I was waiting for this day for a very long time! Forest Essentials is one of my favorite brands and to see a store opening in my city gives me a lot of pleasure. The official media launch took place on the 29th but I was invited on the 28th for an exclusive preview and a personalized consultation with ayurvedic expert, Dr Ipsita Chatterjee. I was sent a questionnaire beforehand and based on my replies, Dr Chatterjee analysed Pitta to be my most dominant dosha.
In case you are not aware, in Ayurveda, a dosha is one of three bodily humors that make up one’s constitution.
- Vāta or Vata (wind) is the impulse principle necessary to mobilize the function of the nervous system. Vata skin is generally Normal to Dry. It has a tendency to get de-hydrated and requires constant replenishment of moisture. This skin type is prone to age pre-maturely.
- Pitta is the bilious humour, or that secreted between the stomach and bowels and flowing through the liver and permeating spleen, heart, eyes, and skin; its chief quality is heat. Pitta skin type tends to be sensitive, soft and warm. This skin type is generally Normal to Combination and can be prone to pigmentation and tends to tan easily.
- Kapha is the body fluid principle which relates to mucus, lubrication, and the carrier of nutrients. Kapha skin tends to become oily with enlarged pores. This translates into skin outbreak and acne. A Kapha person generally has Normal – Oily skin and has thick, shiny hair.
Assessing one’s dosha is best left to an expert and if you go to any Forest Essentials store, the SA’s can do it for you and recommend products suitable for your dosha. Since I’m a Pitta which means that I need to regulate the heat in my body, products made from rose and jasmine are ideal for me. Also in terms of diet, I’ve been advised to have food that is not too hot, spicy and acidic. These are some tips that Dr Chatterjee gave me for my skin and hair after the consultation.
- Iced pomegranate juice is a wonderful toner
- Light cotton pads soaked in green tea decoction should be kept for 30 mins on closed eyes to reduce dark circles
- Never apply oil to a dirty scalp. Always make sure that the scalp is clean so that the oil penetrates the roots and provides nourishment.
- Hair mask for dry hair – 1 egg/1tsp curd, 2 tsp of virgin coconut or olive oil, 2 tsp of Forest Essentials Mashobra Honey & Vanilla conditioner or raw honey, a squeeze of lemon. Whisk the ingredients together and apply to the hair. Let it remain for 30 mins and then rinse off
During the session, Dr Chatterjee spoke about the brand and emphasized that while buying products, people should not blindly follow what works for others. Everyone’s doshas are different and what works for a Vata will not work for a kapha, pitta or vice versa. She recommends coming over to the store, listening to what the SA’s recommend, trying out samples (they hand out samples so do ask) and then buying the products. Forest Essentials has a vast range and they have come up with some new products as well – Nargis and Oudh and Green Tree range that not only look luxurious but smell heavenly as well. No wonder the tagline of the brand is Luxurious Ayurveda! If you want to experience this luxury in Kolkata, head over to the new Forest Essentials store at Forum Mall.
Here are some pictures of the store.