A couple of weeks ago, we wrote about the Ayurvedic perspective on breast health, in addition to general tips for promoting healthy breasts and reducing the risk of developing cancer or other ailments. In short, Ayurveda posits that the health of our breasts are intimately connected to the overall health of our bodies. Our lymph, hormonal secretions, immunity and metabolism are all linked to the breasts and the female reproductive system; our breast health can affect all these other dimensions, and vice versa. Things like diet, exercise, stress and inflammation in other parts of the body can negatively or positively influence the breasts. 

The key to maintaining healthy breasts is in adopting lifestyle practices that help to keep the body and mind in balance. Today, we’ll take a deeper look into how the balance of the doshas can help us better understand our breast health. Kapha and Vata are especially crucial because they both affect the flow of lymph and the clearing of toxins from within the breast tissue, but keeping all three doshas in balance will be important. 

How the Doshas Influence Our Breasts

Our dominant dosha tends to be correlated with our physical constitution—including our breasts. There are specific signs of doshic imbalance that show up through our breasts, just like any other part of our bodies. Certain doshas will be more likely to experience certain kinds of imbalance, but you may also experience imbalances related to a dosha that is not your dominant one. Paying attention to your symptoms, both emotional and physical, will help key you into which doshas may be out of balance.

Vata

When balanced, Vata-dominant people have breasts that tend to be small, with dry and thin skin. When Vata is out of balance, you may experience a shrinking effect in the breasts, dehydrated skin and blocked ducts. 

Pitta

When balanced, Pitta-dominant people tend toward breasts of medium size and skin that is thicker and somewhat oily. When Pitta is out of balance, symptoms include inflammation and redness, unusual (green, yellow or bloody) discharge and PMS-related breast pain.

Kapha

When balanced, Kapha-dominant people tend to have large breasts with hydrated, thick skin. When Kapha is out of balance, you may experience swelling or an increase in breast size, lumps, especially thick discharge and yeast infections.

Changes in one’s menstrual cycle and PMS symptoms can also indicate an underlying doshic imbalance, so paying attention to the other dimensions of the female reproductive system is also important. 

If you recognize yourself as having some of the symptoms described above, the key will be to follow a regimen intended to balance the dosha in question. That includes eating dosha-balancing foods, exercising properly and even adopting meditation practices that are aimed at bringing balance to the mind and body. You can also take up detoxification practices that are beneficial to all, like dry brushing and self-massage, which both help to boost circulation and expel toxins. 

You might also consider incorporating balancing, nourishing Ayurvedic herbs into your daily routine. Some that are especially helpful for women’s health include shatavari, aloe vera, fennel seeds and tulsi (holy basil). Be sure to check in with your medical provider before making any substantial changes to your routine.

While our breast health may seem mysterious and opaque, paying close attention to our bodies can tell us a lot about our balances and imbalances. When seen in this light, we can grow empowered to take charge of our breast health in ways that are concrete, effective and approachable.

What is Fall Anxiety and What Causes It?

Fall Anxiety is an annual episode of anxiety that can occur with the onset of the season of fall.  It's characterized by feelings of sadness and hopelessness, including feelings of guilt and stress. 

Vata, which is made up of the elements air and space and is the most subtle of the three doshas (the others being pitta and kapha), is also the one that is most susceptible to the ups and downs of life. Vata's stability can be threatened by a variety of factors, including travel, changing weather, lack of sleep, disorganized scheduling, and excessive mental or sensory stimulation of any kind.

Some psychologists believe that the human mind has evolved so that we're more susceptible to autumn anxiety because of our proximity to nature during this time of year: the changing seasons, shorter daylight hours, social isolation and the arrival of cooler temperatures can cause humans to feel more vulnerable and exposed than usual. Psychologist Carrie Landin says “Just like there are many wonderful things to appreciate about the fall, there are also a lot of events that typically happen from September through December that can spur worry, particularly in people already prone to anxiety”. 

One of the leading causes of Autumn Anxiety is the decreased exposure to sunlight starting from the month of September. Vitamin D is supplied to our bodies by sunlight. A person's body may be affected by having less time in the sun each day. According to studies, vitamin D deficiency leads to anxiety and depression.

Decreased sun exposure has been linked to a decrease in Serotonin levels. Serotonin is light reflective which means it is triggered by sunlight that goes in through the eye. Serotonin is released when certain retinal regions are cued by sunlight. Therefore, because the days are shorter in the fall and winter seasons, you are more likely to suffer from this type of emotional upheaval.

The End of summer can be a tough time, it makes you feel guilty for not enjoying or completing what you had planned to do throughout the summer. There can also be anxiety related to going back to school and beginning of a new session.

The Ayurvedic Perspective on Fall Energy

Vata is generally the dosha that is most likely to become out of balance at any time of year, but it is even more prone to aggravation in the late fall and early winter when nature provides an abundance of vata-like characteristics such as gusty winds, chilly temperatures, and dry air. When Vata is in excess during the late fall seasons, we feel more fearful, scattered, or worried than usual. 

Symptoms to look out for

• Depression and Anxiety                                 

• Overpowering Negative Emotions 

• Feelings of worry, fear,  and dread

• Lethargy and no interest in activities

• Insomnia

What can you do?

1. Maintain a daily schedule, adding extra downtime than usual. Get  complete eight hours of sleep each night by going to bed by 10 p.m. 
2. Get out in the sun: Try to spend more time out in the sun. Walk to school or the office if possible, or have your coffee on the park bench. Try to soak in that extra Vitamin D that keeps your anxiety levels in check.
3. Move your body: Regular, gentle exercise controls the movable character of Vata. Include basic seated forward-folds like Paschimottanasana in your asana practice (Seated Forward Bend). To increase strength and stability, try experimenting with standing positions like Virabhadrasana II (Warrior Pose II). Practice restorative poses if you're feeling worn out or overstimulated to promote deep relaxation.
4. Change your diet: Set a regular time for eating and prepare warm, moist dishes. Avoid heavy meals, especially at night. Vata is calmed by salty, sour, and sweet flavors. Whole grains that have been cooked, root vegetables, and hearty soups are healthy dietary staples. Our blog lists several Ayurvedic recipes to try out during the fall.
5. Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness encourages living fully in the present and being present for every moment, no matter what it holds. Your joy and calmness are back when you turn your attention away from problems and instead concentrate on tangible things that you can experience with your senses (sight, hearing, touch, smell, and taste).
6. Seek Professional Help: Evaluate if the fall anxiety is severely impacting your work or studies, and hampering your productivity, or causing severe problems to your health. Your issue can be more than just the annual autumn anxiety. A professional can help evaluate your specific concerns and create a roadmap to recovery.

Earlier on our blog, we explored the concept of agni and its critical importance in helping us expel impurities and maintain overall health. Agni, or our central fire, regulates which substances enter our bodies, governs the transmission of nutrients and ensures that we maintain internal homeostasis. 

When agni is strong, we experience the transformative benefits of balance: we have good digestion, high energy, healthy skin and focused, tranquil minds. When agni is impaired, its ability to expel toxins from the body decreases, leading to the development of ailments, imbalances, inflammation and disease. In Ayurveda, an impaired agni lies at the root of all imbalance. It is therefore supremely important to do what we can to strengthen rather than weaken agni. 

How can we tell if our agni is imbalanced, and if it is, what can we do to remedy that? In this post, we break down the four states of agni. While one of these states represents a balanced agni, the other states reflect different types of imbalance that correspond to the three doshas. Each dosha’s qualities interact differently with the fiery, sharp nature of agni. Note that you can also experience a combination of different imbalances. 

The Four Types of Agni

Sama Agni: Balanced

The state of Sama agni is the ultimate ideal, a state where we should all aspire to reach. A sama agni is balanced and vibrant, empowering all parts of the body to work together to achieve true health. When we have Sama agni, we experience strong digestion and elimination, good metabolism, a clear mind and an overall sense of positivity and confidence. We adapt well to external changes, such as changes in seasonality, and we are filled with tejas (the form of agni and Pitta that rules mental clarity and confidence) and ojas (our internal radiance and life force). 

This kind of state may sound too good to be true—that’s because the many challenges of our daily lives make it difficult to achieve a truly balanced agni, and most of us likely experience one of the other three imbalanced forms. However, it is not impossible to experience Sama agni with an intentional, focused approach to bringing ourselves back into balance. The first step is to understand which imbalances we are experiencing and how to address them.

Vishama Agni: Erratic Metabolism (Vata)

When Vata is out of balance, its cold and mobile qualities can weaken or extinguish agni, leading to an agni that is either weakened or fierier. These opposing qualities of Vata make the agni unstable, irregular and easily susceptible to change. The result is an irregular, erratic metabolism. 

Signs of Vishama agni include indigestion, gas, constipation, dry mouth and skin, cracking or aching joints, anxiety, insomnia and unhealthy cravings. 

