Inspirations
INDIAN DISHES for the holidays - POWER BALLS
The holidays are coming! I love them and I personally extend them, preparing for them from the first of December. Because gingerbread and gingerbread cookies, hot chocolate and teas with exotic spices warm up not only the body but also the soul on winter evenings! Similarly, the Indian holiday dessert, equally aromatic as our December pastries, which I treat my friends to during our December meetings. Yes, yes - Asia accompanies me even during Christmas! Here is a recipe that will transport you to Asia and introduce you to the holiday atmosphere. INGREDIENTS: 80g clarified butter 125 g chickpea flour 120 g cane sugar 25 g pistachios 1 teaspoon ground cardamom Coconut flakes for sprinkling Coconut milk for pouring (optional) MAKING 10-12 BALLS: grind into powder 120 g cane sugar Finely chop 25 g of pistachios, preferably lightly salted (or add a tiny pinch of salt to regular ones). heat 80 g of clarified butter in a pan When the butter is hot, slowly pour in 125g of sifted chickpea flour, stirring constantly. reduce the heat and mix vigorously on low until it thickens a little and the flour takes on a nutty smell and golden color. It won't take you more than a few minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and add ground cane sugar and a teaspoon of cardamom to the mixture. Mix everything well and put the pan back on the stove to heat up a little. Just be careful not to let the sugar caramelize, or the doughnuts will be too hard! Mix the pistachios into the dough and set aside to cool slightly. This is the hardest part ;). After fifteen minutes of cooling, it's time to form the balls. Scoop the dough with a spoon and roll it in your hands until you get the desired shape. Sprinkle the balls with coconut flakes and serve drizzled with coconut milk. Ready! Now that traveling is difficult, I try to invite as much of the Asian atmosphere as possible not only into my bathroom (after all, that's why I created Orientana!) but also into my kitchen. Indian laddu balls are perfect for this – they smell wonderfully of cardamom and pistachios and... taste great drizzled with my beloved coconut milk. And they're really easy to make, in one pan, in less than half an hour – it's just waiting for them to cool down that's hard, because you want to gobble them up right away... Laddu is a type of doughnut, usually made from one of the legume flours, but also wheat flour, and even coconut flakes – the latter variety was a traditional sweet given to warriors and travelers setting off on their journey before they set off. It was supposed to bring them luck and foretell the safe achievement of distant goals. Isn't that a beautiful omen for us too? A lighter version of donuts than coconut (and less caloric, although in the case of laddu it is not even appropriate to talk about calories!) is my favorite, prepared with chickpea flour. Besan laddu, because that is the name of the dessert I am presenting to you today, can boast, in addition to its high caloric value, also, to balance it out, high nutritional value. And although it cannot be eaten every day, because it is quite hard to digest, let's appreciate the high protein content in chickpea flour and the health benefits of pistachios, which are their second important ingredient. And actually the last one, because for flavor you only need cane sugar, cardamom and... that's it, not counting the fat in which Indian donuts are fried. In the classic version, it is clarified butter and I strongly encourage you to use it, because not only does it have a wonderful, buttery smell, but also a high smoking point and can be used by people who are dairy intolerant. However, laddu can also be fried in any other oil – as long as it is tasty, e.g. coconut. When guests arrive, instruct them not to go for the balls first. They are so sweet, it is better to save them for the grand finale of the sweet party. It will be a success, I guarantee! In India, laddus are so popular that you can even buy them frozen to fry up at home... But that would take away from the holiday spirit, wouldn't it?
