Many good things have been brought to India by the West, but along with it came the bad too. The urgency to adopt and inculcate Western habits is one that still exists in many parts of India, and the consequences of it are still not fully realised. The abandonment of traditions and culture that we have retained for thousands of years has led to many age-old practices being eradicated, even those that were good for our way of life.

 

Ayurveda, health, and beauty have always had an intrinsic relationship with each other. From the recent resurgence of hair oiling to oil pulling, many age-old practices are becoming popular today. As an increasing number of people become aware of the harmful effects of cosmetic and additive chemicals and plastics, not only for the planet but for humans too, the search for solutions begins. Ayurveda and sustainable living go hand-in-hand, as shown through Indian history and culture.

 

In conversation with the CEO of Purearth and author of Beauty Unbottled, Kavita Khosa, we delve into sustainability for the modern era and how she restarted her journey with Ayurveda. Kavita holds diplomas in Advanced Organic Cosmetic Science, Ayurveda and Vedanta. She has been an Ayurvedic practitioner for over 20 years, and is also an Iyengar yoga practitioner.

 

Q. As you were initially working in the corporate sector, including the Deutsche Bank, what made you switch to Ayurveda and start your own brand?

I formally studied Ayurveda over three decades ago while I was practicing as a lawyer. It really arose from a deep desire to reconnect with the Earth, my roots, and just hang up my corporate boots. I wanted to return to the source, and it was the Himalayas that beckoned as the home for my brand, Purearth. The ecosphere, its incredible medicinal plants, and indigenous folk are the inspiration behind my brand. The brand is today completely made in India, and we are proud to support the indigenous people residing in the Himalayas.

 

Q. What is your current wellness regime, and what does self-care mean to you?

Living in sync with the basic principles of Ayurveda—dinacharya and ritucharya, which means practicing abhyanga or massage, nasya—nasal oiling, gandusha oil pulling, jal neti nasal cleansing daily. Also practicing Iyengar yoga, pranayama, and enjoying simple vegetarian home-cooked seasonal foods. I like living in gratitude, with deep respect and appreciation for nature.

 

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Q. Does your family also live the same lifestyle as you?

Not everyone in my family follows Ayurvedic principles or leads a sustainable lifestyle. It’s a challenge, but everyone has their own path. You can lead by example, and, in time, you will see those minute changes they make in their lifestyle and their choices. I just continue doing what I must to minimise my impact on the planet and lead a clean, healthy life. It is represented in Purearth’s ethos as well, where only clean and sustainable ingredients are used.

 

Q. Are there any daily rituals you can’t live without?

My Kwansha marma facial massage.

 

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Q. Why do you think people today are more invested in Ayurveda than before?

Life is cyclic, and after decades of fast food, fast fashion, and going through a fast, frantic, and stressed pace of life, people are now tired. It has taken a toll on our health and our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Now everyone is realising that slowing down, simplifying, and uncomplicating our lifestyle choices is the only way. Otherwise, you will crash and burn. How to make that change, though? By embracing Ayurveda and returning to a holistic type of living.

 

Q. How does your book, ‘Beauty Unbottled’ help people incorporate holistic and natural skincare into their life?

My book, Beauty Unbottled, introduces readers to the basics of Ayurveda and how to incorporate skin, scalp, and hair care recipes and rituals with easy-to-follow DIY steps. It helps them assess their own (skin) dosha and take care of their inner and outer beautiful self.

 

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Q. The Ayurvedic ingredients you mention in your book, are they commonly available in stores in India?

Yes, the ingredients can be found commonly in general stores. I have also added a Resource Handbook at the end that lists out all the stores and websites you can buy these ingredients from.

 

Q. How long does it take for results to show after adopting Ayurvedic skincare?

With some recipes and rituals like moisturising and masking, you can see visible results in only one use. For hair care, for example, premature greying or alopecia is a slow process requiring patience, persistence, and consistency.

 

Q. What should people watch out for when they’re making these skincare products?

Follow the recipes and allow your intuition to guide you as well. Ayurveda is time-tested and time-honored. Have faith and trust the process. Once you have tried them out, you will never look back. Kavita Khosa’s book, Beauty Unbottled, talks about DIY recipes and the alchemy of Ayurveda that can help you unlock a better and sustainable lifestyle. In addition, her brand, Purearth, has received the Leaping Bunny Cruelty-Free International certification. It is an internationally recognised status to protect animal rights and only certifies cruelty-free brands.