The Doshas are a primary principle in Ayurvedic medicine; the term ‘dosha’ originates from Sanskrit and translates to ’defect’ or ‘that which may cause problems’. All three doshas are present to some degree in all of us, however we all have our own unique constitution and our own ideal balance.
Understanding your dosha can help you in every facet of your life. Dosha imbalances can manifest in a myriad of ways; your skin, your digestion, your mood, your sleep…and can be addressed through diet and lifestyle changes.
By incorporating the best botanicals for your dosha into your daily life, you will be consistently encouraging balance for your unique constitution and helping to avoid extreme imbalances from arising.
Vata
Key characteristics: creative, quick, energetic, spontaneous, generally thin/slight build, tendency toward dry skin & hair
Signs of imbalance: anxiety, lack of focus, dehydration, constipation, gas, dizziness, restlessness, insomnia, aches & pains, poor circulation, feeling cold/chilled
Best botanicals for Vata
Sandalwood, Vetiver, Ylang Ylang, Lavender Highland, Neroli, Petitgrain Bigarade, Frankincense, Rose, Cistus, Sweet Orange, Juniper Berries
Best blends for Vata
Hydrate Synergy, Anxiety Rescue, Stress Free, Aches & Pains, Contentment, Sleep Well
Best ways to use these botanicals
Bath Milk, Bath Salts, Bath Honey, Hair or Scalp Oil, Exfoliant, Balm, Body Butter, Compress, Inhalant, Massage, Environmental Fragrance
Pitta
Key characteristics: precise, sharp, discerning, passionate, driven, leader, generally medium build/muscular, tendency toward sensitive skin
Signs of imbalance: irritability, anger, excessive heat, body odor, indigestion, red/rashy skin, inflammation, eczema or rosacea
Best botanicals for Pitta
Lavender Highland, Roman Chamomile, Blue Tansy, Helichrysum, Blue Yarrow, German Chamomile, Clary Sage, Turmeric, Jasmine Sambac, Patchouli
Best blends for Pitta
Calm Synergy, Blue Calm, Bliss, Happiness, Moon Mama
Best ways to use these botanicals
Salt Scrub, Clay Mask, Dry Brush, Deodorant, Body Powder, Facial Serum, Environmental Fragrance
Kapha
Key characteristics: easy going, consistent, methodical, kind, patient, content, generally sturdy build, tendency toward oily skin
Signs of imbalance: sluggishness, low motivation, depression, lethargy, acne, enlarged pores, excessive oil in skin & hair
Best botanicals for Kapha
Rosemary Highland, Geranium Rose, Cypress, Lemongrass, Lemon, Bay Laurel, Eucalyptus Radiata, Pink Grapefruit, Peppermint, Palmarosa, Black Spruce
Best blends for Kapha
Clear Synergy, Clarity, Detox, Energy, Lift Depression, Mental Focus, Spa, Woods
Best ways to use these botanicals
Clay Mask, Sauna, Facial Cleanser, Salt Scrub, Shampoo or Shower Gel, Foot Bath, Bath Salts