main ingredients: Lawsonia inermis : Gives an intense red color with mahogany tones. Amla (Emblica officinalis) : Improves hair structure, giving it shine. Bhringraj (Eclipta alba) : Supports hair regeneration and growth. Neem (Azadirachta indica) : Supports scalp health. Henna Ebony Black Main ingredients: Indigofera tinctoria : Provides a deep, black color. Lawsonia inermis : Provides shine and nourishment to hair. Amla (Emblica officinalis) : Strengthens and regenerates hair. Bhringraj (Eclipta alba) : Thickens hair and prevents hair loss. Henna Colorless Cassia Cassia Colorless Henna does not dye the hair but nourishes it and makes it look better. Main ingredients: Cassia obovata (Senna) : Acts as a conditioner, strengthens and thickens hair, giving it a natural shine. Neem (Azadirachta indica) : Supports scalp health. Shikakai (Acacia concinna) : Strengthens hair and has a cleansing effect. Amla (Emblica officinalis) : Adds a healthy shine to hair. All Orientana hennas are 100% natural, free from chemical additives such as ammonia or PPD. Thanks to the use of plant ingredients, the products not only color the hair, but also strengthen and care for it. HENNA HOW TO CHOOSE A COLOR FOR YOUR HAIR 100% natural henna for hair is an excellent choice for people who want to take care of the health of their hair, avoid chemical dyes and focus on natural solutions. It works as a dye, conditioner and strengthening agent, while being a safe and ecological product. Natural hair - henna how to choose the right color You will get a color change or a deepening of the hair shade. Your hair will gain multidimensional color, will have a wonderful shine, will become thicker, will look healthy and beautiful! Chemically dyed hair - henna how to choose the right color If you have dyed your hair in the past 30 days, it is worth doing a color test on a single strand of hair. Close to the scalp, where natural hair grows, the color may initially be slightly less intense and stronger at the ends of the hair. Over time, the differences in shade will even out. Hair lightening, balayage, highlights, bleached, after a permanent wave - henna how to choose the color With this type of dyeing, it is necessary to perform a test – a test on a hair strand. Depending on the lightener or bleach used, hair may react to herbs in different ways. If you still want to experiment, remember that the green shade that may appear on henna-dyed lightened hair can be washed off with tomato puree, Gray hair - Henna how to choose the right color It is also necessary to perform a test – a test on a hair strand. Gray hair can be dyed with henna with good results. Small streaks of gray hair will probably be covered with one color, but with larger streaks and a large amount of gray hair, even regrowth, you need to perform two-step hennaing. The coloring effect depends on the degree of pigment loss by the hair and the selected HENNA color. If you want to achieve an intense shade of Dark Chocolate or Ebony Black and your hair is already very gray, you must first dye your hair with Mahogany Red. This can be done over the weekend. On Friday evening we dye our hair with Mahogany Red henna, which covers the hair without pigment. On Saturday we dye it with the chosen color, which covers the red henna. On Monday our hair is ready and has a beautiful fresh color. Properties of 100% natural henna Coloring: Henna gives hair beautiful colors. The effect depends on the natural color of the hair. Henna does not lighten hair because it does not contain chemical oxidants. Hair strengthening: Henna covers the hair with a protective layer, making it thicker, more resistant to damage and brittleness. Reduces the problem of split ends. Scalp care: Henna has antibacterial and antifungal properties, which can help fight dandruff. Regulates sebum production, supporting the health of the scalp. Natural shine and volume: Thanks to the protective layer provided by the dye, the hair gains a healthy shine and looks thicker. Benefits of 100% natural henna for hair Safe: Contains no chemicals or irritants, making it suitable for sensitive scalp. Ecological: Biodegradable and environmentally safe product. Permanent: The colour effect lasts for several weeks, gradually fading naturally. Multifunctional: Colours, strengthens and cares for hair at the same time. What to avoid when buying henna? Mixtures with chemicals: Some products labeled henna contain artificial dyes such as PPD (p-phenylenediamine), which may cause allergic reactions. Contaminants: Make sure the henna is clean, free of sand, heavy metals, or other contaminants. Buy henna from trusted brands that have been on the market for a long time. Summary 100% natural henna for hair is an excellent choice for people who want to take care of the health of their hair, avoid chemical dyes and focus on natural solutions. It works as a dye, conditioner and strengthening agent, while being a safe and ecological product.

