Como Shambhala ♥

Your Body Your Temple; Your Mind Your Sanctuary.

Amma has a back problem that she has had for a very long time owing to an accident at work a few years back. She has been to India twice for treatment in Kerala at an Ayurvedic stay-in location. This has given better positive results when compared to our NHS; the reasons are irrelevant. Fact is, it comes down to herbal remedies over corporate drug remedies any day if operations are not required. And, this is where body oils specialised by Como Shambhala comes in. I was shopping online one day and came across these oils. I did a few research about Como Shambhala and thought I have to give this a try – so glad I did!

Como Shambhala is a chain of hotels, resorts, and retreat centres. Their mantra advocates for proactive holistic wellness, combining modern science with ancient healing. They follow a philosophy with inspiration stemming from mythological roots; in ancient Buddhist texts ‘Shambhala’ refers to a sacred place of serenity and bliss.

The first centre was started in the private island of Turks and Caicos in a place called Parrot Cay. The owner, Mrs Christina Ong, has successfully developed the brand in which the company now owns 8 retreats and 5 urban escape sanctuaries across Asia, Europe, and America – the most popular one being the Como Shambhala Estate in Bali, Indonesia. Looking at the pictures below is no wonder it is the most popular one! (definitely have to take Amma one day!).

Jamie Beck & Kevin Burg visit Bali’s natural wonders resort Como Shambhala in Ubud.

They also have two branches in COMO Metropolitan London (Mayfair) and COMO The Halkin London (Belgravia) with prices ranging between £200 – £700 per night depending on time of season. The Estate in Bali is also around the same price mark.

COMO Metropolitan London (Mayfair):

mm847_CSUE Como Shambhala Urban Escape at the Metroplolitan Hotel London

COMO The Halkin London (Belgravia):

The Body Oils

Aside from oils, they also specialise in body care (lotions, shower gels, scrubs, bath salt, bath milk, hand wash, and soaps), hair care (shampoo and conditioners), and clothing which are targeted for active living such as yoga wear, bags, hats, and shoes.

Their specialisation resides in aromatherapy. Aromatherapy is:

the practice of using natural oils extracted form flowers, bark, stems, leaves, roots or other parts of a plant to enhance psychological and physical well-being.

The inhaled aroma from these “essential” oils is widely believed to stimulate brain function. Essential oils can also be absorbed through the skin, where they travel through the bloodstream and can promote whole-body healing.

– Aromatherapy

This is the unsurprisingly the best part: the oils produced by Como Shambhala are free from harmful substances. Sodium Laurel Sulphate, parabens, silicones, and synthetic substances including artificial colour and fragrance are no where near these divine products. The oils that you can buy online are the same oils as used at their retreat centres which varies from blended essential oils, massage oils, body oils, and balms. 

I got mine from Beauty Bay which retails around £12.00 for 50ml and £15-£18 for 100ml. Amma loves these so much that it is now a routine that I massage her back with these oils every night when she goes to sleep. She explains it creates a warm feeling which although is massaged onto one spot can be felt all over the body. Her back muscles relieve tension making her to relax and sleep easier. Although, it contains no added fragrance the natural aroma of the oils mixed are so sensual. Each aroma is appropriate for what the oil is intended to do: Invigorate (feel refreshed and ready) which contains eucalyptus and peppermint, calm (relieve mental stress and relax) which contains lavender and thyme, comfort (relieve physical tension and relax) which contains lavender, nutmeg and cedarwood. These three are the most popular kinds while they also have other focuses such as shelter, harmony, and purify.

All oils claiming to possess the essence of peace may seem to all contain the same thing and so sound very monotone where no one brand is truly standing out. This, however, I believe to be unique. Try it and let me know how you found it!

