December 16, 2020

AUTUMN AND WINTER CARE

The autumn-winter weather is quite a challenge for our skin. It is exposed to strong wind, frost or snow. The complexion struggles with redness, dryness or stinging cheeks. All you need to do is use 100% natural Face Creams for daily care and soothe your skin and protect it from negative weather conditions. Leaving a delicate layer of protective (but not sticky!) film, they will make the complexion soft, smooth and properly hydrated. Whichever one we choose - Sandalwood and Turmeric, Indian Ginseng or Mulberry and Licorice, we are sure that the skin will be nourished all day long. They are great for the ski slope, walk and daily care. After applying the cream, you can easily apply make-up without worrying about rolling or shining the complexion. In addition to your face, let's also take care of your hair - it's very easy to dry it out in the winter. We use a hair dryer, wear hats that tangle our hair, and often use a straightener or curling iron. As a result, our hair is rough to the touch, dull, very weak and quickly becomes greasy. Let's take care of it properly now - let's regularly oil our hair , using Ayurvedic Hair Therapy or Ayurvedic Amla and Bhringraj Oil, and apply Coconut Therapy to dry ends. You can also do a 30-day treatment with Hair Tonic, which will protect your hair from harmful factors and prolong its freshness. We use the long autumn-winter evenings to create a home spa in the bathroom. There is time to apply your favorite silk or cleansing clay mask, perform a face scrub and massage in a very nourishing body lotion. After bathing, we spread the Balm in a Cube on the warmed body. It provides incredible lubrication, hydration and smoothing of the skin. A massage with a balm in a cube is like a visit to the best Asian spa, and it is incredibly easy to do such a spa yourself wherever you are, whether at home or on a trip. Such a care ritual is a guaranteed relaxation for the body and soul. The skin after a massage with a balm in a cube is incredibly smooth. We love these long evenings and this moment just for ourselves!

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December 16, 2020

TAJ MAHAL - THE BEAUTY OF SYMMETRY

I resisted visiting the Taj Mahal for a long time. I don't like visiting monuments, I prefer to observe ordinary people and the things they do, walk through bazaars and sit in parks. Since my friends from India were very keen to visit the Taj Mahal, one day we got on a train to Agra and set off on our way to this spectacular monument. Considered the seventh wonder of the world, the beautiful white building is actually a tomb, and not a Hindu one, but a Muslim one at that. It was built as a tomb for the wife of the Mongol emperor Shah Jahan. His beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, died after giving birth to her fourteenth child, and before her death she asked her husband to build a building in her honor. The emperor wanted to erect a monument in which undisturbed symmetry would reign. The building stands on the banks of the Yamuna River, in a square garden, which in Muslim architecture symbolizes divine perfection. The main building is a mausoleum with a large dome, on the sides there are two mosques made of red stone, and in the four corners there are minarets - towers from which muezzins call Muslims to prayer. In the very center of the mausoleum, his wife's tomb was to stand. However, the beauty of symmetry was disturbed, but more on that later. The Taj Mahal took 22 years to build. It was built by about 25 thousand workers. Legend has it that after the work was done, the emperor ordered their thumbs to be cut off so that they could not replicate such a structure anywhere else. The building is very interesting - built of white marble, and the entrance gate is covered with symbols made of precious stones resembling inscriptions from the Koran. Each wall is beautifully carved both outside and inside. I do not recall seeing such elaborate carvings in marble anywhere else in the world. Inside, the walls are decorated with precious stones, which, when illuminated, shine beautifully. Hindus say that the Taj Mahal is as changeable as a woman. The color of the building changes depending on the intensity of light. Illuminated by the sun and the moon from different angles, it has multi-colored visualizations. Pearl pink at dawn, opalescent yellow in the evening, bright white during the day. The Taj Mahal shows how we pollute the environment. The white facade has to be renovated quite often, because it turns gray due to pollution. The Indian authorities, wanting to protect the monument, have banned the construction of factories in the area. The beauty of symmetry was completely destroyed. By whom? Well... The emperor wanted to build a black copy of the Taj Mahal for himself on the other bank of the Yamuna. Of course, to have even more fun with symmetry. Nothing came of these plans. After his wife's death, his health deteriorated, one of his sons took advantage of this, killed the other successors to the throne, and threw his father in prison. After his father's death, he ordered him to be buried in the Taj Mahal next to his mother's grave, thus disturbing the wonderful symmetry. It really doesn't look good - a small grave in the center and a large grave next to it. But fortunately, the disturbance in proportions is visible only when we enter the mausoleum, until then we can admire the beauty of symmetry.