To treat Vishama agni, you’ll want to follow a Vata-pacifying lifestyle routine. This includes eating warm, moist, smooth foods like soups and stews, warm cooked vegetables, cheese, whole milk, eggs, nuts, yogurt and berries. Avoid cold, frozen or dry foods, raw vegetables, carbonated drinks and stimulants like alcohol and caffeine. In terms of exercise, you should engage in grounding, steady, slower exercises such as yoga, walking and lunges/squats. For more on how to balance Vata, check out our blog here.

Tishkana Agni: Hypermetabolism (Pitta)

When Pitta is imbalanced, its heat intensifies the fire of agni, leading to inflammation and hypermetabolism. When we have Tishkana agni, nutrients pass quickly through our system without absorption, leading to incomplete digestion. The result is that we feel overly hungry and experience symptoms like heartburn, acidity, indigestion, ulcers, dryness, hot flashes, irritability and inflamed skin.

If you suspect you’re experiencing Tishkana agni, it’s important to follow a Pitta-balancing lifestyle. This includes eating cooling, nourishing foods like aloe vera, peppermint, cucumber, leafy greens, root vegetables, grains and milk. Avoid foods that are spicy, salty, bitter and fried. In terms of exercise, you’ll want to engage in moderate activities like swimming, yoga and weightlifting. To combat the overall inflammatory, overstimulated nature of a Pitta imbalance, try soothing activities like yoga and journaling and be sure to make time for moments of slowness, reflection and relaxation during the day. For more on how to balance Pitta, check out our blog here.

Manda Agni: Hypometabolism (Kapha)

When Kapha is imbalanced, its dense, heavy qualities suppress agni, leading it to become slowed and dull. In addition, Pitta’s oily and moist qualities can also contribute to the development of Manda agni. Given the slow, dense, inertial nature of this imbalance, it often takes longer to develop and requires more time and effort to combat. Symptoms of Manda agni include bloating, fatigue, lack of appetite, frequent colds and congestion, weight gain, lethargy, excess mucus, clammy and damp skin, excess sleep, cravings for hot and spicy foods, boredom and possessiveness.

If you are experiencing Manda agni, you’ll want to follow a Kapha-pacifying lifestyle. This includes eating foods that are light, airy, warm and dry, such as heating spices, cooked vegetables, beans, broccoli, cabbage, lentils, oats, fish, shrimp and turkey. Avoid foods that are oily, dense and sweet. In terms of exercise, you’ll want to partake in more vigorous, intensive activities like running, dancing and cycling. For more on balancing Kapha, check out our blog here.

Remember again that these three types of imbalance are not all-encompassing, and that you may also experiencing different types of agni in combination. If this is the case, it will be helpful to consult a medical professional or Ayurvedic specialist to formulate a routine targeted to your specific needs.

Sustainability is a word that we see all around us, used by fashion, wellness and beauty brands and environmental justice organizations alike. Given how commonly the term is invoked, it can be hard to know what sustainability really means—both on a large scale and in individual contexts. 

One of the most commonly cited definitions of sustainability is that of the UN World Commission on Environment and Development, which states, “sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” This development is both economic and environmental, working to redress global economic inequity and to combat the negative effects of industrial development and climate change. It is also first and foremost centered on promoting the long-term wellbeing of life, both human and nonhuman, on this planet. 

As consumers, many of us want to make a statement with our practices by supporting businesses that are sustainable. However, a lot of the time there isn’t too much transparency around what being sustainable means: Is this brand sourcing and producing materials using sustainable production practices? Do they give fair wages and benefits to their employees? Do they give back to the communities in which they are based? It is important and necessary that this information is made available, and that we seek it out, in order to make the most informed decisions.

At UMA, we are committed to sustainability on multiple fronts, both in terms of economic vitality and the sustainability of our farming and production practices. Here’s how we have and will continue to promote a vision of sustainable beauty and wellness—in concrete terms.

Quality over quantity: We farm our botanicals with patience and care.

At UMA, all of the organic botanicals that make up our carefully-crafted formulas are farmed on the UMA estate in central India, whose 100-acre meadow is rich with nutritious soil. Our farm’s caretakers meticulously and thoroughly select the highest-quality seeds, and from planting to harvest our crops are given attentive care. Furthermore, each plant is only harvested up to two times before re-planting, ensuring that we are not only extracting the finest ingredients, but also that we are honoring the life of these plants —not exploiting them or over-extracting from the environment. 

These practices take time and individualized effort; they’re not mass-farmed, nor are they optimized for the fastest and highest output. The quality of the results have set us apart from other producers, which is why we’ve been chosen as the supplier of organic oils to brands like Tom Ford and Estée Lauder. We prioritize quality over quantity or speed, caring for each plant so that it yields the most high-impact, effective botanicals in a way that respects and sustains the environment.

Combating the gender gap: We promote gender equality in the workforce. 

Attaining financial autonomy is a crucial step in empowering and promoting women’s independence from abusive domestic situations, unfair workplace expectations, difficult childcare duties and more. Especially given that we are based in India, where, especially in the agriculture industry, significant gender-based pay gaps are the norm, here at UMA we take several steps to promote women’s financial autonomy. 

First, over half of our employees are women, and they are paid commensurately with their male counterparts. 

Second, we offer additional benefits like childcare services, education programs and generous pension plans so that our employees can have the foundational tools that are necessary to establish financial independence. 

Third, we promote female artisanship throughout our products. Even our reusable packaging is hand-sewn and embroidered by our female artisans in India. 

Beyond the brand: We reinvest in our local community.

For us at UMA, sustainability extends beyond our internal production and labor practices. We recognize that we operate our farms and distilleries within a rural community in central India, and that we have a responsibility to give back to that community. 

On average, we reinvest one-third of our annual profits into our local community. This takes many forms: we operate a free health clinic, we provide resources for treating the common genetic blood disorder Thalasemmia, we offer academic scholarships for students that enable them to pursue higher education and more. By investing in the community, we can make sure that our practices are not only internally sustainable, but that we can operate alongside the community in mutual harmony and growth.

Truly clean beauty: We avoid pesticides and repurpose waste.

As we’ve already mentioned, our farming practices are slow, loving and sustainable. We further promote the production of high-quality, effective botanicals by not using pesticides or synthetic additives. In addition, we repurpose much of our waste for other products, like incense, or as fuel for our distilleries.

For us, sustainability is not an abstract, lofty ideal or a hazy concept—it requires a set of concrete practices that aim to promote economic, environmental and human equity in a thoughtful and deliberate manner. We believe that we can truly make an impact that begins locally and extends globally. Here at UMA, sustainability is a priority and an ongoing practice: we are constantly striving to understand our own place in the environment and to improve our practices for a more livable, harmonious future.

Ayurvedic treatments center around bringing your dosha into balance. So what are doshas? In Ayurveda, it is believed that the five elements—earth, fire, water, air and ether—manifest within the body as doshas. There are three doshas (also known as body types or energies): vata, pitta and kapha. While most people have a combination of doshas within them, we all have a prominent dosha that makes up our individual constitution. Knowing your prominent dosha is key to treating your body and well-being most effectively. Any ailment you may have, whether it is a stomach ache or stress, can be explained by dosha imbalance. Ayurvedic practices can thus be used to treat an imbalance in doshas.

As mentioned, we all have a small bit of each dosha within our bodies. So even though one is more likely to experience an imbalance in one’s predominant dosha (i.e., a pitta type is likely to have pitta-imbalance issues), one can also experience an imbalance in one of the other two doshas. Imbalances within non-predominant doshas can sometimes happen due to external triggers such as changing seasons. For instance, although kapha types are more susceptible to depression in the winter, many vata and pitta types can also experience it.

Before delving further, we recommend first determining your dosha; a few resources we like: take our online quiz, or another quiz such as Mind Body Green's - here; review our blog post and our podcast on understanding each dosha. Understanding one's dominant dosha can be a journey as sometimes, as noted above, a non-dominant dosha can present as dominant when it is out of balance (a change in one's diet habits, changes to your environment such as move or a job change, etc.) - so we recommend revisiting the resources periodically over a 3-6 week timeframe to establish what your true dosha might be. Seeing a trained Ayurvedic physician is another great way to 

VATA

Vata types tend to be very creative spirits—they are often lively, enthusiastic, and often restless or anxious when they find themselves out of balance. Vata skin tends to be dry, thin, and often rough, while hair is brittle and frizzy.  

Diet

Avoid:

• Cold/frozen foods (including chilled beverages)
• Dry foods (like popcorn and crackers)
• Grains
• Stimulants (such as coffee)

Eat:

• Oily, moist, and smooth foods
• Warm or hot liquids (like soup and stew)
• Avocado, coconut, olives, buttermilk, cheese, eggs, whole milk, wheat, nuts, seeds, berries, melons, summer squash, zucchini and yogurt
• Green grapes, oranges, and pineapple (in small quantities)

Skincare

Vata skin tends to be dry, rough and darker in tone. Cool and often thin to the touch, Vata type skin is especially vulnerable to excessive dryness, flakiness, even eczema during times of stress.