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GINGER, LEMONGRASS AND LEMON INFUSION AUTUMN TRIO FROM ASIA
Summer is just a memory now. It has become cold, we have returned to our usual, busy schedule… and, standing on the scales, we come to the conclusion that it is time to pay for our holiday nutritional sins ;). Unfortunately, the threat of the pandemic virus and autumn depression have not gone away with summer. What to do with all this? My answer is this – prepare the right herbs! And, as always with me, I prepare those proven ones from wonderful Asia. That's why today I have a recipe for a body-cleansing and vitality-boosting ginger, lemongrass and lemon infusion. Every woman in India knows it! And every Indian mother gives her child such a drink - for immunity, to improve mood, for better results in school - and for a bit of silence, because this drink is so delicious that, slightly sweetened, it successfully satisfies the child's constant need for dessert (and at least for a moment closes grumpy mouths;)). The base of the drink is ginger . Lots of ginger! The list of its health-promoting properties is very long. It opens with the sensational, but still awaiting wider research, ability to inhibit the development of cancer cells. Many studies have already confirmed that ginger relieves nausea and reduces inflammation of muscles and joints, and also regulates the functioning of the digestive system, acting antispasmodically and choleretic. It also improves blood supply to all tissues, which affects the well-being of not only the entire body, but also the brain, thanks to which it works much more efficiently - that is why after a glass of ginger infusion we concentrate easier and remember more, just like after a cup of strong coffee. We also add lemongrass to the infusion. It is responsible for its exotic taste. It has antibacterial properties and is a strong antioxidant, thanks to which it strengthens and rejuvenates the body. It contains a lot of vitamins, as well as folic acid, magnesium, zinc, copper, potassium, iron, phosphorus, which are very necessary for us girls... It also effectively treats digestive problems - it brings relief not only in the case of constipation or flatulence, but even stomach diseases! And what is important in today's gloomy times - it has a positive effect on the respiratory system and soothes a sore throat. Not to mention that it has a soothing effect in the case of muscle pain! It is worth remembering this in the flu season. Just like the fact that regularly sipping lemongrass infusion lowers blood pressure and... calms you down. The most well-known ingredient in our latitudes of the favorite drink of Indian women is lemon. It is known: it has a lot of vitamin C, has antioxidant and antiseptic properties - it is not without reason that we also add it to tea, not only when we have a cold. To make a delicious, strengthening infusion, you only need these three ingredients, but, like they do in Asia, it's worth going for a culinary freestyle. So to the base, consisting of a finger-sized ginger rhizome (you don't even have to peel it!), two lemongrass rhizomes and half a lemon (or lime, if you prefer more bitter flavors), add a large pinch of ground ginger or a spoonful of honey, according to your taste - here I recommend honeydew or buckwheat with non-obvious flavor notes. So how do you do it? As is my kitchen custom, quick and easy ;). Cut the lemongrass into two-centimetre pieces, chop or crush the ginger. Throw them into a pot and pour two cups of water. Cook for 10 minutes, then cool slightly and pour in freshly squeezed citrus juice. Add the additions, such as cardamom, licorice or a bit of cinnamon, at the end of cooking, and add the honey only when the infusion is a bit colder – remember that honey loses its healing properties at temperatures above 40 degrees. Drink the infusion warm or cold – the first version will warm up in a few minutes, and the second will be refreshing and a great substitute for plain water. Are you thinking about an autumn detox? Just don't go crazy - eat regularly and healthily, your body will manage on its own. But our ginger infusion will effectively help it!
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MY METHOD - MEDITATION
It is healthy for the mind, fights stress, helps to calm down, improves concentration, increases life satisfaction… So much has been written and said about meditation that you know its benefits by heart. Meanwhile, it still seems to you that it is beyond your strength and that although you would like to learn it, you will never succeed? Here is how to start. Start slowly. Try for a few minutes a day, no more! And you don't have to sit in the lotus position or even cross-legged. It's better to take an upright position, but you can sit on a chair, or even lie down if the discomfort distracts you. Make sure that no one disturbs you, that it's relatively quiet around you and that you feel at ease. You can easily do without dim lights, candles and incense, although I recommend a scented fireplace - essential oils heated in it have a proven beneficial effect on the brain. For example, pine increases concentration, peppermint stimulates the mind, and lavender helps to relieve stress. All this to make meditation easier for you. START UNDER THE CARE OF... You can start with guided meditations. You can find them online or in phone apps. One of the most popular is Headspace, thanks to which you don't have to put in any special effort when learning meditation - a gentle voice will guide you through a few to a dozen minutes of meditation, suggesting what to focus your mind on, how to find sensations flowing from your body, hear voices from your surroundings. Yes, all this is already meditation! Because meditation is not about completely clearing and withdrawing the mind. That comes later, for the very advanced ;). At first, it is an attempt to notice phenomena that we usually simply do not have enough attention for – sounds, smells, sensations, and finally our own thoughts that appear and allowing them to flow freely – an attempt to perceive our mind as a clear sky, across which thoughts pass like clouds. Complicated? Only at the beginning! ...OR ALONE You can also try meditating without the help of a guide. Especially at the beginning, it requires