Yes, clothes can be medicinal too! And everything you wear is not eco-friendly! From the dye to the prints lots of toxins are added to the thin fibers of your cloth that can cause several malice. Formaldehyde, a popular chemical used to set the dye on fabrics is a known carcinogen (cancer-causing agent)!!!!
Even the much-favored cotton is not free from toxins and chemicals. They undergo various synthetic processes, treatments, and dyes in the factories. Using these chemically-laden fabrics in close contact with the skin for a long time may result in a myriad of health consequences.
Though the word organic might not rhyme best with clothing it is indeed an emerging sector in the apparel sector, especially in the intimate wear section. Organic clothing also called Ayurvastra is an age-old concept introduced by wise sages and seers. It is revered as the medicinal miracle cloth!
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What is Ayurvastra?
Organic – This humble word has disrupted many markets!!! Our food and lifestyle have already experienced the waves of organic living. And now it’s the clothing industry that’s shifting towards an organic reincarnation with Ayurvastra back in the racks!
Ayurvastra is basically clothing made out of the handloom industry soaked or dyed with organic and medicinal components. Materials such as organic cotton, jute, organic silk, wool, and other coir products are first weaved out and then dyed with the help of various Ayurvedic herbs pertaining to medicinal qualities. Ayurvastra is organic, sustainable, and bio-degradable.
Ayurvastra is specially prepared using Ayurvedic wisdom to address specific diseases using remedying herbs in the dyeing process. Ayurvastra has been used as an effective treatment for diseases like skin infections, respiratory diseases, insomnia, psoriasis, headache, hypertension, rheumatism, etc.
Engineering Ayurvastra
The techniques involved in manufacturing Ayurvastra require mostly organic and eco-friendly components. This ensures no health hazards for the people who are interested in making these clothes and also, no harm to the environment. The technique almost ensures zero residues or rather ensures 100% recyclable residue. Therefore, it can undoubtedly be said that Ayurvastra is not only med-herbal but also eco-friendly.
The manufacturing process of Ayurvastra is done in three stages
Bleaching
It is done with the help of cow urine. Cow urine is considered to resume the balance of the three doshas in the body. Also, no chemical bleach is used, which owes to the neutrality of the fabric.
Gumming
This step basically means the blending of bright colors in the fabric. Plants like Lodhra (Symplocos racemosa); Haritaki etc. are used in this process.
Medication (Dyeing)
The dyeing process has been named a medication because this process actually marks the medication of the clothes. In this process, the yarn is carefully dyed into the controlled medicinal mixture.
5 herbs used in Ayurvastra
Ayurvedic extracts like turmeric, neem, and sandalwood are used for treating skin disorders and enhancing the immunity of the body.
Basil is a commonly used dye that offers offer stress relief and enhances sleep and immunity.
Herbs like sandals, devadaru, etc give a nice fragrance to the fabric and clothing.
Mimosa pudica is used for treating diabetes.
Curry leaves and apocynceae,manjistha, and garlic are used for arthritis.
Benefits of Ayurvastra
Ayurvastra is basically crafted for well-being and curing diseases. Several diseases like arthritis, hypertension, diabetes, skin infections, etc. have benefitted from Ayurvastra. Herbs that are used in the Medication process are prescribed by Ayurvedic studies and therefore, are perfectly safe.
5 amazing benefits of Ayurvastra
- Ayurvastra is easy and comfortable for the skin.
- It is useful in the treatment of chronic diseases like high blood pressure, asthma, arthritis, rheumatism, headache, or psoriasis.
- Ayurvastra restores the balance of doshas and strengthens the immune system.
- It is breathable, skin-friendly, and eco-friendly.
- It boosts mental and physical equilibrium.
Ayurvastra – Ancient sword, the modern savior!
The popularity of Ayurvastra continues to soar with its proven benefits among the stressed urban crowd. It’s a simple natural cure for conditions such as insomnia and eczema. Several experiments have been conducted to verify the contexts of the Vedas for Ayurvastra and every test showed promising results in improving the health of patients suffering from eczema, psoriasis, and rheumatism.
The comfort and soothing nature of this clothing are garnering mass attention as today’s generation is moving towards the culture of fashion without compromising their comfort. Ayurvastra is available in different segments like towels, apparel, bedding, rugs, sleep wears, inner wears and other medicated clothing. But it’s making giant leaps, especially in the intimate wear sector, considering the proximity of the basic essentials to the sensitive parts of the body!
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