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December 16, 2020

strange beauty treatments in thailand

Beauty treatments in Thailand are heaven on earth. Thailand is known for its numerous spas and massage parlors and it is worth visiting one at least once. Thailand is a very popular tourist destination. However, if you want to relax in a slow style, I recommend choosing regions that are not completely overrun by tourists. Definitely do not go to Phuket. In almost every place in this country you will find a spa salon, where you can experience the entire beauty ritual, starting from washing your feet, to a calming health tea at the end. In general, massage in Thailand is very common, it takes place everywhere and everyone massages themselves ? On the beaches you will find shady booths where masseuses who know the secrets of massage, not only Thai, are waiting ready to work. In every hotel, shopping center or other public place in a large city you will find secluded places for massage, with dedicated chairs for foot massage, which is very common and important here. On the streets, by the shops, there are special chairs where you sit facing the backrest, and the masseur will massage your neck. Another interesting ritual that I came across in Thailand is a fish spa, i.e. a pedicure or manicure done with fish. We put our feet or hands in an aquarium full of fish, which nibble on them and remove dead skin. The treatment gives an effect similar to a good peeling, and during it we feel tickles. Such small nibbling fish can be found in many lakes in Asia. However, what intrigued me the most and convinced me to use it was eyebrow threading. It is a very quick method of hair removal using threads. The procedure supposedly comes from India and is widespread throughout Asia. It is a method of hair removal using a suitably braided 100% cotton thread that catches even very thin and short hairs, removing them along with the bulbs, thanks to which the effect lasts for a long time. It is safe and effective, perfect for sensitive skin, prone to irritation. It is also an extremely ecological and hygienic method. No other products are used in it apart from a clean thread, which is immediately thrown away after use. For me, it is also a less painful method than traditional tweezers, and certainly better for the skin around the eyes than waxing. Salons offering this service are already appearing in Poland.

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November 20, 2020

asiatic pennywort in cosmetics

centella asiatica in asian cosmetics Did you know that Centella asiatica has been used in cosmetics for hundreds of years? In Ayurvedic terminology, it is called Gotu kola , in Hindi its name is kudi kula. In Korea, it is known as Cica. Used for centuries in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine, Gotu Kola has become an important ingredient in skin care products, especially in Korean cosmetics (K-Beauty). It can be found in India and Sri Lanka. In some parts of Asia, it is called the "source of life" due to its beneficial effects - anti-aging, improving skin hydration, concentration, memory and helping to combat stress. For thousands of years, Gotu Kola has been used in India, China and Indonesia to treat many ailments and diseases and to prevent skin aging! That is why you will also find it in natural cosmetics. This plant is used in the form of infusions, tablets and ointments. The action of Asian pennywort in cosmetics, medicines and supplements strengthens the nervous system by reducing stress and emotional tension. It is helpful in treating insomnia and epilepsy. It is used by people suffering from autism, ADHD or Asperger's syndrome, improves concentration and memory, which is why it is called food for the brain. It is especially recommended for the elderly and people with Alzheimer's disease due to the slowing down of the aging process. Additionally, it is great for students and intellectual workers, increasing the "absorption of the mind"! During the session it will be extremely helpful ? , has a beneficial effect on circulation – restoring proper and strengthening blood vessels. It is used by people with circulatory failure. It will alleviate varicose veins and reduce leg swelling, supports meditation. Properties of Asian pennywort in cosmetics Treats skin conditions and inflammations, including dandruff and sensitive scalp, accelerates wound healing and reduces scarring, accelerates regeneration processes, stimulates the synthesis of collagen and elastin in the skin, restoring skin firmness, has anti-wrinkle properties, stimulates hair and nail growth. Properly prepared preparations and natural cosmetics containing Gotu Kola are also used for chronic dermatological diseases and psoriasis. Asiatic pennywort in facial cosmetics: Antioxidant serum-ampoule ASHWAGANDHA CICA NIACINAMIDE 30 ml Eye and eyelid serum REISHI and EGF PEPTIDES 15 ml REISHI Natural Vegan Day Face Cream 50 ml Anti-wrinkle cream for men BAMBOO and GINSENG 50 ml Hello Daktyl 40 ml comfortable nourishing face and eye cream Key Properties of Centella Asiatica Asiatic pennywort is rich in bioactive compounds that contribute to its wide use in cosmetics: Triterpenes (asiaticoside, madecassoside): support skin regeneration and have anti-inflammatory effects. Flavonoids : have antioxidant properties, protect the skin against free radicals. Amino acids : help regenerate the skin and improve its hydration. Who are cosmetics with Asiatic pennywort suitable for? Cosmetics with Asiatic pennywort are suitable for the care of various skin types: Sensitive skin : soothe irritations and reduce redness. Dry and dehydrated skin : intensively moisturize and support regeneration. Oily and acne-prone skin : regulates sebum production and accelerates the healing of acne lesions. Mature skin : improves firmness and reduces wrinkles. The use of Asian pennywort in cosmetics Orientana uses Gotu Kola in natural hair care cosmetics - oils and lotions , due to its inhibiting and slowing down hair loss effect. Centella asiatica in hair cosmetics will stimulate hair growth and strengthen the scalp!