a bit more effort, but it teaches you more independence. It also has the advantage that once you get the hang of it, you will be able to meditate whenever you want, whenever you find a quiet moment - even while walking or even while washing dishes. However, while you are learning, find a quiet place. Start by concentrating on your breath. If you can, close your eyes or focus on one point in the space in front of you – but without effort! Start breathing deeply, slowly and observe your inhalations and exhalations, as well as the accompanying sensations in your body. To increase your concentration, you can repeat in your mind: "I know that I am inhaling" and "I know that I am exhaling", place your hands on your ribs and feel them rise as you take in air and fall as you exhale. When thoughts appear, gently return your mind to observing your breath. And... that's it. The first few "lessons" of meditation look like this. And, I repeat, yes, this is already meditation! BREATHING INTO STEAM You can stop there and simply enjoy the increasingly easy way to enter a state of concentration. You can also try working with your breath. Sitting up straight, lengthen it gradually, counting to four with each inhale and six with each exhale. You can also try the popular “square breathing” in midfullness techniques. It consists of counting to four while inhaling, holding the air in your lungs, also counting to four, exhaling, counting to four again, and remaining breathless for four. Repeating such a cycle quickly stabilizes the mind and balances the work of the two hemispheres of the brain, which in the long run has wonderful effects on the entire body. That's all for starters. With time, everything will become more natural. And as a meditation teacher friend of mine recently advised me - when you sit down to meditate, have a notebook and a pencil with you. There's a good chance that a great idea will come to you right now! This way, something great can emerge from the void! But... The most important thing is to start. Try meditation and start today
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KAOLIN, OR PORCELAIN CLAY - A PRECIOUS MINERAL WITH WIDE APPLICATIONS
Do you know what porcelain clay is and what effect it has on human skin? Natural cosmetics with porcelain clay have a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin, primarily because the active ingredients contained in them provide the skin with the necessary micro and macro elements and valuable vitamins. White clay is also known as: kaolin, China clay, kaolin clay, porcelain clay. White kaolin clay is a natural ingredient extracted directly from sedimentary rocks containing substances such as kaolinite, mica and quartz. WHAT IS KAOLIN? Porcelain clay, or kaolin, is a precious mineral that is often used in cosmetics due to its properties. The pharmaceutical name for kaolin comes from the Chinese Kao-ling Mountain, from which white clay was first extracted. The first clay was used to produce porcelain! Clay is extracted from natural rocks in mines in Asia, but it can also be found in Europe - in France, Germany and Russia. However, the Asian one is the best! After collection, the clay is thoroughly dried in the sun, i.e. in natural conditions and thoroughly crushed. That is why when you touch the clay, you may get the impression that it is slightly grainy. After preparation, the consistency of the clay is very delicate, resembling a very delicate powder, velvety to the touch. Kaolin clay consists of many valuable microelements such as: calcium, potassium, sodium, iron, magnesium, manganese, zinc, silicon and many mineral salts, which is why it is invaluable for the skin. WHAT EFFECT DOES PORCELAIN CLAY HAVE ON THE SKIN? White clay is a very delicate and lightest of all clays used in cosmetology. Why is its use so valuable for the skin? First of all, white clay consists of a natural mineral, aluminum silicate, which is extracted from rocks in mines. Kaolin clay is suitable for all skin types, thanks to the fact that it is anti-allergic and fully natural. It comes from the interior of the earth and is a natural product extracted from sedimentary rocks. In cosmetology, kaolin clay is used for the care of dry and sensitive skin, but due to its properties and its combination with appropriate plant extracts, it will be suitable for all skin types. It effectively helps in healing wounds and has a scarring effect. HOW USING WHITE CLAY COSMETICS CAN HELP YOUR SKIN First of all, porcelain clay effectively tightens pores, has an astringent effect on the skin and smooths the complexion. It is an invaluable aid in revitalizing facial skin. It is a great support for the skin in daily care and nutrition. Using natural cosmetics with clay helps to regenerate the skin and effectively prevents blackheads and wrinkles. Due to these properties and their effect on the skin, it is worth choosing only natural cosmetics for the face. Porcelain clay helps your skin: effectively preventing the formation of blackheads and wrinkles on the skin, effective skin cleansing regular removal of toxins, constant moisturization of the skin with important nutrients, vitamins and microelements, removing dead cells and supporting the tissue regeneration process, refreshing the skin of the face and scalp, body shaping and cellulite reduction, gentle skin firming, reducing skin scars and discolorations on the skin surface, preventing excessive sweating of the skin, protection against oily hair and scalp. WHAT ARE THE USES OF PORCELAIN CLAY? Kaolin clay is a component of face creams, masks, cosmetics, color cosmetics, and it is also an ideal base for creating your own homemade cosmetics. Kaolin, or porcelain clay, is very often used in the production of natural cosmetics due to the fact that it is a very valuable product for human skin. It is often used in the production of powders, sprinkles, tonics. Kaolin is used in construction, medicine, and pharmacy. KAOLIN CLAY IN TREATMENT OF DISEASES Kaolin as a clay also helps maintain proper blood pressure and cleanses the body. It is a useful product in the fight against colds. It is characterized by a cleansing and protective effect, soothes intestinal irritations and supports the processes occurring in them. The clay can be consumed in liquid form, and at the same time easily