Hair Oil Routine: Castor Oil, Coconut Oil, & Amla Oil ♥

Teasing, backcombing, and bleaching are words synonymous with my teenage years when it comes to my hair. My hair was, and still is, my pride. Not even makeup. My hair. So I would do whatever I needed to do to achieve the hairstyle I wanted. As a result, I lost a great deal of hair. Hard times. BUT, it is all goooood now. My hair today is healthy, thicker, and much stronger (even without the occasional teasing). How? Because of this oil routine. I use three oils in one sitting:

1. Coconut Oil

I am sure this oil is no surprise. I recommend getting the ‘extra virgin coconut oil’ if you can get yours hands on it, otherwise pure coconut oil is good. I got this because I had no other choices or places to go in Lancaster (a small town where I went for university). The best aspect about coconut oil is its penetrating ability of the hair follicle where it can effectively remove the build-up of sebum (Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2005), thus preventing hair breakage (ibid, 1999). Sebum production is the release of natural oil from the sebaceous glands onto scalp to prevent dryness and keep your hair moisturised. However, too much of this can cause hair loss owing to build-up. The antibacterial properties is what also prevents the infections of hair follicles hence why this oil is hailed to promote hair growth. Coconut oil contains high concentration of vitamins which is great for shiny and healthier hair!

2. Amla Oil

I get my Amla oil from Dabur in the ‘Gold’ version just because it also has Almond oil and Henna (Almond is similar to Amla oil). Amla is an Indian Gooseberry found in the Indian subcontinent and in the Middle East.

Emblica Officinalis

Just like coconut oil, this oil is also high in essential fatty acids as well as nutrient contents: iron, vitamin A & C, fibre, potassium, calcium, and magnesium – vital goodness for shiny and strong hair strands! (Dillon, x). While henna does moisturise hair, it also lightens the hair a shade or two over time. If you rather not have this, then you can purchase the original package which only contains amla oil.

If you want, you can switch this oil with similar other oils: Almond oil; Jojoba oil; Olive oil; Argan oil; & Peppermint oil. All of these oils, including Amla, contribute as a moisturiser thus making hair shiny.

3. Castor Oil.

My most favourite holy grail. The oil that gave me my eyebrows back, *a minute silence for eternal gratitude*. Castor Oil comes from the castor plant known botanically as Ricinus Communis a native to India, Easter Africa, and the Mediterranean Basin.

Ricinus Communis

VERY HIGH in anti-fungal properties, it removes concentrated dirt, build-up, infections as well as preventing them. It has a 90% fatty acid content called ricinoleic acid which balances PH of the scalp explaining its super effectiveness in almost ‘resetting’ your scalp void of everyday products. It boosts the growth rate by 3-5x depending upon its use, and I vouch for this! Trust me when I say that this oil would be one of the things I would grab if my house was on fire (although, you should not take anything and leave immediately).

Try to get your hands on the African Black Castor oil. Why? This version is much richer in the fatty acids identified above.

The Steps:

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

 

1. I start with 3 teaspoon of Amla oil, and then two teaspoon of Coconut oil. If your coconut oil is liquid as opposed to solid then I suggest 3-4 teaspoon. Mix this until all solids have dissolved.
2. Into a separate small cup/bowl, measure 1 teaspoon of Castor oil.
3. Before lathering the first mix of Amla and Coconut oil onto your hair, some people choose to warm it up slightly whether on the hob or in the microwave for 20seconds. I do not do this, instead I massage the oil to create that slight warmth. This is entirely up to you! When lathering onto your hair, make sure you get all hair strands especially down at the ends, the ends are usually where minerals and vitamins are lacking – especially if you are an avid hair straighteners user!
4. After this, get Castor oil onto your fingertips and massage directly onto your roots only. Castor oil is a very heavy substance, so if you put too much of it then it will take more than one shower to remove it completely. I once did this and had to take 3 showers to fully cleanse my scalp. This is why I prefer to massage it onto my scalp and roots only. Alternatively, you can instead mix it with the coconut and amla oil formula and apply it all over your head and hair. This will take much less time, and lower the risk of putting too much castor oil!
5. Massage, massage, massage. Circulation of the oil around your scalp sets a warmth motion of a good blood circulation. This is the key to get the most from the oils.
6. Tie your hair up into a bun or wear a shower cap/bandana to keep it all in one place and in warmth.
7. I tend to leave the oil on for over night or a full day to get the most out of it. Otherwise, you can just leave it on for 2-3 hours at minimum.

