Parent Diaries

With the onset of interest and belief in the Indian system of ancient wellness around the world, incorporating ancient wisdom into the care of your new baby is not just an emerging trend but it can provide a holistic approach to well-being. In this blog, we'll discuss and delve into the basic principles of Ayurveda – the Indian System of Holistic Wellness and explore how it can be thoughtfully applied to your infant care. Understanding Ayurvedic Principles: At the core pillar of Ayurveda stands at the belief that each individual is a unique combination of the three doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha: representing the fundamental energies that regulate different bodily functions, both physiological and psychological. Understanding the doshas is crucial in Ayurveda as it helps identify the difference in each human being, narrowing down its treatment practices to every individual's constitution rather than the belief of mass medicines, promoting balance and harmony with no side effects to worry about. This allows real root treatment of the problem rather than suppressed short term relief. Lets now understand these doshas a little more: Vata: Vata types tend to be thin and lanky. They are very mentally and physically active and enjoy creative endeavors, meeting new people, and traveling to new places. In a state of equilibrium, individuals with balanced vatas exhibit flexibility, vibrant imagination, and original thinking. Associated with the elements of air and space, Vata governs movement and is linked to qualities such as lightness and changeability. Vata individuals frequently encounter symptoms such as cold extremities, constipation, dry skin, and joint cracking. Insomnia and reduced immunity are prevalent challenges for those with heightened vata sensitivity. Pitta: Pitta types are dominated by the fire element, which makes them innately strong, intense, and irritable. They tend to have a medium build and endurance with powerful musculature. Individuals of this type typically possess a moderate physique, enduring strength, and robust muscles. Their skin, often freckled, readily reddens in sunlight, during physical activity, massages, and when experiencing embarrassment. They exhibit strong determination and excel in adhering to their convictions. Aligned with the elements of fire and water, Pitta is responsible for digestion and metabolism, characterized by qualities like heat and intensity. They boast robust digestion and a hearty appetite, craving both nourishment and challenges. Frequently, they contend with health issues like inflammation, rashes, acne, and loose stools. Kapha: Individuals with a Kapha constitution possess sturdy builds and inherent athleticism, provided they engage in regular exercise to control their inclination towards weight gain. Rooted in the elements of earth and water, Kapha is linked to structure and stability, embodying qualities of heaviness and solidity. They value a systematic, step-by-step approach and prefer maintaining a consistent routine in both their personal and professional lives. Introducing themselves to new environments, meeting new people, and occasionally practicing fasting prove beneficial for them. Applying Ayurvedic Principles to Infant Care: Individualized Care: Ayurveda constitutionally recognizes that each baby is born with a unique psychological and physiological composition, influenced by the predominant dosha. Though the correct composition can only be determined by a certified Ayurveda Practitioner - observing a baby's temperament, physical characteristics, and responses to stimuli can offer slight understanding and insights into their dosha balance. Balanced Nutrition: Ayurvedic dietary principles emphasize the importance of food as nourishment source that align with a baby's dosha. For instance, Vata-predominant babies may benefit from warm, grounding foods, while Kapha dominants actually may need occasional fasting. Pitta-dominant infants may thrive on cooling and hydrating choices. Gentle Massage and Touch: The practice of infant massage is deeply rooted in Ayurveda also know as Abhyanga. Read our blog in details about it at: https://www.wearmiho.com/blogs/news/ayurvedic-baby-massage-oil-for-winter Using warm, natural oils, and gentle massages not only help soothe the nervous system and promote digestion and physical strength, but it also forms an emotional bond between parent and child, helping them understand body clues better until the little human understands itself. Creating a Calming Environment: Considering a baby's dosha, parents can create a perfect room setting for their babies’ overall health and development by adjusting factors such as lighting, room temperature, and choosing the correct sensory stimuli. Vata babies may benefit from warmth and soft textures, while Kapha babies may appreciate a well-ventilated space. Analysing a baby's dosha constitution at home for the basics involves observing various factors like: Physical Characteristics: Consider the baby's build, skin type, and features. This might keep on changing due to initial rapid growth period. Temperament: Observe behaviours, likings, sleep patterns, and reactions to stimuli. Understanding their human behaviour can suggest the constitution widely. Appetite and Digestion: Note how the baby responds to different kinds of foods and feeding habits in corelation to their digestive stress. Ayurveda provides a gentle and holistic framework for caring for the youngest members of our families. Ayurveda encompasses a vast expanse of wisdom, addressing various facets of life. It holds the potential to enrich your life in multiple ways. For personalized advice regarding your baby, consulting with an Ayurvedic expert is recommended. Bonus: Here are some long lost Ayurvedic advices for babies and new mothers: The sun and moonlight have various health benefits that the baby needs during the initial months. Traditionally the day the baby completes his fourth month, he is bathed, made to wear new clothes and brought out of the nursery. The elderly and well-wishers bless the baby and only then the baby is taken to other rooms of the house. the baby's room was fumigated with ayurvedic resins and leaves to counter negative energies and infuse positivity in the room. Utilize Brahmi, heeng, gugulu, and jatamansi for fumigating a baby's room and clothing, effectively neutralizing airborne germs.