replenishes the level of electrolytes in the body. It can also be used as a compress on irritated skin to relieve pain. It supports the body's detoxification process and is an ingredient that helps clean teeth in a completely natural way. It is also an additive used in the food of pets such as dogs and cats. WHICH NATURAL COSMETICS WITH CLAY SHOULD YOU CHOOSE? Are you looking for natural cosmetics containing clay and don't know what to choose? In daily cleansing of the facial skin and deep moisturization of combination skin, you will be helped by a mask with a thick paste formula that removes excess sebum from the facial skin and all impurities from the skin surface. Then, it thoroughly moisturizes and firms the skin, softens and smoothes, gently brightens the skin, smoothes its color and nourishes the skin. Such a face mask with clay is especially recommended for women with combination skin, it is applied to the T-zone and where imperfections appear from time to time. Ginger effectively nourishes the skin, and lemongrass cleanses it. For normal and dry skin, a natural clay mask with almond and saffron enriched with vegetable oils will be helpful, which has a bactericidal effect on the skin, nourishes it, moisturizes and firms it. Thanks to the appropriate oils, it does not dry the skin, and has a nourishing and refreshing effect. People with oily skin, especially teenagers or men, should also try this type of mask. For them, the Natural mask of neem clay and tea tree will be suitable. It will cleanse the complexion thoroughly, limit sebum secretion, act on inflammation and significantly improve the condition of such skin. KAOLIN - NATURAL MINERAL IN COSMETICS, IDEAL FOR ALL SKIN TYPES Did you know that white clay is the greatest source of valuable microelements? This explains why it is so popular in cosmetics. You already know that it is worth using natural cosmetics for your face and body, and kaolin clay contains a lot of valuable and beneficial ingredients for your skin. Use natural cosmetics with clay to see for yourself how it works and what effect it has on your skin. Choose the right type of clay mask and enjoy deeply cleansed and nourished skin.
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MY FAVORITE HEALTHY DRINK - MASALA TEA
I encourage you to look for health not only in natural cosmetics. I am sure that since you are reading our blog, healthy eating is equally important to you. If vegetable and fruit cocktails, cold brew, matcha, kombucha and other trendy, health-promoting drinks are boring you a bit, reach for one of the most important drinks according to Ayurveda. It is a tea called masala tea or "yogi tea" - a favorite drink of yogis and... millions of gourmets in Asia who appreciate the healing properties of its ingredients. And don't worry, to prepare it, you don't need a mortar, a cauldron suspended over a live fire or very exotic, hard-to-find ingredients. Here's a great recipe for beginners! Herbal infusions drunk as a remedy for various ailments are not a new fad for many of us, but rather a return to natural, proven methods of taking care of health, used for hundreds of years. Even in the era of advanced medicine, herbs can be beneficial to patients, supporting their pharmacological therapy. Or even prevent it altogether, if used regularly and from the moment various ailments appear. Masala tea, as a mixture of herbs and spices, works on many fronts - it cleanses the body and blood, fuels the digestive fire (called "agni" in Ayurveda), warms, accelerates blood and lymph circulation, regulates digestion, relieves indigestion... and even, as some sources suggest, acts as an aphrodisiac (worth checking out!). How will masala tea benefit you, apart from the fact that it tastes great? It heals the body, pleases the senses and soothes the mind thanks to the power of the ingredients that make it up. It contains ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, black pepper and cloves – in other words, health itself! In order and in a nutshell: ginger has antioxidant properties, cardamom has antibacterial properties, black pepper supports metabolism, cinnamon supports the circulatory system and the heart, and cloves reduce inflammation. And all together… they taste divine. And smell just as divine – you will see that yogi tea fills the house with a beautiful, exotic aroma. And for long hours! It is truly a wonderful drink. Such natural drinks from Ayurvedic recipes allow us to increase immunity and enjoy health for a long time. Attention! Tested on myself and the whole family. Since I want you to take advantage of the benefits of masala tea, and I know that Far Eastern recipes often put beginners off with their high level of complexity, I am sharing a simple recipe developed by the famous American yoga teacher Adrienne Mishler. She runs a blog and a YouTube channel called “Yoga with Adrienne,” subscribed to by over seven million people worldwide! It is worth checking out – there are over 500 recordings of yoga lessons of various types and levels of advancement. A real treasure trove of goodness! MASALA TEA RECIPE I know masala tea from India, but this time I got the recipe from Adrienne. It will allow you to prepare masala tea at home – and in a few minutes. Let's get to it! What do you need? any pot with a capacity of two or three liters; one or two bags of your favourite black tea (it couldn’t be simpler!) or a similar amount of loose-leaf tea; 20 black peppercorns; 15 cloves; 3 cinnamon sticks; 20 cardamom seeds; 8 slices of fresh ginger. Boil water in a pot. If you feel like it, crush the spices, crush them in a mortar or chop them into small pieces… but you don’t have to do that. The boiling water will bring out their flavor and aroma anyway! Throw the spices into the boiling water and let them “dance” in the boiling water for a few minutes. Then add the tea bags or tea leaves and, lightly covering the pot, boil everything for 10-15 minutes. Then strain out the remaining spices and tea and… voilà, it’s ready! You can drink the tea intensely, “straight from the pot”, or treat it as an essence for dilution if it is too intense in flavor. Finally, some good news: masala tea tastes great even when cold. In our home, we also drink it on hot summer days. Try it on a hot day and let us know how you like it!
