Tatha - History of Well Being

While the modern day definition of beauty has changed, our 5000-year-old scriptures define beauty very differently. According to Veda's, a person’s beauty is defined by three aspects- ‘Roopam’- the outer beauty defined by a radiant, glowing complexion and shining healthy hair; ‘Gunam’ referring to the inner beauty and one’s values; and ‘vayastyag’ defines long lasting beauty- looking and feeling younger than your chronological age.

Mahabharata extensively describes Draupadi’s beauty through her dark skin and radiant glow. Beauty had never been symmetry, nor a specific face type or color or style. The essence of a beautiful body in the Indian Vedic system, is closer to the beauty of the art. Beauty is considered more sensory and sensual, and is more mystique than is what the eye can see. The beauty of the eye could stop at the body, but the beauty of the body would welcome every on looker into a trance. Outer beauty, according to ancient Indian scriptures, is a reflection of good health. It is the glow, radiance, health and happiness of skin and hair. It is not just the dimension of the face, but that of much more- it is Lavanya.

This is why, ancient Indians never relied on chemical salts. They did extensive beauty rituals through natural herbs. Hours would be spent on a daily basis to rebirth the cells from within, and to scrape out the dead and damaged layer on top. The herbs would purify blood off toxins, which are mainly responsible for skin disorders and other diseases.

Many may argue that before these extensive skin care routines, and even years after (such as right now), a simple cleansing and moisturizing routine worked well. Of course it did! But for how long?

The look of youth and content, was a prized possession. This is also why, our grandmothers and mothers are generally still wrinkle free, while we begin hiding our blemishes after 30.

Ashwagandha or Haldi (turmeric) is often used by our elders in their skin care routine. The strength of these do not end where  glowing skin does. They are herbs which were known to treat serious skin disorders such as leprosy. Now imagine, if it could do wonders on someone who is affected by something as serious as leprosy, what could regular use of it do to perfectly healthy skin?