Because Vata types are more likely to have dry skin, it is crucial to protect it from extreme temperatures and keep it well moisturized. One can do this by drinking plenty of water in order to keep the body hydrated, as well as properly moisturizing the skin. Adding natural hydration boosters such as rose water (instead of an alcohol based toner) can be tremendously helpful in promoting the skin’s natural moisture barrier. One should also avoid traditionally drying cleansers that are often soap-based. Try nut powders, oats and honey as an alternative. Aloe vera gel or cream may also be used to gently massage and add extra moisture to the facial skin. Antioxidant- and oil-rich avocado has a number of benefits for the skin, and is chock full of healthy fatty acids and vitamins. Try this: mash up an avocado into a smooth paste and apply it evenly to the face. Once it dries (in roughly 15 minutes), rinse off with cold water. Face oils are especially beneficial to this skin type to aid and restore the skin’s natural lipid barrier. 

Well-Being

Vata types are more prone to anxiety and stress, so it is important to take care of oneself even in high-pressure moments. Because vata people often have trouble sleeping, it is beneficial to go to bed earlier and take time to calm nerves through meditation. Also, try rubbing your feet with sesame oil at bedtime for a more restful night of sleep. Vata types will also derive tremendous benefit from head stands, backward bends, ploughs, cobra, locust and lotus poses.

PITTA

Pitta-dominant people can have controlling and jealous personality traits, but they are also often courageous, articulate, ambitious and witty. Pitta skin tends to be smooth, oily, and warm and sensitive (especially in the sun).

Diet

Avoid:

• Pungent/sour vegetables (like tomatoes, hot peppers, carrots, beets, eggplant, onions, radishes and spinach)
• Fruits (such as grapefruits, apricots and berries)
• Spices (like ginger, cumin, black pepper, fenugreek and cloves )
• Chili peppers and cayenne
• Beef, eggs and seafood
• Buckwheat, corn, millet and brown rice
• Oils of corn, mustard and sesame

Eat:

• Bland vegetables (like asparagus, cucumbers, sweet potatoes, leafy greens, etc.)
• Predominantly sweet fruits (such as grapes, melon, cherries, mango, etc.)
• Soothing spices (coriander, cardamom, saffron, and fennel)
• Virgin coconut oil, olive oil, sunflower oil and ghee
• Wheat, white rice, barley and oats
• Turkey, chicken and pheasant (in moderation)

Skincare

Pitta skin is typically soft, oily, fair to pale with a warm complexion. When experiencing an imbalance, this medium-thick type of skin is more prone to rashes, acne and sores.

Pitta skin is also often very sensitive, so it is important to protect it from both environmental toxins and sun exposure. Keep the skin cool and balanced to avoid breakouts and irritation. Sandalwood is deeply healing to Pitta skin and can be integrated either in the form of oil or paste.

Well-Being

Because Pitta types are often controlling in nature, it is important to remember to let go of things from time to time. Coconut oil self-massages (try them as a pre-shower ritual in the morning!) can help cool the mind and body. Maintaining a regular routine and practicing yoga will also help alleviate stress for Pitta types. Pitta imbalances can be corrected by practicing shoulder stands, half wheel, hidden lotus and fish poses.

KAPHA

Those with a kapha-dominant dosha generally possess a calm energy, but are often slow to accept change. They are caring and thoughtful, but their feelings are often hurt easily. Kapha skin is thick, oily, often pale, and prone to blemishes.

Diet

Avoid:

• Fruits (like oranges, bananas, avocados, pineapples, peaches, melons, dates and figs)
• Avoid juicy, sweet vegetables such as zucchini, tomatoes (with the exception of cooked tomatoes), sweet potatoes, tapioca, and other tubers
• Grains of oats, rice, and wheat
• Traditional fats such as dairy, nuts and most oils

Eat:

• Light, pungent, astringent, and bitter foods
• Apples, pears, pomegranates, cranberries, and apricots
• Spices like ginger, pepper, cayenne, and black mustard
• Chicken, turkey, seafood, and eggs
• Buckwheat, rye, millet, and corn
• Clarified butter (sparingly) instead of oils
• Sunflower and pumpkin seeds

Skincare

Kapha skin is thick, oily, usually very light and cool to the touch. During instances of imbalance, Kapha skin tends to most show enlarged pores, blackheads and water retention.

It is important for kapha types to detox (both internally and externally) to avoid breakouts from toxins that often cause irritation and blemishes. Try this at-home facial: gently scrub the face with a mixture of sea salt and honey, then steam it with a combination of water and mint leaves. Massage the face with a concoction of aloe vera and turmeric paste, then apply a mask consisting of clay (preferably kaolene), honey and rose water. Using clarifying skincare products and eating a well-balanced diet will also help keep Kapha skin in check. 

Well-Being

Repressed emotions can cause many problems for kapha types, which can result in stress, emotional attachment and complacency. For kapha people, it is important to regularly exercise (to avoid being too stagnant) and wake up early. Within yoga, boat, lion, palm tree, half wheel and spinal twist poses are especially beneficial for Kapha types.

Sandalwood is one of the most potent and precious essential oils that we use at UMA. Long used by cultures around the world, it's an incredibly rare ingredient that is becoming more and more difficult to find. Allow us to indulge you on a quick virtual trip to India, Sandalwood's native country, to learn more about the ancient history of this small tropical tree and its power-packed oil that boasts unparalleled skin and wellness benefits. 

Origins

Indian Sandalwood has sacred roots. A medium-sized evergreen and tropical hardwood tree, it has been growing on plantations in India for centuries. The rich, fragrant wood and its oil is esteemed and used in in various social and religious rituals throughout India and other parts of Asia, as well as Egypt, Greece, and Rome. It was common to see large caravans laden with rich sandalwood traveling about. Woven around its essence has always been a cloak of regality.

Roughly 250 years ago the Indian government began to closely regulate sandalwood. Only estates that were already established, which included the Uma Estate, were allowed to grow it. Regulations have loosened in the last ten years, but governmental restrictions still mandate who can and cannot harvest and sell sandalwood. This makes real sandalwood oil a true luxury.

Harvesting and Distillation

Once the sandalwood trees have reach maturity and been harvested, keeping the valuable oil-rich roots intact, they're ready for extraction. Extracting the essential oil from sandalwood tree requires a lengthy, intensive steam distillation. Given the high upfront investment cost and extended lifecycle of the tree, few have wanted to dip their toe into the specialized farming that sandalwood requires.

Skin and Health Benefits

All this talk of government regulation and intense farming investments likely begs the question: Why does the Uma Estate continue producing sandalwood essential oil? The answer lies in the oil’s incredible benefits. Intensely moisturizing and incredibly brightening, sandalwood works in harmony with your dermis’ natural processes to boost luminosity. Studies shows the phytochemicals also reduce inflammation and treat various skin ailments including acne. It is the secret to dewy, luminous, youthful skin, which is why we incorporate it into our like Ultimate Brightening Face Oil, Absolute Anti Aging Face Oil, Total Rejuvenation Night Face Oil. Beauty Boosting Day Face Oil, and Absolute Anti-Aging Body Oil. 

Aromatherapeutic Benefits:

Various cultures and religions have incorporated sandalwood oil into their religion and social rituals because of its rich, sweet, indulgent aroma. In India, Ayurvedic practitioners have been incorporating it in their treatments for centuries. It's also a coveted ingredient used in Aromatherapy today. Sandalwood actually regulates the body’s limbic system, which regulates emotion and stores memories and is tied to the part of your the brain that controls the sense of smell. (All over, it’s pretty crucial to your mental and emotional wellbeing.) Using sandalwood essential oil in aromatherapy can reduce tension and anxiety by regulating emotional control aspects of the limbic system. It’s one our favorite ingredients for wellness oils, which is why we made sure to include it on our wellness blends: Pure Calm, Pure Bliss and Gorgeous for Good. 

1. Anti Aging and Brightening Face Oil Duo - Uma Oils - $285
2. Artemis Choker - BaubleBar, $48
3. Deeply Clarifying Face Mask - Uma Oils, $70
4. Terez Performance Capri - Goop, $75
5. Absolute Anti Aging Eye Oil - Uma Oils, $105

1. On the Rocks Drink Chiller Set with 2 Glasses - Bambeco, $42
2. Total Rejuvenation Night Face Oil - Uma Oils, $150
3. Tile Mate 1-Pack - The Tile App, $25
4. Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry Into Values - Amazon, $8 
5. Pure Energy and Pure Rest Duo - Uma Oils, $140

One of the most potent, and precious, essential oils that we use is sandalwood. It’s a rare ingredient that is difficult to find now, even though it has had a long history of use in cultures around the world. This week, we’re taking you on a virtual trip to India so you can discover the history behind this power-packed ingredient.

Origins:

Sandalwood is truly an ingredient with ancient, even sacred, roots. Sandalwood is native to India and was popular in ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome. Imagine this: caravans laden with rich sandalwood were a common sight centuries ago because of its prevalence in social and religious rituals. Egyptians even used it in embalming. Roughly 250 years ago sandalwood became closely regulated by the Indian government, to the point where only already-established plantations, like the Uma Estate, were allowed to grow it. Though regulations have loosened in the last 7-8 years, sandalwood oil is still hard to come by, meaning products featuring real sandalwood are a true luxury.