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yoga the art of living
Yoga the art of living? Let's check. Everyone goes to yoga and everyone recommends it, meanwhile you think it's just deep breathing and a lot of boredom? This text is for you. Because... you're wrong, and yoga has so many faces that you'll definitely like one of them. Here's a short guide to different styles of yoga, among which you'll definitely find the perfect one for you. You don't have to visit a dozen different schools to get to know them - read about them! ASHTANGA Yoga can calm you down, sure. And loosen tense muscles, and provide a massage to your internal organs. But it can also tire you out! This is Ashtanga, one of the oldest yoga styles. Its cradle is the city of Mysore in India. It is characteristic of Ashtanga that asanas are performed in a strictly defined sequence during classes, always the same. Each session begins with the famous (and very warming!) sun salutations, and then throughout the class you smoothly move from position to position, staying in each for five breaths. You are constantly moving - flow is what counts here! If some positions are too difficult at first, the teacher suggests easier variants. Despite this, it is worth starting with a class or course for beginners - the names of the subsequent asanas are usually given in Sanskrit, and it is also easier to practice if you know their order by heart. This is also a great convenience for those who like to practice independently during Mysore classes, which are the quintessence of Ashtanga - here everyone practices individually. In a group, but solo! VINYASA Another type of flow yoga is vinyasa. Here the teacher has more freedom – each class looks a bit different and everything depends on his/her creativity. Similar to ashtanga, you are constantly in movement, which follows your breath. There are many types of vinyasa and they are different: calm slow, faster flow, quite extreme power yoga – after it, soreness and shortness of breath are guaranteed! YOGA ACCORDING TO IYENGAR The complete opposite of the most dynamic types of yoga is the calm, somewhat rehabilitative yoga according to Iyengar. Rehabilitative, because tools are often used to perform asanas – blocks, straps, rollers, and even ladders and chairs. They increase the range of movement and allow for safe, precise execution of positions – this is important, because they last longer – several, or even a dozen or so minutes. YIN YOGA Another calm form of yoga is yin yoga. It's not you who does the work, it's gravity! You stay in stretching positions for a very long time, allowing your muscles to fully relax. You may be surprised how nourishing it is for your muscles to simply lie down sometimes... It's a bit different in the case of yoga for your spine - the pace is also slow, but the asanas are a bit more dynamic and are designed to strengthen your deep muscles and the muscular corset of your torso. Backbends and twists can also really tire you out, believe me... But your back will thank you for it - and sooner than you think. For those looking for thrills and who like novelties, there is yoga in scarves – in special hammocks suspended from the ceiling. It has something in common with acrobatics and (a lot!) with flying. Asanas are performed in the air with one point of support on the floor or… completely in the air. It looks beautiful, light and airy, but the muscles work! BIKRAM YOGA Another powerful experience can be Bikram yoga, also known as hot yoga. The room, where you always do the same 26 asanas in order, has 41 degrees. Sauna! Sweat pours in streams, the body cleanses, and the skin smoothes and tightens. Note that this is also the only type of yoga that allows (and even recommends!) drinking water during classes. And the one that strengthens the immune system the best! KUNDALINI YOGA Spiritual powers are best shaped by kundalini yoga, the most exotic and esoteric of the types described here. Asanas are quite easy and rather dynamic than static – and they can be performed for several minutes. This can be a challenge! Their task is to unblock the chakras and strengthen the flow of prana, or life energy. During classes, matras are sung and pranayama is practiced. Asanas are arranged in so-called kriyas, or, in simple terms, sets that are intended to affect specific physical or emotional problems. This yoga guarantees true spiritual transformation. As you may find out, every yoga practice leads to change – always for the better. It helps me in my daily functioning, but most of all in difficult moments. I went to yoga for the first time 10 years ago when I decided to produce natural cosmetics. And it has stayed with me to this day. My yoga is Ashtanga. It is always with me, even when I travel around Asia.
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ARE PARABENS UNDESIRABLE IN COSMETICS?