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November 20, 2020

TRAINING IN BALI

This summer, while in Bali, I participated in an amazing training in creating traditional natural cosmetics based on old Balinese recipes. I am constantly looking for inspiration to create even more interesting natural novelties. Bali is another place that inspires a lot. The workshop included a theoretical part, where we learned about the plants that grow wild or are cultivated in Bali and their effects on the skin and the health of the body. The indigenous people of Bali value very natural ingredients, they do not use antibiotics, and basically treat all infections with decoctions from plant extracts. Doctors do not prescribe antibiotics here, but they can be obtained in pharmacies without a prescription. As I learned, none of the locals buy them. They are only available because of tourists. Mass-market cosmetics have already arrived in Bali, but just like antibiotics, they are mainly bought by tourists. On the other hand, Balinese women very often use plants and oils obtained from them for facial, body and hair care. In Bali, we can also find small shops offering natural cosmetics made from typical Balinese plants, and it is their formulas that we wanted to explore. That is why we chose a training that was to help us understand the effects of these plants and the principles of creating cosmetic formulas based on them. The training was led by the lovely Dewi, a graduate of Udayana University in Denpasar, who specializes in Indonesian botany and agriculture. She was accompanied by several people, all of whom came from local farming families and had extensive experience in the cultivation and use of plants from this region. We also visited nearby fields and gardens, where we could see how traditional plants from Bali actually grow. During the training we made four cosmetics ourselves: Hibiscus shampoo Natural sunscreen Body scrub Boreh (pain balm) All the plants we used to create our cosmetics came from the garden right next door. Below is the recipe for Hibiscus Shampoo. Ingredients: 7 fresh hibiscus leaves 3 fresh frangipani, magnolia or ylang-ylang flowers 1 thick, fleshy aloe leaf (about 5 cm long) 150 ml filtered water 3 drops of essential oil (sandalwood oil calms, lemongrass stimulates) EXECUTION Finely chop the hibiscus leaves and chosen flowers and place them in a large bowl. Cut the aloe leaf into thin pieces and add to the chopped leaves and flowers. Pour in water and essential oil. Stir vigorously and squeeze the leaves with your hands until the liquid becomes thick and soapy. Pour the entire mixture through a sieve into a dark bottle. The shampoo is also suitable for washing the body. Since it contains fresh ingredients, it should be stored in a cool place and used within one month of making. We learned a lot during this training. New ideas have already formed in my head. I hope that they will soon turn into wonderful new natural cosmetics! Check out www.orientana.pl