Growth/Distillation:

Indian sandalwood plantations have been growing the tree for centuries, using the same painstaking, patience-testing process. Sandalwood trees take roughly 15 years to mature, which requires growers to carefully plan when, and how, they will harvest the tree’s wood. (To put that in perspective, your typical essential oil crop takes only 1-2 years to mature.) Also, and this may seem a tad obvious, but sandalwood is a tree not a farm crop, so there is a significant acreage investment just to plant it. And that’s just the growing process!

To extract sandalwood essential oil for beauty products, sandalwood must undergo a lengthy steam distillation. Despite the fact that regulations have loosened recently, given the high upfront investment cost and extended lifecycle of the tree, few have wanted to dip their toe into the specialized farming that sandalwood requires.

Benefits for your Skin:

All this talk of government regulation and intense farming investments probably begs the question, why does the Uma Estate continue producing sandalwood essential oil? The answer lies in the oil’s incredible benefits, which makes it one of the highest quality beauty ingredients. Sandalwood essential oil is intensely moisturizing, and its most notable benefit is its ability to brighten skin—it works in harmony with your dermis’ natural processes to boost luminosity. Added bonus: it has properties that reduce inflammation. In layman's terms? That leads to a more even-toned, younger complexion! It’s no wonder we include it in our face oils, like Ultimate Brightening, Absolute Anti Aging, Total Rejuvenation Night Face Oil and Beauty Boosting Day Face Oil.

Aromatherapeutic Benefits:

With a sweet, rich aroma, sandalwood essential oil has been used extensively in social and religious rituals. In India, it’s known for its incredible Ayurvedic benefits. Today, it’s also a coveted ingredient used in Aromatherapy since sandalwood actually regulates the body’s limbic system. We won’t get into the complexities, but, the basic functions of the limbic system are to regulate emotion and store memories—and it’s tied to the part of your brain that controls sense of smell. All over, it’s pretty crucial to your mental and emotional well being. Using sandalwood essential oil in aromatherapy can reduce tension and anxiety by regulating emotional control aspects of the limbic system. It’s one our favorite ingredients for wellness oils, which is why we made sure to include it on our wellness blends: Pure Calm, Pure Bliss and Gorgeous for Good all boast this incredible ingredient.

Other Places to Find Sandalwood:

Besides high-end skincare and aromatherapy oils, sandalwood can be found in many exclusive perfumes and soaps. Perfume lovers will find it to be the perfect spring and summer scent, with a plethora of luxury options to choose from.

SHOP NOW

Our Anti Aging Plump and Repair Face Cream is not just an ordinary beauty product. It is the result of years of research and development, creating a luxurious, elegant, and sophisticated formula that truly works wonders on your skin.

Our Ayurvedic experts have decades of experience dedicated to understanding the core contributors to aging skin and how best to combat it. We have carefully selected the most potent and effective ingredients from the meadows of UMA in India, combined with innovative technology, to create a product that delivers exceptional results.

Understanding the Aging Process

Before we explore the ingredients behind our Anti-Aging Plump and Repair Face Cream, let's delve into the fascinating process of skin aging. As time passes, our body's production of collagen and elastin gradually declines, leading to a loss of elasticity and firmness in our skin. This, in turn, manifests as the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin.

Additionally, the skin's natural ability to retain moisture diminishes as we age, resulting in dryness and a lackluster complexion. Environmental factors like UV rays, pollution, and stress can further expedite this process, causing additional damage to our skin.

By understanding these intricacies, we can appreciate the importance of our Anti-Aging Plump and Repair Face Cream in combating the signs of aging and restoring a youthful radiance to our skin.

Our Revolutionary Formula

SHOP UMA'S ABSOLUTE ANTI AGING PLUMP AND REPAIR FACE CREAM

To combat these signs of aging, our team of experts has developed a revolutionary formula that addresses the root causes of aging skin. Our Anti-Aging Plump and Repair Face Cream contains a powerful blend of ingredients that work together to nourish, hydrate, and rejuvenate your skin.

•  Lotus Extract: A Remarkable Ingredient [1]

Lotus extract possesses extraordinary properties that combat wrinkles, provide antioxidants, and reduce inflammation, making it an excellent addition to any face cream. Our UMA Absolute Anti-Aging Plump and Repair Face Cream incorporates pure lotus extract to effectively repair skin damage caused by free radicals and soothe inflammation. This potent ingredient deeply hydrates and nourishes the skin, leaving it irresistibly soft and supple.

• Ceramides: Restoring Skin's Protective Barrier [2]

Ceramides play a crucial role in maintaining the skin's protective barrier, shielding it from environmental stressors and retaining essential moisture. However, as we age, the levels of ceramides in our skin decline, resulting in dryness and a lackluster complexion. Fear not, for our UMA Absolute Anti-Aging Plump and Repair Face Cream is here to save the day. Packed with ceramide-rich ingredients, this miraculous cream restores the skin's protective barrier, preventing moisture loss and enhancing skin texture.

• Turmeric Extract: Harnessing Nature's Power [3]

Turmeric extract, a cornerstone of Ayurvedic medicine, is renowned for its remarkable anti-inflammatory properties. This extraordinary ingredient offers a multitude of benefits, including skin brightening, fading dark spots, and diminishing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Our UMA Absolute Anti-Aging Plump and Repair Face Cream harnesses the power of turmeric extract to effectively counteract the signs of aging and restore a radiant glow to the skin.

• Vitamin E: Defense Against Environmental Stressors [4]

Vitamin E is a trusted skincare ingredient known for its powerful antioxidant properties. It effectively shields the skin from environmental stressors like pollution and UV radiation, which can accelerate the aging process. The UMA Absolute Anti-Aging Plump and Repair Face Cream boasts elevated levels of this essential nutrient, enhancing skin vitality and preventing premature signs of aging.

• Hyaluronic Acid: The Hydration Powerhouse [5]

Hyaluronic acid has gained popularity as a skincare ingredient due to its remarkable ability to retain up to 1000 times its weight in water, making it an exceptional hydrating agent. As we age, the skin's natural production of hyaluronic acid diminishes, resulting in dryness and the appearance of fine lines. The UMA Absolute Anti-Aging Plump and Repair Face Cream incorporates hyaluronic acid to elevate moisture levels and deliver a plumping effect that leaves the skin looking revitalized and youthful.

• Gotu Kola: Nature's Rejuvenator [6], [7]

Gotu Kola, a medicinal plant with centuries of use in both traditional and scientific medicine, boasts remarkable benefits. Renowned for its hydrating properties, it is infused with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that enhance circulation and promote collagen production. This, in turn, leads to firmer, more youthful skin. UMA Absolute Anti-Aging Plump and Repair Face Cream harnesses the rejuvenating power of Gotu Kola to revitalize your skin.

With our Anti-Aging Plump and Repair Face Cream, you can bid farewell to dull, dry skin and embrace a radiant, youthful complexion. Our luxurious formula combines the best of nature and science to deliver exceptional results. So why wait? Try our Anti-Aging Plump and Repair Face Cream today!

At UMA, we are passionate about the ancient Indian tradition of Ayurveda and its holistic approach to health and wellness. We believe that a balanced mind, body, and spirit is the key to achieving optimal health and happiness.

To help you deepen your understanding of Ayurveda, we have created our new Wellness Hub – a comprehensive resource that will take you on a journey through the wisdom and practices of this ancient science.

UMA's New Wellness Hub is a treasure trove of valuable resources, designed to cater to all your informational needs. Dive into a world of knowledge with our collection of insightful blogs where you can explore topics ranging from Health and beauty to the healing properties of herbs and spices to the intricacies of Ayurvedic treatment. Immerse yourself in the captivating realm of rituals, anatomy, and psychology, and unravel the fascinating world of Ayurvedic psychology and the workings of the mind. With engaging podcasts and expert advice at your fingertips, the possibilities for expanding your understanding are endless. Visit our exceptional glossary section, meticulously curated to cover a wide array of subjects, and unlock a deeper level of insight and appreciation.

As you embark on this journey with us, it's important to familiarize yourself with some key terms and concepts that are integral to Ayurveda. In this glossary, we have compiled an extensive list of words that you will frequently come across in your journey of Ayurveda.