Do you really know what ingredients in cosmetics you should watch out for? Do you want to enjoy good health, beautiful skin and great well-being? Choose only natural cosmetics and carefully read the composition of cosmetic products. ARE PARABENS BANNED IN EUROPE? In principle, all cosmetic ingredients should be safe, but there are some that are harmful. They may be banned from cosmetics sold in Europe but allowed in cosmetics on other continents. It also happens that ingredients are considered dangerous and withdrawn from products on one continent, but the manufacturer, who is a huge corporation, still sells cosmetics with this composition on another. Sometimes it is difficult to figure it out, so this text is to help you pay attention to the ingredients that you should avoid. I assume that if you are on this page and reading our blog, you care about a healthy lifestyle and living in harmony with nature. So this text is for you. An example of such a controversial substance is sodium fluoride . Did you know that sodium fluoride, as a non-biodegradable toxic substance, was a poison and a known insecticide until 1945 in the USA, and today it is an ingredient in many toothpastes and a substance advertised as protecting teeth from cavities? It is worth considering whether we want this ingredient in our toothpaste. Today, there are many toothpastes with a natural composition, so it may be worth reaching for one of them. Formaldehyde – This is a very toxic insecticide and preservative that prolongs the effect of cosmetics. According to the law, it can be used in oral hygiene products, but its concentration cannot exceed 0.10%. It is an ingredient in many nail polishes, body care products, deodorants, hair styling products. If you want to avoid this type of agent in cosmetics, choose only natural cosmetics. It causes premature skin aging. It irritates the respiratory tract, causes redness and acne. Are you aware that since 2004, this substance has been classified as carcinogenic? Parabens are considered safe and can be used in cosmetics. PARABENS AND OTHER INGREDIENTS HOW THEY CAN AFFECT YOUR HEALTH Aluminum – Aluminum used in cosmetics has been proven to cause cell changes. It is believed that it can cause breast cancer, as a higher presence of aluminum has been found in breasts than in serum. There is also a link between cell changes and the statistics of the increase in breast cancer. Parabens – these are the most common preservatives in cosmetics. They prevent the growth of bacteria and mold in cosmetics. These are esters that are used by cosmetic manufacturers to extend the shelf life of a given cosmetic. Methylparaben or propylparaben are just examples of controversial parabens that you can find in cosmetics. Their use is legal by law and they are recognized in statutory documents as safe. However, it has been proven that the action of parabens in cosmetics adversely affects the hormonal system. They can disturb hormonal balance, and today we know that diseases related to the work of hormones are very common, e.g. Hashimoto's disease. In addition, parabens cause allergic reactions. Silicones – Have you ever wondered why your hair is suddenly smooth after using shampoo, even though it wasn’t before? Silicones are responsible for this – synthetic substances, which are common ingredients in shampoos and hair conditioners. You can also find silicones in face creams. They are used to make your hair or facial skin feel smooth after using a cosmetic. Remember that natural hair cosmetics do not contain silicones. You need to know that silicones do not have any nourishing or caring properties, nor do they support the regeneration process. Moisture and high temperature make the skin firmer, but this process adversely affects the natural processes taking place under the skin layer. Hair and skin may lack moisture and therefore may be prone to drying out, and hair to dandruff! Choose natural face creams such as reishi cream, which is designed to firm the skin in a completely natural way. Antioxidants – these are also preservatives. Gallate is a synthetic antioxidant that, like other dodecyl or octyl gallates, can cause skin allergies and irritations. They are especially dangerous for people with asthma. BHT and BHA also cause allergies. SLS and SLES – these are popular surfactants that cause skin irritation. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Sodium Laureth Sulfate can be found in many well-known cosmetics: shampoos, shower gels, coloring products, toothpastes, colored cosmetics for makeup. SLS and SLES can enter into strong chemical reactions with other substances and become hazardous to health. Numerous tests with these agents only confirm that SLS and SLES irritate the skin and can cause many skin allergies. Natural hair shampoos do not contain SLS and SLES. Studies conducted at Stern College for Women at Yeshiva University in New York confirmed that SLS rinses the epithelium of the oral cavity and causes burning. SLS has a negative effect on the skin because it destroys its protective layer. The most frightening thing is that studies have shown that even a small dose of SLS damages the natural barrier of human skin. Mineral oils – although their name sounds quite natural, they are completely chemical. They are made from the processing of crude oil. They are characterized by strong lubricating properties. Mineral oil is petroleum jelly and paraffin, which are often the base of popular cosmetics, including face creams, body lotions from the range of large brands. So it is worth reading the compositions. Paraffin – these are artificially produced substances often produced from cheap crude oil. Paraffin does not contain vitamins, nutrients, fatty acids or valuable microelements. It is available under the names of: ceresin, diisopropyl adipate, mineral spirits, paraffin oil, synthetic, mineral and microcrystalline wax. It inhibits natural processes occurring inside the skin. For cosmetic manufacturers, it is simply a low-cost substitute for vegetable oils. Did you know that the human body is unable to process paraffin because it is not biodegradable? Paraffin creates a layer on the surface of the skin that does not allow water to pass through. As a result, paraffin is unable to deeply moisturize the remaining layers of the skin, and only gives the illusion of superficial moisture. Your skin is unable to absorb paraffin, and you are unable to completely rinse it off during care. Paraffin is a substance that adversely affects the natural environment. Paraffin prevents the skin from regenerating on its own and, when used regularly, causes damage to its natural properties. BE AWARE AND READ THE INGREDIENTS OF COSMETICS So what to remember when choosing cosmetics? To read the compositions carefully, to analyze each ingredient! Remember that some preservatives are used in cosmetics to extend their durability and according to the law it is allowed. However, before you reach for cosmetics that tempt with a low price - think about your health and choose only cosmetics with natural ingredients . Orientana cosmetics are also like that. Free from harmful chemicals, composed of the highest quality ingredients. By using them you can be sure that you are taking care of your skin safely.
