Ayurveda as a study or science of life was the topic of discussion at LSG’s event ‘Decoding Luxurious Ayurveda for Skin and Hair Care’, with experts of luxury Ayurvedic brand Forest Essentials, held last month at Taj Bengal’s Crystal Hall. The purpose was to inform members on how they can include Ayurveda in their daily beauty and self-care regimens. Consultant and strategic advisor of Forest Essentials, Karishma Manga Bedi began the discussion by recounting how the brand has grown from a garage manufacturing soaps to presently running 168 outlets across India.
Karishma then enlightened the members about the two streams of Ayurveda — Shastriya Ayurveda, typically a very measured pre-described recipe book; and the other one, Experiential Ayurveda, the one Forest Essentials follows. Taruna Yadav, a senior Ayurveda doctor of Forest Essentials, spoke of Ayurveda as “a complete medical science that originated in the Indian subcontinent approximately 5,000 years ago. The only medical science that talks about prevention or skincare in detail.” In this busy world, time and purity are definitely luxuries, qualities that define the Forest Essentials brand as a luxury Ayurvedic brand, explained Karishma. “We are not in a rat race or running behind a certain trend to manufacture products,” she said.
As the conversation continued, Yadav provided significant insights into the uniqueness of Ayurveda, which begins with personalisation and a focus on holistic wellness. Karishma also fascinated the audience by informing how they pluck herbs in Brahma muhurta, the seasons and regions where they are procured and the different ingredients with intricate attention to detail in making of the products. Yadav shared her insights and knowledge about the several Doshas and Prakritis that define the lives of all individuals. She mentioned the structural and transformative energies of Kapha and Pitta that define the changes experienced by individuals at large throughout their lifespans. Yadav shared tips for hair oiling, with special emphasis on Amla and Bhringraj as potent herbs for Ayurvedic haircare.
Karishma went on to further explain how sustainability and CSR are an intricate part of their brand. The brand has launched a Yuvati education fund, with which the teenage years in a girl’s life are supported. They have also recently worked with Bandra-based slum girl Maleesha Kharwa, who aspires to be a supermodel someday. “We want people to transcend all limitations. It’s all about relishing and being dependent on the past and applying those in modern ways for present relevance... if you can’t eat it, you will not put it on your skin,” said Karishma, emphasising how both internal and external balance are key to holistic wellness.