	Ayurveda:  Often referred to as the "science of life", Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of holistic medicine that believes in treating the root cause of diseases rather than just the symptoms. It emphasizes maintaining a balance between mind, body, and spirit for overall well-being.
	Dosha: According to Ayurveda, there are three doshas or energies – Vata (air and space), Pitta (fire and water), and Kapha (earth and water) – that are present in every individual in varying proportions. An imbalance of these doshas is believed to lead to illness.
	Dinacharya: This refers to the daily routine or regimen followed in Ayurveda for optimal health. It includes practices such as waking up early, tongue scraping, oil pulling, and yoga.
	Panchakarma: A cleansing and rejuvenation therapy in Ayurveda that involves five different procedures – Vamana (emesis), Virechana (purgation), Basti (enema), Nasya (nasal administration of medication), and Raktamoskshana (bloodletting). It aims to remove toxins from the body and restore balance.
	Rasayana: This is a specialized branch of Ayurveda that focuses on rejuvenation and longevity. It involves the use of herbs, minerals, and other natural substances to promote overall well-being and slow down the aging process.
	Ahara: In Ayurvedic terms, ahara refers to food and diet. It emphasizes consuming fresh, nourishing, and easily digestible foods that are suitable for one's dosha type.
	Marma points: These are specific energy points in the body where physical and emotional stress can get trapped. In Ayurveda, marma points are stimulated through massage to release tension and promote overall well-being.
	Prakriti:  Prakriti is one's unique physical, mental, and emotional constitution that is determined at birth. It is believed to be a combination of the three doshas in varying proportions and plays a crucial role in understanding one's Ayurvedic treatment plan.
	Srotas: Srotas are channels or pathways in the body through which substances such as food, air, and emotions flow. In Ayurveda, keeping these channels clear and balanced is important for maintaining overall health.
	Triphala: A popular herbal formula in Ayurveda made of three fruits – Amalaki (Indian gooseberry), Bibhitaki (Bahera), and Haritaki (Harde) – known for its rejuvenating and detoxifying properties. It is often used to promote digestion and support the immune system.
	Udvartana: This Ayurvedic massage technique involves using an herbal powder mix to stimulate circulation, remove toxins, and reduce cellulite. It is believed to improve skin health and promote overall well-being.
	Vastu Shastra: An ancient Indian science of architecture that focuses on creating a harmonious living space by aligning the energies of the environment with those of the individual. It is believed to enhance overall health, well-being, and prosperity.

 As you continue your journey into Ayurveda with Uma Oils' New WellnessHub, we hope this serves as a helpful guide in deepening your understanding and appreciation for this ancient science. Discover more wisdom and insights as you delve into our engaging resources, and elevate your well-being with the luxurious and sophisticated approach of Ayurveda. 

Do you spend a lot of time considering the colors of your clothing, walls, and other interior components? Do pastel-colored walls make you feel at ease, and do you reach for that white sundress on a hot summer day because your brain somehow connects it to a cooling sensation?

"Our relationship with color has evolved alongside our cultures, religions, and lives,” says color therapy expert Walaa Al Muhaiteeb.

Color has long been thought by artists and interior designers to have a significant impact on moods, sentiments, and emotions. Given that the psychological impacts of color alone affect can up to 90% of instantaneous judgments, it is important to understand how colors may impact your mood, emotions and life in general. Here, we share the Ayurvedic perspective.

Colors and the Doshas:

In Ayurveda, we believe in the philosophy of “like increases like”. Therefore, you must Choose colors that balance your dosha rather than enhancing it. For instance, if you have a fiery pitta personality type and paint your entire house bright yellow and red, it can intensify and aggravate your Pitta dosha. The same holds true for earth tones for kapha and deep purples for vata.

Vata (Ether + Air)
Choose: Warm hues like oranges, golds, and yellows energize and ground Vatas.
Reject: Blacks and greys decrease vitality. Neons and excessively bright colors aggravate the nervous system.

Pitta (Fire + Water)
Choose: Cooling and calming hues are balancing for the Pitta fire, including pastels, white, silver, and neutrals.
Reject: Too warm or bright colors. These increase heat, impatience and anger.

Kapha (Water+Earth)
Choose: Bright hues that contrast with one another, such as red, orange, and yellow, encourage mental flexibility and equilibrium.
Reject: Too many sweet or light colors such as white, silver, pink and baby blues increase Kapha. Deep dark colors are also heavy and increase Kapha.

Colors and the Gunas:

Sattva: White, gold and blue represent sattva gunas. They symbolize harmony with nature, peace and purity.

Rajas: Shades of red, green and violet represent the rajas guna. While red is infamously associated with anger, Wearing rajasic colors can increase stimulation in the aura. Depending on your constitution, some may cause you to feel more anxious or disturbed.

Tamasa: These colors are gloomy, bland, and murky. Too many tamasic hues, such as browns, blacks, and greys, make one feel heavy and lifeless within. They are beneficial in moderation but harmful in excess.

Additional tips to manage the gunas:

• The Gunas and Food
• Combat Stagnation and Brain Fog by Balancing Tamas

While the use of color is often based on personal preference and opinion, it is interesting to consider how colors may be used to create a desired mood or feeling in an environment. The next time you are considering painting your walls, changing your bedspread, or purchasing a new outfit, take into account the Ayurvedic perspective on colors and their effects. What color do you want to wear today?

1. Pure Bliss Wellness Oil - Uma Oils, $49
2. NOURISH Print - Mystic Mamma, $88
3. SG Hamsa iPhone Case Gold - Spiritual Gangster, $28
4. Stress Less Mala - Blooming Lotus Jewelry, $108
5. Pure Energy and Pure Calm Duo - Uma Oils, $120

1. Slip Silk Sleepmask - Sephora, $45
2. Deep Nourish Extreme Dryness Treatment - Uma Oils, $55
3. Seeker Painted Notebook - Moglea, $22
4. Wellness Oil Trial Kit - Uma Oils, $45
5. ME05 Earphones - Master & Dynamic, $200
6. Deeply Clarifying Discovery Kit - Uma Oils, $120

So we bring you eight very simple - and highly potent - DIY honey and lemon masks for a radiant complexion.

Please note: Some skins are sensitive to lemon juice so please patch test on another area - such as the inside of your elbow - before applying lemon juice to the face. Most skins are sensitive to sun exposure after application of lemon juice so please do not venture outside with these masks on, and wear appropriate sun protection (hats and SPF!) after you have just used one of these amazing masks!

Optional: Before applying a mask, use the steam from a bowl of hot boiling water to open up the pores of your skin. After rinsing off the mask, wash your face with cold water to close the pores.

1. Honey and Lemon juice mask

This mask uses a combination of honey and lemon only. Squeeze out lemon juice from half a lemon and mix it with one tablespoon of organic honey. Mix well and apply over the face and neck. Avoid the area near your eyes. After 20 minutes, wash with warm water, then with cold water. Dry the face by patting with a soft towel.

Try our favorite Ultimate Brightening Face Mask for a better effect of anti-aging and brighter skin tone. This fast-acting mask contains honey and powerful citrus botanicals. It instantly enhances dry, dull skin, resulting in a luminous complexion and a coveted dewy glow. Legendary sandalwood powder deeply calms and renews skin’s flawlessness instantly.

2. Cucumber, turmeric and lemon juice

This mask is for people with oily skin. This mask helps in lightening dark spots and acne scars, as well as  soothing sunburn. Peel a cucumber and slice off the ends. Cut the cucumber into small pieces and use a blender (or simply chop the cucumber very finely if a blender is not available) to make a pulpy mixture. Take a tablespoon of this mixture, a teaspoon of lemon juice and optionally, a pinch of organic turmeric powder. Mix the ingredients well and evenly apply over the face. Leave it on for 15 minutes and allow it to dry. Wash off with cold water. Use daily for a week for best results. For dry skin, add a teaspoon of glycerine to this mix.

3. Gram flour (chickpea powder) with turmeric, lemon juice and honey

This is a universal mask that can be applied to any skin type. Mix one tablespoon of gram flour (or oatmeal, if gram flour is not available) with a teaspoon of lemon juice and a pinch of organic turmeric powder. Make a paste by mixing these ingredients with water (or rose water, if available) and apply to the face. Wash off with cold water after it dries.

Regular application of this mask should help removing acne scars and dark spots from the face. Turmeric is nature’s answer to free radicals and a potent antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral remedy, properties that are invaluable for naturally remedying light bacterial or fungal infections (always see a doctor if you suspect a major bacterial or fungal infection!)

4. Chamomile, Almond oil, Oatmeal and Honey

Brew a pot of chamomile tea and allow it to cool down. Add this to ¼ cup of oatmeal, 2 drops of Almond oil, 2 tablespoons of honey, and make a paste out of it. First, cleanse the facial skin with warm water and then apply the paste to your damp skin. Allow the mask to dry for about 7 minutes before washing off with cold water. An excellent natural exfoliant, this mask helps remove dead cells and leaves your skin incredibly soft.

To draw out impurities from deep within the pores try our new Deeply Clarifying Face Mask. While detoxifying skin instantly, this legendary formula promotes the skin’s natural turnover and cleansing functions, providing benefits for days after use.

5. Green tea with honey

Green tea is full of antioxidants that combat the damages caused by free radicals and helps skin rejuvenation. Getting those antioxidants working on your face is an easy fix using just a few ingredients from your pantry. Take a tea bag, cut it open and mix with 2 tablespoons of organic honey. Apply this to the face and leave it for 15 minutes before washing off warm water. The mask removes dark spots on the skin, calms inflammations, prevents blackheads and helps give your face a radiant glow!