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TIGERS FOR SALE - THE HORRIBLE LIFE OF TIGERS IN ASIA
Tigers for sale in Asia? Yes, it's possible. My name is Anna Wasilewska and I created the Orientana brand. My brand is based on Asian ingredients. Maybe you've heard of it? These are natural cosmetics. The idea for the brand and the ingredients come from Asia. I spent a lot of time there. Since the beginning of my travels around Asia, I have most enjoyed going to places where I could peacefully admire Asian nature and see Asian animals in the wild. I have seen orangutans, elephants, tapirs, various birds and insects, but I have never managed to see a tiger, although the tiger is a typical inhabitant of Asia - Asia is its homeland. The largest wild population lives in India, and in some states of India tigers are considered sacred animals. Just 150 years ago, there were quite a few of them in Asia – apart from India, the tiger lived in Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand. Unfortunately, today there are fewer than 4,000 tigers in the wild. That's 3% of the population that once inhabited these areas. Of the 9 subspecies of tiger, only 5 survived until 2020. Read that again – fewer than 4,000 tigers survived until the 21st century! And according to experts, we only have 10 years to save this species from complete extinction. TIGERS FOR SALE - HUNTING Before we realized that the tiger population was decreasing, it was an animal that was killed for sport. Trips to Asia to take part in hunting were popular. Today, it is illegal to hunt tigers, but this ban was introduced too late, in 1971, and there are still no effective ways to limit poaching. And it was not until 1986 that the tiger was recognized as an endangered species. The sad truth is that we all contribute to the drastic reduction of the tiger population to some extent. The main reason for this is the predatory economy of large producers - cutting down forests and converting them into agricultural fields or factories, which causes its extinction. For example, in Sumatra, where the jungle is cut down to grow palm trees for the production of palm oil (check if you have products with this ingredient at home!) the tiger population has fallen drastically and is no longer reproducible. Poaching is still a significant threat. Did you know that there are still people in the world who want a tiger skin on their living room floor or a tiger fang on their desk? The skin of a Bengal tiger, the most beautiful one, reaches a dizzying price of 60 thousand euros on the black market and there are still people interested. Horrible, right? TIGERS FOR SALE - NATURAL MEDICINE The use of powdered tiger bones in natural medicine is still a significant threat. Although the World Federation of Chinese Medicine Associations has widely reported that there is no evidence of the effectiveness of tiger preparations, the belief in its power is still great. And despite the fact that in 1993 the Chinese government banned the use of tiger preparations, it recently overturned this decision. The Chinese authorities decided that tiger bones can be used as long as they come from a farmed tiger. However, it is difficult to monitor the origin of a tiger, and we know that there are organized gangs that kill animals in the wild and smuggle tiger body parts to drug manufacturers. Do you remember the story about the tigers saved by the Poznań Zoo? Today we know that these tigers were riding to certain death. They were farmed tigers, and the recipient was waiting for their bones. TIGERS FOR SALE - SANCTUARIES FOR TOURISTS You can read about the dark side of Asian tourism, which treats wild animals, including tigers, as objects in my previous post. Tigers are kept in so-called "shelters" where tourists can take pictures with them. They live as slaves of the tourism industry - previously taken from their mothers, kept in scandalous conditions, stuffed with sedatives and released to tourists, who smile and take selfies with them and then post them on social media. So many people do not know that they contribute to the extinction of tigers with a single photo. That's why I really liked Instagram's campaign. Instagram announced that it is adding content warnings to selfies that include wild animals, such as tigers. The English hashtag "tiger selfie" is monitored by Instagram, and when you search for it, an educational message appears about what such a selfie really means. Usually, a warning appears that says: "You are looking for a hashtag that may be associated with posts that encourage harmful behavior towards animals or the natural environment." Tinder is also carrying out a similar campaign because it turns out that selfies with wild animals are quite fashionable on Tinder. Tinder and Instagram are not currently removing selfies, but Instagram has begun removing images that depict animal abuse or the sale of endangered animals and is working with organizations including the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and TRAFFIC on enforcement. It is sad how we humans do not respect nature, how we exploit it and how we have taken over the lives of animals. Not only in Asia.