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November 20, 2020

WHAT I LEARNED IN BORNEO

My family and I flew to Borneo a few years ago and spent a dozen or so days in the Malaysian rainforest. I wanted to see orangutans in their natural habitat. I was given the contact details of someone who was supposed to help me with this endeavor. We were directed to a national park located in the state of Sabah, in the northeastern part of Borneo, and is strictly protected. You can only enter there by showing documents. I was a bit surprised that you can only enter the jungle this way, but I quickly found out why. We spent a few days walking from morning till night with a guide, Mike (that's a name for Europeans, his real name was Darum). The park is about 43,800 hectares, there live 340 species of birds, 120 species of mammals, including elephants and orangutans. We didn't have to wait long to see them. During our trek Mike told us why the jungle is so heavily protected. The reason is theft of animals. Although it is illegal to take animals out of Malaysia, there are mafias that steal animals and smuggle them, for example on ships with other goods to countries where they are in high demand. Have you seen videos on Facebook and YouTube where a little monkey is bathing in a bathtub, dressed in clothes or jumping on someone's couch? I hope you didn't like this post because this monkey was probably kidnapped by smugglers and smuggled into a country where someone bought it to keep as a domesticated pet, away from other monkeys and its natural habitat ☹ Mike also told us about how orangutans are dying because of the clearing of jungles for palm forests. Palm forests are currently planted in many places in Asia, these are palm oil plantations, which are used in many food and cosmetic products. The high demand for oil causes jungles to be cleared and even burned to make room for plantations. And in this jungle, among others, live orangutans. Despite the fact that their home has been destroyed, they keep coming back to this place, and here... there is already patch cultivation. Orangutans considered pests are killed on the spot or captured. I encourage you to give up products with palm oil. I will also add that it is very unhealthy. Choose cosmetics consciously. Some natural cosmetics, especially soaps, also contain palm oil. Orientana natural cosmetics do not contain it. http://www.ekonsument.pl/a654_nie_kupuj_oleju_palmowego.html

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November 20, 2020

KONJAC – A UNIQUE GEL BASE FOR COSMETICS

Have you already managed to get to know the essence of Orientana better? These are the only natural cosmetics in Poland, the base of which is a 100% natural gel base from the Konjac plant. You probably know Konjac in the form of sponges, which are used for effective and gentle face washing. However, this plant has much more power! - applications and properties. Konjac is a Japanese plant called the devil's tongue. It contains many valuable nutrients for the skin such as proteins, fatty acids, microelements, vitamins A, E, K, C and a complete set of B vitamins and folic acid. Rich in polysaccharides, it stimulates the synthesis of collagen and elastin. It also increases the synthesis of hyaluronic acid, thanks to which the skin becomes more taut. Under the influence of water, it swells to form a gel. It increases its volume up to 200 times, and the resulting gel creates an occlusive layer and prevents water from escaping through the skin. This is the latest discovery of natural cosmetology - the only natural gel that perfectly moisturizes and penetrates the deep layers of the skin! The gel base of the Essence is an innovative use of the Asian KONJAC plant, which in the form of a gel moisturizes the skin very well and facilitates the introduction of active substances into the skin. ESSENCE for the face at night is a gel essence with intensive moisturizing, firming, repairing and discoloration reducing effects. Essences are the heart of the Asian beauty ritual, and the Essence with snail slime works best at night when the skin regenerates intensively. This is when the most cell divisions and repair processes occur. Konjac powder has also gained fame as Glucomannan - a polysaccharide that is structurally similar to pectin, which is why the Japanese call it "intestinal broom" and use it orally. In this form, it is also available in Polish health food stores or herbal shops. It absorbs water in the digestive system and promotes faster excretion of deposits, leftovers and toxins, which improves the weight loss process. It is one of the most hygroscopic fibers known to man! The plant has been used for 1500 years in Japan in herbal mixtures and traditional foods, including tofu, Shirataki noodles and jelly. In China, it has been used for over 2 thousand years as a medicinal plant. Konjac extract is a pure, 100% natural, water-soluble agent produced exclusively from the plant without any additional unnatural ingredients. During production, the tubers are ground and mechanically cleaned. This produces flour - konjac powder, which after extraction turns into a gel. In order to avoid lumps and clumps, it is beneficial to add glycerin to the gel and for a nice smell, a minimum amount of non-allergenic fragrance ingredients.

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November 20, 2020

STINKY FRUIT - DURIAN

While riding a taxi in Kuala Lumpur, I saw a sign of a crossed-out fruit. No driving with fruit? Hmm, interesting… The fruit was a durian. Many places in the city had a “No durian” sign. I saw it in a hotel, restaurants, shopping malls. Why? Because of the disgusting smell, which is hard to get rid of. Mass-grown and eaten in Malaysia, the fruit resembles a thorny melon. It is sold at street stalls, and there are really a lot of them. The fruit is very popular, tasty and supposedly healthy. As for the smell, opinions vary - some say it smells like moldy material, others like stale offal... To me, it smelled like ammonia. The smell was really off-putting! As for the taste – can I just say that I prefer mango? Durian is not only eaten raw in Asia. Asians serve it as desserts, fill cakes with it, make cocktails, puddings and ice cream from it, as well as soups and sauces for meat. The seeds are also edible. Durian in cake was already edible for me? You probably won't find durian in Europe due to its persistent smell and transportation bans, so if you're in Asia, I recommend trying it. Such a small Asian culinary curiosity!