To slow down signs of aging try our signature anti-aging face mask.

6. Banana, cinnamon and honey

This is a great mask to combat dry skin during the winter (or during the changing Fall weather!). Take half a banana and mash it into an even consistency. Then add 2 tbsp of organic honey and ½ tbsp of finely ground cinnamon powder. Mix to create a soft paste. Wash the face with warm water to cleanse, apply the paste with your fingers and allow it to dry for 20-30 minutes before rinsing off. Cinnamon not only opens up the pores on the skin for better penetration of the nutrients from the banana and honey, but also helps fight blemishes on the skin. Adding the banana soothes the dry skin while honey fights free radical damage and exerts antibacterial action.

7. Lemon and milk

Both lemon and milk contain alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) that promote dead cell removal. Combining these inexpensive, readily available ingredients has excellent skin brightening properties. Take 2 tbsp of whole milk (go with the whole milk only as it yields better results than skim milk) and add 2 tsp of lemon juice. Mix the ingredients and allow it to stand at room temperature for four hours. During this period, the milk will break down and form a fresh curd that may be applied to a clean face. Leave this mixture on the face for about 15 minutes and then wash off with cold water.

8. Avocado with honey

Avocados are super fruits that pack a punch: iron, potassium, calcium, sodium, copper, magnesium, and more! They also contains vitamins A, B, E and K. Avocados make for great mask ingredients, as they tend to moisturize the skin deeply. Avocados also protect the skin from solar radiation and help decrease inflammation caused by eczema, psoriasis and acne.

Cut up an avocado, and discard the pit. Scoop out the avocado into a bowl and mash it with your hands. Add 15 ml honey to this mashed avocado and mash until you get a paste like consistency. Apply this to the face in slow, circular, upward moving strokes and leave it for 15 minutes. Rinse with cold water. This mask can be made in bulk as it can be stored for up to 5 days in the fridge.

The benefits of a good night’s sleep go beyond keeping you energized for the day and erasing under eye bags. Getting an adequate amount of shut-eye is crucial for boosting your mood, immune system and mental functions. Sleep strengthens the memories or skills acquired while awake, whether it is a new language or a new dance move. It can also improve your learning skills and attention span, encouraging a sharper mental focus and alertness. Getting fewer hours of sleep has also been shown to increase blood pressure and inflammation in your body, leading to increased risk of heart disease and stroke. Enough sleep has been linked to weight loss as quality sleep ensures quality metabolism. The average person should sleep around 7.5 hours a night.

Despite this knowing all of this, we understand that the stress and static of daily life often get in the way of proper rest. Here are some of the best natural remedies for sleep:

A Good Night’s Feast

Certain foods that contain particular amino acids and vitamins can help ease your way into dreamland. If you are craving a bedtime snack, try these superfoods 1-2 hours before bedtime in small portions so as not to tax your digestive system:

• Dairy foods like greek yogurt, milk and cheese contain tryptophan, which boosts serotonin levels and enhances sleepiness. Other tryptophan-rich foods include walnuts, bananas and eggs.
• Eat carbohydrate-rich foods with high glycemic indexes in order to trigger greater amounts of insulin, allowing more tryptophan to reach the brain. Try some jasmine rice, a bowl of cereal, or a slice of bread.
• Vitamin B6-rich foods, such as salmon, halibut and tuna, are essential for making melatonin, which is necessary to reset sleep cycles, improve sleep quality and induce sleepiness. You can also try eating potassium-rich bananas or making a green salad with chickpeas. Kale and collard greens are filled with calcium, which can help the brain use tryptophan to manufacture the melatonin. Try a bowl of fresh cherries for a melatonin boost.
• Magnesium and potassium rich foods can also help replenish electrolytes lost during the day to promote sleep. Try whole wheat grains or almonds, along with bananas or soybeans.
• Sip a cup of caffeine free herbal tea in order to help you unwind and find your center. Chamomile tea, in particular, can relax your muscles and can act as a mild sedative. Mix in a spoonful of honey to raise insulin and allow tryptophan to work more effectively.

Avoid protein rich foods as your bedtime snack because they are harder to digest. Activating your digestive system can disrupt sleep cycles and encourage nighttime trips to the restroom. You should also avoid alcoholic drinks for a good night’s sleep. Though it may help you fall asleep faster, alcohol can induce less restful sleep, night sweats, and headaches. If you are drinking alcohol in the evenings, balance each drink with a glass of water to dilute its effects.

Yoga-t This!

Counting sheep may be an effective method to quiet your mind and let your worries fall away,  but you can also try the right, relaxing yoga poses as the perfect sleep supplement. Yoga before bed has been shown to lower stress levels, relieve tension and calm the mind. The best part? You can do all of these yoga poses in bed!

• Legs Up Against The Wall (Viparita Karani)

Sit facing your wall or headboard at a distance of about 5-6 inches. Lie back and extend your legs up against the wall, letting your arms rest by your sides. Breathe gently and feel the stretch in the backs of your legs. This pose not only calms your mind, but it also relieves tightness and cramping in the legs and back.

• Child’s Pose (Balasana)

Kneel on the floor and sit on your heels. Fold your torso over your bent legs with your arms extended outward or to the sides. Breathing deeply, rest your forehead against the ground. Child’s pose gives us an opportunity to breathe into the back of our torsos and stretch out our spines. It can also ease tension in our thighs and hips while giving you a quiet space to relax.

• Corpse Pose (Savasana)

Lie flat on your back with your arms outward, palms facing up. Let your body relax and feel heavy. Often the last pose of any yoga session, the corpse pose allows your body to focus your attention on your breathing. By focusing the mind, you can more easily let go of the day’s stresses and worries. Get your body into sleep mode with a simple corpse pose, focusing the attention on the body and breath, and letting go of the day's worries.

The necessary sleep hygiene reminders!

You know many of these already, but this post wouldn't be complete without the standard sleep hygiene reminders, so read on! Your nighttime ritual plays a big role in your journey to deep sleep. Try doing the same things each night in order to set your body on the course to unwind. Relaxing, routine activities can help ease the transition between wakefulness and drowsiness. Make sure your bed sheets are breathable and clean to reduce sweat, body odor, and skin irritations. Put away your electronic devices and bright screens, as they can interfere with your sleep cycles. Try a warm bath before bedtime to raise your body temperature. When you get out, you’ll rapidly cool down, mimicking the natural drop in body temperature in your body when you sleep. Add a few drops of relaxing lavender, chamomile or ylang ylang essential oil to your bath or your pillowcase to ease you restful mood and feel refreshed in the morning.

Also, check out our ayurvedic remedy for the best sleep, the Pure Rest Wellness Oil, to unwind and naturally relieve nighttime restlessness!

It’s finally summer and we’re sure that you’re headed to the beach for long afternoons and picnics in the sun! But if you’re anything like us, we sometimes get carried away and play too long - resulting in that dreaded sunburn and the awful accompanying itch and sunburn blisters. Not ones to rely on chemical-laden drugstore sunburn treatments, we asked the Uma wellness experts to come up with the best natural, home remedies for sunburn - and here’s what they came back with!

• Try a remedial wash
  • Raw honey or buttermilk can be applied to the burned area for 15-20 minutes before washing off with cold water to soothe the skin and reduce pain. Infuse ground yarrow or elder flowers and use it as a wash, either with a sponge or in bath water. This can also be done with stinging nettles, chamomile or calendula.
  • A cup of apple cider vinegar in your bath can reduce pain, itching and inflammation with its acetic acid, known for providing potent sunburn relief. You can also add a few drops of lavender oil or bergamot oil into cool or lukewarm water, and get ready for a long soak. Another great sunburn remedy is black or green tea!
• Powerful Poultices can reduce the raw
  • Anti-inflammatory rich calendula can be used to make a great poultice for rapid sunburn relief. This can also be done with a grated cold, raw potato.
• An all natural topical paste or ointment can do wonders
  • The most common (and effective!) sunburn remedy is to cut a mature aloe vera leaf open and apply the thick gel-like juice as a topical ointment 5 times a day. If you don’t have an aloe vera plant on hand, buy a bottle of pure aloe vera with no additives at any drugstore or pharmacy, chill, and apply.
  • Pain can also be mitigated by applying a dab of white vinegar for 20 minutes or by boiling the leaves of lettuce, straining out the water and leaving the liquid to cool in the refrigerator. Use cotton balls to apply to the sunburned surface.
  • Uncooked potato juice or potato slices can be applied to cool and soothe the skin.
  • Cucumbers and cornstarch with water can be made into a paste and applied directly.
  • The astringent tannin in strawberries help to alleviate the sting of sunburn. Mash a cup of ripe strawberries and use it as a balm before rinsing off with fresh, tepid water.
  • Essential oils like coriander oil (diluted for safety in a carrier oil!) can be lightly rubbed onto the sunburned area for a soothing effect. Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral St. Johnswort oil is also a fantastic sunburn relief for burns that have not broken the skin.
• Use a Cold Compress
  • Avoid the formation of sunburn blisters by wrapping oatmeal in a cheesecloth or gauze. After running cold water through it, discard the oatmeal and soak the compresses in the liquid.
  • Witch hazel can also be decocted into a compress and applied to the sunburned area.
  • You can also mix a cup of milk with four cups of water, along with a few ice cubes.
  • Another sunburn relief option is a cloth soaked in epsom salts or baking soda with water. Apply the compresses every two to four hours.