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ASIAN ANIMALS AND THE DARK SIDE OF TOURISM
Asian animals - we all love them. My post is inspired by photos on Facebook. I have to speak up. When visiting the colorful and natural rich Asia, we often have the opportunity to "be close to nature" in a way that harms it. In most cases, we are not aware of this, which I know from conversations with friends. Your intentions are pure, but you do not know that getting close to an Asian animal harms it. If you take a selfie with an animal, pet it or ride it – be careful, because the life of this animal is not at all pleasant, and is often cruel. We often deal with the so-called "animal exploitation", i.e. the use of animals by humans mainly for the purpose of profit. Often "animal sanctuary" – sounds nice, but is not true. According to the data I had access to, around 550,000 wild animals worldwide suffer from exploitation in the tourism industry. This number terrifies me. Education is needed – I hope you will help me and share this post widely. BELOW ARE SOME EXAMPLES RIDING AN ELEPHANT A very popular attraction in Thailand and I see from Facebook posts that tourists brag about it. Don't believe that the elephants you meet in seemingly open spaces in so-called refuges or parks have been saved or that people are helping them in some way. Usually these are elephants kidnapped into captivity, beaten to the point of bleeding with sharp-tipped stakes, trained until they become obedient. After an elephant carrying visitors around Angkor Wat died of a heart attack and the case was publicized in the media - elephant rides were stopped there, but you can ride them elsewhere. Let's not do this. Would you also like to live in captivity and carry burdens on your back? STARFISH AND OTHER SEA ANIMALS Never take them out of the water for photos. Starfish die when they are out of the water even for a few seconds. The skin of a starfish is thick, but it has a stomach on top. When taken out of the water, the water from the stomach will flow out and only if you skillfully put it back the other way will the air escape from the stomach. Otherwise, the air will remain inside causing severe pain. In Asia, we have the opportunity to dive and watch beautiful water landscapes. We can see colorful, wonderful creatures up close. What we admire was often created by nature for a very long time, and it is so easy to destroy it. A colorful reef is created for decades and is a shelter for thousands of creatures. And it can be destroyed in a second. Let's not touch and take nothing with us except the water. SELFIE WITH A TIGER It's wonderful to see tigers in the wild, but it's difficult and complicated. That's why attractions like tiger "shelters" have been created, which pretend to help animals, but in reality it's a typical tourist business. They are popular in Thailand, where even franchises of such centers have been created. Their goal is to make a profit, not to benefit the tigers. The fee of a dozen or so dollars to get close to a tiger is not high, and you can also choose a tiger - from a young one to an adult. Has anyone ever wondered how it is that tigers are so gentle and willing to sit quietly, and people are taking pictures with them? Firstly, the young ones are taken from their mothers, often very early, and raised by people. This means that they are doomed to complete dependence on humans for food and will not be independent in the wild. Tigers are kept in cages all day long, except when they are taken for photos. In most cases, they are also stuffed with medicines and drugs that make them calm and as if asleep. Is a selfie with a tiger worth its captivity? SWIMMING WITH DOLPHINS I don't mean something as obvious as dolphinariums or water amusement parks where animals are trained, but swimming in a seemingly open space, which may seem harmless. Dolphins are freedom-loving animals that are constantly moving in water. Wild ones will not swim to shore. In facilities offering dolphin swimming, very often dolphins are kept in small pools, surrounded by ragged, rusty fences or near sewage canals or in a shallow lagoon so that they cannot swim away. They may be fed with rotten fish and suffer from disease and starvation. Most foreign facilities capture their dolphins directly from open water. Capture is very traumatic for wild dolphins and can cause an often fatal disease called stress capture. COFFEE PLANTATIONS - LUWAK COFFEE This is the most expensive coffee in the world, and a lot of it comes from Bali. It is literally coffee made from the poop of an animal called luwak. Coffee used to be made from the poop that occurs in nature, but due to the increase in demand, the "production" has been industrialized. The animals are kept in small cages like caged chickens, they are sad and unhappy. They never go outside to the grass and are forced to eat an unnatural amount of food so that they produce a lot of poop. All so that people can drink this expensive coffee! I hope that this post has opened your eyes a little. When I created the Orientana brand, I assumed from the very beginning that I would produce cosmetics that were not tested on animals (even before the European Union ordered it) and that were created without any harm to animals. Keep in mind that similar "attractions" with animals appear on every continent. So share this post because I would like this information to reach as wide an audience as possible.
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