• SHAKTI (ancient beauty secrets Shatavari & Pearl)

    SHAKTI (ancient beauty secrets Shatavari & Pearl)

    The magic of the feminine. Shakti is infinite organising power. Where the energy of the masculine is pure potential, it is the energy of the feminine that manifests form from it. The creative energy of the universe.

     

    While this may sound remarkably un-scientific, the reality is these ancient languages of the mysterious and unseen forces of the world, are in fact saying the same thing that quantum scientists are discovering in ever increasing depth today.

     

    What relevance does this have to herbs? The complexity of female biology is especially sensitive to becoming unbalanced. Especially in todays world where we are so disconnected from the natural world and its cycles and rhythms.

     

    The good news is that plants have an innate intelligence, that interacts intelligently with our bodies. As such, certain herbs are the perfect support to keep our neurological, hormonal and glandular systems functioning optimally. This means; better moods, radiant skin, increased energy, more restful sleep and a greater sense of overall wellbeing.

     

     

    Shatavari (Queen of Herbs), is the key ingredient in our SHAKTI blend, and loosely translates as “she who possesses a hundred husbands,” due to its tonic and rejuvenative action on the female reproductive organs. It is one of the prime herbal medicines in Ayurveda, and though it is known mostly as a female tonic, this powerful adaptogen’s benefits extend to the male reproductive system too.

    “It is mentioned in two ancient religious texts, the Rig Veda and the Atharvaveda. It is noted as a powerful rasayana (rejuvenative) that enhances physical strength, maintains youthfulness, and improves memory and intelligence.. It has been used for millennia as an aphrodisiac and to enhance fertility in women (and men as well).”1

     

    Shatavari helps to build ojas, the precious fluid in the body that governs vitality, virility, immunity and sleep. It is also especially useful for helping to soothe nerves, support brain function and may help the brain and body in regaining balance from vata disorders like spasms, pain, and insomnia.

    It has a grounding effect and cleanses and nourishes the blood. A beautiful female & postpartum nutritive tonic that is strengthening & nourishing to tissues and balancing to the reproductive system. The traditional uses include: hormone modulating, antioxidant, supporting immunity, stress-relief & antimicrobial. It is sattvic in nature (calms the mind and promotes love and devotion) and helps to regulate breast milk production.

    Pearl is a mineral dense, ancient Chinese beauty secret used by empiric royalty.

     

    “Pearl has been used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) as far back as 320 A.D. The only female empress in Chinese history, Wu Zetian, used pearl for its beauty benefits. In traditional Chinese culture, skin health was revered and pearl was the top natural medicine to achieve a glowing and youthful appearance.

    Chinese medicine also saw the adaptogenic abilities of pearl and used it as a mind (shen) stabilizer to calm mood and disposition. For example, if someone is dealing with stress or anxiety, pearl is the go-to tool in TCM shen tonics.

    In traditional Indian medicine, or Ayurveda, pearl powder is also held in high regard for its adaptogenic and anti-aging benefits. Known as Mukta Pishti, pearl powder is used to soothe inflammation, lower heat in the body and cool the digestive system. It is also used in ayurvedic love potions as an aphrodisiac. There is an increasing amount of modern science to support the validity of the ancient wisdom about pearl. Pearl powder has at least 30 trace minerals, along with calcium, iron, copper, magnesium, silica, and selenium which are needed for healthy hormones, a strong immune system, and youthful skin.

    Pearl also contains amino acids, including essential amino acids that your body can’t make on its own and need to get from outside sources, for optimal health. Ever wonder what gives pearls their strikingly beautiful luminescence? You can thank conchiolin for that. This protein is what promotes healthy collagen production which gives your skin that glowing appearance. In fact, it has similar effects to keratin – a protein found in your skin and hair – to improve cell metabolism, increase circulation, and repair damaged cells.”2

    Traditional Chinese adaptogenic botanical, Schisandra, also has an affinity with the female physiology, and combines with other nourishing, anti-ageing & beautifying ingredients in this blend, to balance biochemistry and tone organs (including skin). Antioxidant Tulsi is traditionally regarded as an "Elixir of Life", believed to promote longevity and create purity & lightness in the body by cleansing it of ama (toxins). It has also been seen to influence the

    neurochemistry of the brain in a way similar to antidepressant medications. Vitamin C rich Amla and Camu Camu give radiance & clarity to the skin, and promote healthy, shiny hair. Soothing Rose has been used for centuries for its balancing and beautifying properties, and combines particularly well with Shatavari as a female tonic.

     

    1 ADAPTOGENS – Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief. David Winston & Steven Maimes

    2 drwillcole.com