After using these sunburn remedies, be sure not to leave the treated skin dry. Apply cool moisturizer (refrigerate it for added coolness!) or some bath oil (lavender essential oil works wonders - but don’t forget to safely dilute it first!) for added relief.

At peril of stating the obvious, don’t forget to still apply sunscreen before stepping out again to prevent further irritation and burning. For lasting sun damage like wrinkles, brown spots or fine lines, try these 5 powerful tips!

We’ve treated the outside, but don’t forget the insides! Sunburn is a sure sign of dehydration, an imbalance in your body, that can be reset with drinking water and other liquids. Try drinking an infusion of cooling peppermint or spearmint tea. The cooling properties of peppermint will increase blood flow to the burned area, help sooth the inflammation, and speed up healing. Foods high in water content like watermelon, honeydew, beets and cantaloupe can also keep you hydrated. Check out these other creative ways to stay hydrated throughout the stifling summer heat! Also, don’t forget to check out Uma’s anti-inflammatory, lavender rich Beauty Boosting Face Oil to minimize redness and promote rapid skin repair!

Vitamin C has long been hailed as the key to fending off pesky colds and enhancing immune function – hence the ubiquitous glass of orange juice at breakfast tables worldwide! Vitamin C isn’t just for fighting off the sniffles, however – so we’ve put together a comprehensive list of the internal and external benefits of vitamin C.

Body 

Our body doesn’t store vitamin C, so we need to consume it every day to get its benefits. A healthy vitamin C intake will provide you with a boost of antioxidants, which, in turn, will preserve your cardiovascular and immune health.

Free Radicals

The antioxidants present in vitamin C show signs of protecting the body from toxins and harmful molecules known as free radicals, preventing a build up that could potentially lead to serious illnesses like cancer. It is well known that antioxidants also act as an anti-inflammatory, essential in treating chronic diseases and preventing episodes like heart failure and stroke.

Collagen

Vitamin C promotes collagen production, which aids the body in repairing tissue and supporting bones and organs. Collagen gives skin elasticity, which can be negatively affected by environmental pollutants – meaning it’s imperative to encourage the body’s natural collagen production functions.

Antihistamine

As most of us know, vitamin C helps to alleviate symptoms of the common cold by acting as an antihistamine – however, it’s now believed to help in treatment of allergies and respiratory conditions like asthma, too.

Iron Absorption

Vitamin C also enhances the body’s ability to absorb iron. People who are anemic or pregnant are encouraged to increase their intake of vitamin C, in order to boost their iron levels. Next time you’re feeling fatigued, try a combination of foods rich in both iron and vitamin C to combat your lack of energy!

Skin and Hair

Collagen (again!)

Collagen’s tissue repairing effects are important for maintaining healthy skin, too! Just as collagen benefits the body internally, it works wonders externally as a natural skin care product. Collagen creates tension and plumpness in the skin, for a wrinkle-reducing and anti-aging effect.

Sun Protection

Sun exposure can encourage the development of free radicals on the skin, damaging it in the short and long term. Regular vitamin C intake will fight off these free radicals, mitigating sun damage and discoloration. Sunscreen is still key – so don’t forget your SPF!

Moisture

Vitamin C isn’t a moisturizer on its own, but it enhances oxygen absorption into the bloodstream, helping to minimize unwanted blemishes and make skin look radiant in the process.

Improves Hair Growth

A lack of vitamin C serum can lead to dry hair and split ends – the antioxidant properties of vitamin C promote healthy hair, and in turn ensure consistent hair growth.

Best Sources of Vitamin C

The synthetic vitamin C oil we usually see at the supermarket doesn’t metabolize well in the body, so it’s best to go with natural sources (internally and externally) whenever possible.

Diet

First of all, there are the usual vitamin C-rich suspects, like oranges, kiwis, and berries. However, there are many more under-the-radar fruits and vegetables packed with this powerful vitamin! Green vegetables like broccoli and kale are a great way to add vitamin C to salads and entrees, and if you want a change of pace, tropical fruits like papaya and guava are great sources of it as well. Many foods rich in vitamin C are light, and easy to digest, which makes them even easier to incorporate into daily snacks and meals. Make sure not to overcook these fruits and vegetables, as excessive heat can minimize vitamin C content!

Neroli Oil and Orange Oil

While citrus essential oils have relatively low amounts of Vitamin C in and of themselves, research indicates that they can boost the absorption of Vitamin C within the body and are excellent compliments to your natural Vitamin-C intake!

Neroli is an essential oil that is renowned for its anti-aging properties when used on the skin. To begin with, its aromatherapy effect soothes the mind and minimizes physical tension, meaning a reduction in wrinkles and frown lines. It is a strong anti-inflammatory agent, and it also has an antiseptic effect on the skin, for blemish and acne fighting. Neroli is also a great way to minimize scarring and signs of trauma, such as acne scars and stretch marks.

Orange essential oil is becoming increasingly popular amongst health aficionados looking for ways to boost their immune system. A drop of orange oil added to food or beverages is shown to reduce stress and anxiety, helping to calm both the mind and the body. Applied directly onto skin, orange oil helps to remove dead skin and provide the nutrients the skin needs to retain moisture.

And there you have it – the many benefits of vitamin C, and creative ways to make the most of them (hint: it's not just about the morning glass of OJ anymore!)

For a natural, vitamin C-packed face oil, check out our Absolute Anti Aging blend. 

Aromatherapy is commonly heard and frequently misunderstood, which isn’t all that surprising considering that it is actually thousands of years old. That’s plenty of time to build up some mystique and misconceptions when it comes to a popular “alternative” medicine and the source of the essential oils, used in aromatherapy, and which have potential to enhance both health and beauty. One thing is for sure, though: it works.

Aromatherapy has been in use since the era of ancient civilizations—including the Greeks, Romans and Egyptians—and the discovery of distillation, the process that extracts the fragrant essential oils from the plant (like eucalyptus, lavender, rose, tea tree oil, etc.). Celebrity use of essential oils and aromatherapy isn’t exactly new, either. Queen Nefertiti offered up essential oils to the gods! Paris is rumored to have given Helen of Troy quite the massage using a few drops each of ylang-ylang, clary sage and chamomile… and Cleopatra and Mark Antony, they—well—you get the idea.

Today, the ritual use of aromatherapy is still extensively practiced in India and China, to heal both body and spirit. Western science has linked the practice of aromatherapy and the aromatic compounds within essential oils to overall wellness, as well as beneficial treatments and beauty regimens for common ailments: wrinkles under eyes, getting rid of acne scars, organic hair care, to name a few.

Most anti aging creams that work (products such as organic lotion and organic face moisturizer) use some unique combination of essential oils. Whether you apply these blends directly, through something like massage, or inhale them via a few drops into a hot bath or a cotton ball at your bedside, essential oils will alter your mood positively. They will energize you for the day or relax you before bedtime. Leave you physically aroused, or calm and alert, prepared for some intellectual stimulation.

An added benefit of essential oils are that they are non-habit forming and entirely natural. The only side effect is relief and a synergistic effect: with ample stress relief and better health, you allow yourself to feel and be beautiful.

Psychological and physical wellbeing are intricately tied together; one can influence and sway the other sometimes without our even realizing it. And since mood and mental states can vary frequently or widely, depending on the stress of a given day or where we happen to be in our schedule, it is important to create a consistent routine that alleviates this build-up of stress. And what better way than Aromatherapy?

It’s simple, easy to manage, as it fits neatly into the morning or evening, at the beginning or the end of a long day; and it taps into one of the most primal parts of selves: smell. Our sense of smell, produced by the olfactory gland within the brain, is one of the oldest, most basic of human senses. Smell can evoke some of our strongest memories.

Essential oils have been shown to not only bring back certain memories, but potentially enhance our short-term memories as well. Our sense of smell is also the very center of the powers of attraction, harnessed by perfumes and colognes, which mimic pheromones. Pheromones are natural chemical compounds that members of the animal kingdom give off to signal that they make a promising mate… So next time you’re alone with your mate, try suggesting some aromatherapy! All play aside, however, the possible benefit from aromatherapy and essential oils is enormous.

Whether it’s a full night’s sleep, or a few drops to smooth or massage into your skin, the combination of benefits can provide a way to rid yourself of excess stress, to feel better, to be grounded in your body. It’s for any woman seeking relief, and we’re excited to share so big a boost to beauty and wellness. We think you’re going to love it.