Repeat this at least once a week and after at least a fortnight you will see results! Happy hair care! xo

Links

Castor Oil 100ml, £7.00 – goo.gl/LoCFay. // Jamaican Black Castor Oil 8oz (220ml), £9.00 – goo.gl/wwUEmG. // Or, go to Asian/Black/Muslim stores for the KTC Castor Oil which is typically between £1.50-£2 for 250ml.

Dabur Amla Oil Original (w/o Henna & Almond) 200ml, £3.49 at Superdrugs – goo.gl/bwHGRk. For the Gold version (w/ Henna & Almond), 200ml, £3.99 – goo.gl/rB8Gjt.

Pure Coconut Oil 175ml, £3.97 – goo.gl/VvD3Lq. // Raw Organic Virgin Coconut Oil 500ml, £5.97-10 – goo.gl/YZ2Soa. // Otherwise, you will for sure find some in Asian/Black/Muslim stores though it is for pretty much around the same price so the raw organic oil linked just before this one is better if it is still on sale (even if it is not, it is still the better one).

 

 

 

Neem Powder – Ayurvedic/Herbal Facial Cleanser ♥

A Traditional Ayurvedic Medicine.

What is Neem? Known as ‘Azadirachta Indica’ in Botany, they are trees native to the Indian subcontinent: India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Bhutan and Bangladesh. The leaves are what we are dealing with. The leaves are anti-septic, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fungal – necessary qualities to maintain a clean, ph-balanced well protected skin:

• Scar healing.
• Reduces the effects of pimples.
• Acne treatment.
• De/Pigmentation.
• Oil-control.
• Exfoliator/Toner.
• Moisturiser and Glowy skin.

The great thing about preparing Neem paste yourself is that you can mix it with other natural ingredients depending on which result you desire to achieve the most. Neem paste mixed with honey and/or milk aids with moisturisation and glowy/dewy natural skin. Mixed with turmeric aids with pigmentation, scar healing, and the fading of blemishes since it brightens the face. Mixing it simply with water or rose water acts as a superb toner aiding in scar healing, pimple/oil control and light acne treatment.

My experience with the Neem paste is wonderfuuuul. It leaves my face feeling clean. Like stripped off of chemicals, makeup residue, and whatever bacteria was tryna get at me. It is well moisturised too, but not to the point where it becomes oily. It stayed the same for a good two days where it was balanced; not oily nor dry.

Two methods that I use.

Neem powder mixed with water or rose water. I do this at least twice a week. What you need: Neem powder; 1 Teaspoon; a small mixing cup/bowl; a facial brush applicator; small cup of water/rose water at hand.

 

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Steps:

1. Measure out 1 and a half teaspoon of Neem powder into the cup/bowl. If you are not entirely sure on whether this measurement is enough or too much then it will be much more useful to start off with little quantity. You will be able to better judge the amount once it is mixed with water, so you can always add more in if you do need it.
2. Add in 1 teaspoon of water/rose water. I always start with 1 teaspoon and end up adding in minuscule amounts later. It is either because of adding in more Neem powder or because the mix has soaked up the water needing more for a pasty consistency.
3. Mix the paste and apply with your brush!
4. I leave it on for around 10-15 minutes – that is usually when it becomes dry.

 

 

Neem powder mixed with Turmeric and rose water. This method I use every two weeks just because of how powerful Turmeric can be in staining my face. You will need the same props as above, alongside Turmeric powder. You must be sure that the Turmeric powder that you have is not for cooking. The one for cooking is the Regular Turmeric (Curcuma Longa, botanically), whereas the facial one is the Wild Turmeric (Curcuma Aromatica, botanically). The latter is gentle on the face in terms of staining properties although it is the cooking one which is high in the anti-inflammatory quality.

Steps:

1. Measure 1 teaspoon of Neem powder and 1/3 teaspoon of Turmeric powder together into a cup. Then add in 1 teaspoon of rose water. Mix it all up!
2. Apply it on your face, and leave it on between 15-25 minutes.

 

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Links

• https://www.indigo-herbs.co.uk/shop/buy/organic-neem-powder-product? – 100g for £3.99 / 500g for £13.99
• https://www.somayaskitchen.co.uk/rafia-neem-powder-100g.html – 100g for £1.69