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December 18, 2020

holidays in ASIA - LITTLE KNOWN PLACES

Holidays in Asia. Who doesn't dream of them? I recommend destinations for total peace and quiet that are worth visiting. EIGHT DESTINATIONS IN ASIA WORTH RECOMMENDING I receive requests from you to indicate interesting destinations in Asia. Many of you ask about places that will allow you to relax in peace, away from civilization, with few tourists, on deserted beaches, but at the same time you want them to be interesting places for tourists. There are many such places in Asia. Below is my subjective list. Asia for me is peace and quiet. Being close to nature, healthy food, walks and yoga. I quickly escape from big cities where the plane from Poland arrives. I like Bali but in Asia there are less popular places where you can spend beautiful moments. FLORES ISLANDS, INDONESIA These are a dozen or so smaller islands located close to each other and it is worth finding a place on one of them. It is close to interesting tourist places such as the Komodo or Rinca islands, where Komodo dragons live. I flew to Labuan Bajo from where I took a boat to the Seraja island where there was only one ecological hotel, no signal and basically no internet. I lived in a bungalow right by the sea and after swimming literally 20 meters a beautiful underwater reef full of turtles and colorful fish began. In moments free from diving you can go trekking around nearby mountainous islands from where beautiful views spread out, you can sail to the so-called pink beach and sail to bays full of rays. This really is a hidden paradise. GILI DEGE, INDONESIA A small and peaceful island with a few hotels. There are 26 Gili Islands in total, but this one is an oasis of peace and quiet, unlike Trawangan Gili where there are endless parties. You get here from Bali by boat. The island is called "secret" by the locals and is only 4 km long. Despite the fact that it is a small island and I had the impression that our hotel was the only one on the island, there were villages inhabited by very nice locals around. The island is surrounded by beautiful beaches with moraine bays where you can swim with young sharks. Indonesian villages are very interesting because everything happens outside. People sleep on terraces on stilts in front of their houses, farm animals walk peacefully next to them, and children play and look at tourists with interest. I had the impression that my family and I are a huge attraction for them. KERALA, INDIA It is worth visiting Kerala and sailing through the beautiful Karelian backwater channels. A plane from Poland will take us to Kochi, from where we can travel further to the very source of Ayurveda. It is worth finding an Ayurvedic center and staying there for two weeks. You can find more in my post "Ayurvedic treatments in Kerala" - where I describe in detail what a stay in such a center looks like. GAYA ISLAND, MALAYSIA It is a large Malaysian island near Kota Kinabalu, where I flew by plane and then sailed by water. It can be a boat provided by a hotel or a small public ferry. This time we chose a hotel consisting of houses on the water, so we could jump straight from the bedroom into the clear blue abyss. Gaya Island is located in a national park, so the hotel we stayed in was fully ecological. It had another big advantage - there was a marine educational center next to the hotel. The Marine Ecology Research Center is a scientific center where you can learn a lot about ocean life. You can also take a piece of coral reef under your care there and "plant" your own coral, and then receive photos and reports on how it grows until it is transplanted from the nursery to a real reef. Our family supported the reconstruction of the coral reef in Malaysia, and my children were very proud of it. GOA, INDIA A state of India known for its tourist attractions with beautiful, golden beaches and coconut palms. There are many small hotels offering tasty, healthy food, yoga courses and spa treatments. The Goa coast is green, full of lush vegetation. Banana and mango trees grow here, rice and spices are grown. Everywhere you can see white chapels from the times when the Portuguese ruled here and colorful Hindu temples. I recommend going to Calangute, where there are beautiful beaches and small charming hotels. We spent a few days in such a hotel after an exhausting visit to Delhi. SABAAH, BORNEO, MALAYSIA You can have a wonderful holiday in the middle of the jungle, but without beaches or swimming pools. This is a good place for guided hiking. It is quiet, wonderful and very close to nature. I recommend Borneo Rainforest Lodge in Danum Valley Conservation Area, a place carefully guarded by the Malaysian authorities. It is a national park, where you can only enter if you have a spot in the Rainforest Lodge. There are no such random people, the place is protected from poachers and noisy tourists. I watched with surprise as our documents were checked in front of a huge barrier blocking the entrance to the jungle. I spent two weeks in the middle of the rainforest, observing animals in the wild, walking on hanging bridges, which make it very easy to observe nature. It is full of charming places - bays and waterfalls with fish. You have to watch out for the omnipresent leeches, but this is real wildlife at your fingertips. KOH SAMUI, THAILAND I don't know about today, but a few years ago Koh Samui was a quiet, peaceful island full of spas, massage parlors and fantastic open-air bars serving the best Thai cuisine for pennies. We can relax here on beautiful beaches, but we can also do some sightseeing - it's worth visiting the Wat Phra Yai temple and the Big Buddha, as well as the complex of temples with the statue of the Chinese goddess of mercy Guanyin. We traveled around the island in search of the best beaches and interesting tourist spots, which took our breath away. However, everything is less intense and calmer than in Phuket and there are fewer tourists. PHU QUOC, VIETNAM A large island in the Gulf of Thailand, on the border with Cambodia but full of quiet, wild and peaceful places with access to your own beach. Here we dived, practiced yoga, meditated and ate delicious Vietnamese dishes. Peace and quiet with the possibility of visiting interesting places and sailing to smaller islands. Here you can really relax.

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