1. Ayurvedic Cleanse Kit - Deluxe - Banyan Botanicals, $108
2. Pure Bliss Wellness Oil - Uma Oils, $85
3. The Mindbody Cleanse: A 14-Day Detox and Rejuvenation Program from Ancient Ayurveda - Amazon, $23
4. UMA Bestsellers Discovery Box - Uma Oils, $160
5. Adult Turquoise Traditional Magic Carpet Yoga Mat - Magic Carpet Yoga Mats, $98 

1. iPhone 6s LuMee Case - LuMee, $39.95
2. Luxe & Alchemy Nail Polish - LVX, $18  
3. Tom Ford Soleil Brush Kit - Tom Ford, $850
4. Deeply Clarifying Blemish Spot Treatment - Uma Oils, $55
5. Clarify and Nourish Discovery Box - Uma Oils, $170

Yoga works just at well at facial toning and detox as it does for the rest of your body! These exercises rooted in ancient Yogic wisdom can have a major impact on the elasticity and the tone of your face—giving it that healthy, youthful look. The added bonus is that you can do them practically anywhere– in front of the TV, your desk at work, even the restaurant bathroom when that girlfriend is running late for lunch—the only requirement is clean hands. Make sure to spread the exercises out, taking a few breaths to let your face relax between each one.

1. Wake your face up: Reach back with your tongue as far as it will go and breathe evenly through a few breaths. It will feel a little strange at first—but it’s totally worth it. This action helps your whole body become alert, especially your face muscles, which makes it a good choice to start with. 

2. Crease out fine lines: Spend some time creasing out fine lines in the face, like the vertical lines between your brows. Use your forefinger and thumb to push your eyebrows away from each other, which is the opposite direction that they go when frowning or squinting. I find this works best when using a few drops of face oil with the motion.  

3. Stretch your eyelids: Eyelids tend to get heavier with age, so a little bit of stretching can help keep them healthy. Look upwards and raise your eyebrows at the same time. Then gently close your eyelids, while still looking up.

4. Smooth out crow’s feet: Place your forefinger on the temple, and thumb on the top of your cheekbone, to gently stretch out crow’s feet. This is another exercise that pairs well with the application of face oils.

5. Erase laugh lines: This is a fun one to do in front of the mirror. Suck the insides of your cheeks in, almost like you’re making a fish face. Hold for a few seconds, keeping your eyes wide open. Once your eyes start to water (which shouldn’t hurt!), you may blink and release the pose.

6. Define your jowls. Put two fingers to your closed lips to prevent air from escaping, and then fill your cheeks with air so they puff out. Hold for a few seconds then release with a soft exhale. This will raise everything in your face preventing the sagging in that area that comes with age.

Another great exercise to firm neck skin is the following: Use the four fingers to massage upwards, starting at the collarbone and ending at the chin. Massage the neck alternatively with each hand using firm upward strokes. Repeat for about 20 quick strokes.

7. An all-over facelift: Place the index and middle finger of each hand firmly under the lower lip, and the thumb under the chin. (Your fingertips should be touching and creating a slight V that your chin can rest in). Move each hand up towards the ear with a firm sweeping motion along your cheeks. End with your thumbs on the dip just behind your ear—where the jawbone meets the bony part of your skull). Press the point gently but firmly with your thumb, applying even pressure for about 30 seconds. This stimulates the marma point attached to facial muscles and nerves, helping tone skin fight the appearance of wrinkles. Repeat 5-10 times.

Pure, real ingredients are part of our DNA and we want to share how you can harness their powers to be your happiest, healthiest self!

The alarming truth is that the majority of store-bought, commercially-produced beauty products are full of harmful chemicals and toxins, such as parabens, preservatives, and phthalates. When applied to the skin, these toxins seep in and accumulate in the organs, potentially leading to serious health implications over time. 

Often referred to as endocrine disruptors, these chemicals hidden in our personal-care products can lead to hormonal problems, irregular periods, infertility, obesity, and even cancer. Yikes! What cost are you willing to put on beauty? 

In addition to being harmful to you, these products also take a toll on the environment. From the harvesting process to manufacturing, chemically-laden products cause more chemicals to be released into the soil, air, and water, while products made from chemical-free farms promote a cleaner and safer production cycle. 

With so many detrimental consequences, you'd think there would be strict regulations on the use of these chemicals, but that couldn't be further from the truth. Cosmetic companies have free rein over the ingredients and raw materials they use in their products with no government review or approval (with the exception of color additives and a few prohibited substances). The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn't have the authority to review and approve these products, so we're left with a highly unregulated industry that may not always have our best interests in mind. 

Fortunately, some companies do. 

At UMA, all of our operations are conducted using the Ayurvedic belief that humans should live in harmony with the environment. We believe that everything we take from the world should be given back in equal amounts. And we know that Mother Earth has already given us everything we need, so we never have to rely on chemicals or synthetic ingredients made in a lab. 

Thanks to advancements in technology, we now have the ability to formulate potent natural products that actually outperform conventional synthetics, giving us yet another reason to always choose products that are closer to nature. The closer to nature the product is, the more your body will know what to do with its ingredients to improve your skin’s health. Because they are naturally occurring, they have the great advantage of adapting to our own natural processes.

These ingredients have been used to treat skincare concerns for centuries, and truly get to the root of the problem from a holistic stance. No fancy additives, fragrances, or chemicals needed. We're talking pure, simple, and high-impact ingredients for beauty that lasts.

So what are these superstar ingredients, you ask? Here are a few of our favorites: 

You can also check out our Ingredients page for more in-depth descriptions of everything found in UMA products. For broader knowledge about what to avoid, please refer to the EWG's Skin Deep Cosmetics Database.

This isn't meant to send you on a spree of throwing away all of the products you already own, but rather to encourage you to start thinking about the ingredients you put in and on your body. Natural products are more accessible than ever, and as you can see, most of these skincare fixes may be items you already have in your kitchen! Start small and trade out your scented body lotion for coconut oil, or your department store moisturizer for one of our face oils. Even small switches can make a world of a difference.

Follow along with us all month @umaoils for more tips on incorporating pure and natural ingredients into your life this year. 

Credit: The Hollywood Reporter

1. Cut sulfates out of your shampoo.

By now, you may have heard of the dangers of SLS (sodium lauryl sulphate) in shampoo. This ingredient can be harsh on your hair, and when used too frequently can lead to thinning, and strip your hair of its natural oils. However, it’s also the ingredient that creates the foaming effect we’re all used to in shampoos. Many natural shampoos—which leave sulfates out—won’t have as much of that familiar, extra-sudsy feel. But that doesn’t mean you’re sacrificing results! Many natural shampoos cleanse your hair in different ways. Look for shampoos that use oils to cleanse hairs. Oils gently remove excess grease from the roots without stripping hair of its natural oils as other shampoos do. Rahua Classics, for example, uses coconut as the main cleanser.

2. Try a powdered dry shampoo.

Many of us are used to spraying dry shampoo from an aerosol can. While it can be a little intimidating to try a dry shampoo that comes in powder form we can promise you it as just, if not more, effective which makes it even better for those of you who struggle with grease coming back within hours of applying. The natural base for dry shampoo should be an oil absorbing agent like arrowroot or cornstarch, and possibly other ingredients to darken it depending on you hair color. When you use a natural powder dry shampoo, start with less and build your way up, and apply it at the roots with a makeup brush. After a few moments, brush your hair through to ensure it’s completely blended.

3. Switch to a natural hair mask.

After the stresses of heat styling, chemicals and coloring, our hair needs some serious TLC from time to time. This is why hair masks can often be a girl’s best friend. This time, skip the leave-in conditioner. Did you know that there are natural hair masks that have the same results without any harmful or irritating products? A simple, one ingredient mask is coconut oil. Rich in nutrients, this is an excellent natural alternative that can nourish hair. Tip: for certain hair types coconut oil can be more difficult to wash out. Make sure to use a good natural shampoo to wash it out and be prepared to rinse and repeat several times. See some of our favorite natural DIY hair mask ingredients and recipes here.

4. Use a more natural mousse.

Mousse is a beloved styling agent for many of us trying to achieve a more voluminous look or emulate the perfect wave of a Victoria’s Secret Angel’s mane. Unfortunately, finding a good mousse is difficult because the alcohol dries hair out and often leaves it crunchy. Instead try a simple natural solution: sea salt spray. Try Captain Blankenship’s Mermaid Sea Salt Spray, which doesn't use any synthetic ingredients, or if you’re so inclined, you can DIY a blend with this recipe from Elle.

5. Get frizz free style with hair oil.

Argan oil and moroccan oil have been popular ingredients for both heat styling and smoothing, but many products that contain these ingredients also contain other chemicals. Organic, pure hair oils are a perfect replacement, and argan and moroccan oil are just the beginning. Try something like fatty acid rich mongongo oil, which works to protect and repair dry or damaged hair as well as treat dry scalp and dandruff. Products rich in essential oils can also have a plethora of benefits for your hair and scalp. (May we humbly suggest Uma’s new Intensely Nourishing Hair Oil?  It’s perfect for heat styling and smoothing, with a healthy mix of essential oils).