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November 20, 2020

BEAUTIFUL HAIR - hair care

Hair care in Asia is a completely different dimension. When I traveled around India, my attention was always drawn to the beautiful hair of Indian women. Black, shiny, wonderfully smooth. Their secret is hair oiling and hair henna . In an Indian home, knowledge about natural hair care is passed down from generation to generation. Hair oiling is also done to children, and so are men. Women treat hair oiling as a ritual. Usually on Saturday evening, they prepare a special mixture of oils, strengthen it with amla juice or extracts from herbs such as brahmi or shikakai, and give each other a head massage, rubbing the remains of the oil mixture into the length of the hair. This is a time for them to be together, talk, and get advice. In every Indian home, mother and daughters spend time together oiling. This is time just for them and their hair. Because oils protect hair from the harmful effects of sunlight and pollution, Indian women usually smooth their hair with coconut oil before going out and they obligatorily rub oil into their children's hair. It was from India that I brought the idea for hair oil? Intrigued by the beautiful deep blackness of hair, also in men, I discovered that another ritual is hennaing. Hair care in India is deeply rooted in tradition and culture. Indian women have been famous for their long, strong and shiny hair for centuries, which is the result of systematic care based on natural ingredients and rituals passed down from generation to generation. Hair oiling Oiling is one of the most important steps in hair care in India. Regular application of oils to the scalp and hair helps in moisturizing, nourishing and regenerating them. Oiling hair is one of the most characteristic hair care rituals in Indian homes. This practice is deeply rooted in Indian culture and passed down from generation to generation as a way to keep hair healthy, strong and shiny. Popular oils: Coconut oil – moisturizes, strengthens hair follicles and supports hair growth. Castor oil – supports hair growth and prevents hair loss. Amla oil – rich in vitamin C, strengthens hair and gives it shine. Sesame oil – often used in Ayurveda for scalp massage. Neem oil – has antibacterial properties and helps fight dandruff. Herbs and natural ingredients Indian hair care is rich in the use of herbs and natural ingredients that have nourishing, cleansing and strengthening properties. Henna – acts as a natural dye and conditioner, strengthens the hair and gives it shine. Amla (Indian gooseberry) – strengthens hair follicles, prevents graying and supports growth. Shikakai – a natural cleansing agent that gently cleanses the hair and scalp. Brahmi – improves hair structure, prevents split ends. Reetha – a natural foaming agent used to wash hair. Hair Care as a Ritual Oiling hair in India is a ritual that is often done in a family atmosphere, especially on weekends or before special occasions. It is a multi-step routine. First, the oil is warmed up, which allows it to better penetrate the scalp and hair. The oil is applied to the scalp and hair using the fingers. A gentle massage for 10-15 minutes improves blood circulation and helps the oil absorb. The oil is left on the hair for several hours, often overnight, to provide maximum hydration and nourishment. After oiling, the hair is thoroughly washed with a gentle shampoo to remove excess oil while maintaining its softness and shine. In Indian homes, oiling is done 1-2 times a week. Ayurveda in hair care Ayurveda, an ancient medical science, offers many tips for hair care: Scalp massage improves circulation and stimulates hair growth. Consuming Ayurvedic herbs like ashwagandha and brahmi supports hair health from the inside out. Using herbal masks based on turmeric, neem or henna. Diet and health In India, diet is very important as it affects the health of hair. People eat foods rich in: Protein (e.g. lentils, nuts), Omega-3 fatty acids (e.g. linseed oil, chia seeds), Vitamins A, C, E, Iron and zinc (e.g. leafy greens and almonds). Avoiding chemical products Indian women often avoid excessive chemical styling and hair dye products, preferring natural hair care methods. Often, smoothing the hair gently with a small amount of coconut oil is enough. Regular washing and protection In hair care, it is important to wash regularly with natural ingredients , avoiding ingredients such as SLS, SLES. Very often, ingredients such as reetha nuts or shikakai are used. It is important to protect hair from the sun and pollution by using scarves or light oils that create a natural protective barrier. The Indian approach to hair care is a harmonious blend of natural ingredients, holistic practices, and a healthy lifestyle. The key is consistency and patience in using these methods.

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