Wondering what is ayurvastra? Discover the branch of Ayurvedic Medicine that places emphasis on the fabrics we use in everyday life.
Have you ever heard of the concept of inducing herbs in fabrics for health benefits? If not, allow me to introduce to you a branch of Ayurveda that places emphasis on fabrics for health. Ayurvastra, a concept that originated in South India, is a method of using medicinal herbs in the manufacturing of clothes to give them the herbal touch. Ayurvastra uses cotton textiles as the medium for absorbing these herbal preparations. Ayurvedic treatments are deeply rooted in Indian culture, and while this concept may seem new to the west, they are ancient.
The concept of Ayurvastra is something that stood out to me immediately because I notice such a huge difference in my comfortability when I wear cotton fabrics versus polyester. Natural fabrics promote airflow, reduce body odor, help prevent body breakouts, and contribute to overall comfortability. One of my first tips for treating and preventing back acne is to stop wearing polyester and allow the skin to breathe in cotton fabrics. Additionally, the first tip I have for anyone struggling with body odor is to make the switch to all-natural fabric clothing. Leaving polyester behind is an amazing addition to any wellness routine.
The concept of Ayurveda is so intriguing to me because we wear clothing for the majority of our lives. It seems like such a logical link for increasing our health and enhancing our overall wellness. In this blog post, we will be exploring this ancient branch of Ayurvedic Healing and learning what is Ayurvastra.
What is Ayurvastra?
Ayurvastra is a combination of two words; ‘Ayur’ which is a Sanskrit word for health or life, and ‘Vastra’ which is also a Sanskrit word for clothing. Ayurvastra has its origins in Kerala, India. Kerala has been a hub of Ayurveda which is a practice of healing with traditional medicinal plants.
Ayurvastra: The Concept
The Ayurvastra concepts revolve around the use of medicinal herbs in the production of clothes. The clothes work as a mediator protecting the skin from toxins and transferring the ayurvedic properties of the herbs to the skin.
Some people have this delusion about the Ayurvastra concept, claiming that it can cure any disease. Ayurvastra only helps the curing process of a disease. It can surely be used in the treatment of skin problems, though consultation from an ayurvedic doctor is necessary. Ayurvastra is normally worn for a soothing experience of peace and calmness.
The most common herbs used in ayurvastra for dyeing and enhancing fabric include:
- Turmeric (yellow)
- Indigo (blue)
- Holy Basil & Tulsi (olive green)
- Neem (beige)
How does Ayurvastra benefit us?
Skin is a barrier that protects our internal organs from toxins and chemicals. According to Ayurvedic medicine, skin is supposed to have seven layers, starting from the innermost Mamsadhara, Rohini, Vedini, Tamra, Shweta, Lohita, and Avabhasini. The middle layer of the seven, Tamra, acts as the barrier and supports the immune system. Ayurvastra clothing can help protect the Tamra and protect the skin from toxins and chemicals, that are normally submerged in industry-manufactured clothes. Clothing made following principles of ayurvastra can also be used to cure skin infections, allergies, eczema, asthma, etc.
Ayurvastric clothing is more effective during sleep & meditation; and normally, you would see them in bedsheets, yoga mats, and clothes intended for sleep and meditation. There is an assumption that Ayurvastra garments are infused with ‘Prana’ which means life force. This prana naturally heals you and helps you maintain your balance.
You can also find Ayurvastra in floor products, like doormats and carpets that help with getting rid of the bacteria on the floor.
How to easily apply these principles to your life?
One of the easiest ways you can follow Ayurvastra is by wearing 100% cotton clothes rather than polyester. 100% cotton fabrics are free of chemicals, synthetics, and plastics. Ayurvastra uses cotton because of its reluctance to cause any harm to your skin and their promotion of air flow. Even the dyes used to color the fabric are extracted from natural herbs. Another way to practice Ayurvastra is to be mindful of what kind of dye is being used on the fabrics you purchase.
Where to buy Ayuvastra Products?
Ayurganic is a clothing line focusing on Ayurvastra by Lecoanet Hemant.
Provides Ayurvedic Towels
Provides Ayurvastra textiles and yoga mats.
Specializes in Ayurvastra yoga mats. Based in San Diego, California.
Ayurvastra princicples are a wonderful addition to any wellness routine and are easily adapted. Being mindful of the fabrics we use promotes better health and enviormental wellness. I hope you enjoyed this discovering the ancient concept of Ayurvastra.
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Thank you for reading,
Jordana
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