Human beings grow most rapidly during our childhood years. The bones lengthen, muscles become sturdier, sense organs get stronger; the brain grows rapidly, and so does immunity. The traditional practice of Abhyanga done to babies is very much in accordance with the principles of Ayurveda newborn care. Childbirth is a natural process involving considerable stress & strain on both to mother & child increasing Vata dosha in the body. According to Ayurveda, Abhyanga (oil massage) is best for controlling aggravated Vata dosha. A balanced Vata Dosha is essential for babies' proper growth and development. Abhyanga is a fantastic way of developing a bond between mother & child. Tactile stimulation caused during massage releases hormones like Oxytocin which creates a pleasurable feeling both in mother & child; it improves their mental bonding. The physical maneuver done during the massage is helpful in the child's neuromuscular development. Studies have also shown that oil is not just a lubricant; various oils used have other added benefits like weight gain & providing nutrition. Here's a gentle Ayurvedic massage oil recipe suitable for babies during the onset of winter: Ayurvedic Baby Massage Oil for Winter Ingredients: Sesame Oil (Til Tel): 100 ml Sesame oil is known for its warming properties and is commonly used in Ayurvedic preparations for infants. Coconut Oil (Nariyal Tel): 50 ml Coconut oil helps in moisturizing and nourishing the baby's delicate skin. Almond Oil (Badam Tel): 30 ml Almond oil is rich in Vitamin E and provides additional nourishment for the baby's skin. Ghee (Clarified Butter): 20 ml Ghee is deeply moisturizing and helps in enhancing the skin's natural softness. Ajwain (Carom Seeds) Decoction: 50 ml Ajwain has warming properties and aids in digestion. Prepare a decoction by boiling ajwain seeds in water and then cooling and straining it. Tulsi (Holy Basil) Leaves Paste: 1 teaspoon Tulsi is revered for its antibacterial properties. Grind fresh tulsi leaves into a smooth paste. Turmeric Powder (Haldi): 1/4 teaspoon Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties and is beneficial for the skin. Instructions: Prepare the Base Oil: In a clean, dry container, mix sesame oil, coconut oil, and almond oil. Add Ghee: Gently warm the ghee until it becomes liquid. Add it to the oil mixture and stir well. Incorporate Herbal Ingredients: Add the ajwain decoction, tulsi paste, and turmeric powder to the oil mixture. Blend thoroughly. Strain and Store: Strain the oil mixture to remove any solid particles. Store the oil in a dark glass bottle to prevent deterioration from light.       Benefits of Abhyanga for Babies It strengthens the bond between a parent and their baby. It promotes skin-to-skin contact, eye contact, and communication. It helps your baby to relax and feel more comfortable. It helps in proper Neuromuscular wellness. It improves the luster of the skin It builds the immunity of the child Enhances the natural sleep of the baby It improves thermoregulation (temperature control) It nourishes hair & scalp Help stimulate the digestive system and ease colic, constipation, and gas symptoms. It helps in proper weight gain It is helpful in the overall growth & development of the baby /toddler When & How to Massage a Newborn Baby It should be done preferably in the morning or the evening, on an empty stomach. If the baby has been fed, waiting an hour before doing the massage is best. Baby can be seated or spread on a tub or clean sheet to massage. Oil should be slightly warm before being applied over the body. You can take the required amount of oil in a bowl and place it in warm water to heat it. Use gentle, circular motions with your fingertips or palms to massage your baby's body. Start at the head and work your way down to the feet, using light pressure. Watch for signs that your baby is uncomfortable or not enjoying the massage. If your baby seems upset or fussy, stop the massage and try again later. Avoid massaging your baby's face, head, and genital area. Also, avoid putting pressure on the soft spot on the top of the head, known as the fontanelle. Pressure should never be applied while massaging babies The hands & nails of the caregiver have to be hygienically maintained while massaging babies. Nails should be trimmed to avoid injuring sensitive skin Contact of oil with eyes has to be avoided Some babies may be allergic to a few oils; apply a drop on hands to see to check for any reactions. Care should be taken while holding the baby and massaging to prevent falls and injury. A lukewarm water bath should always follow Abhyanga. Ensure the water is not too hot and comfortable for the baby. After Abhyanga baby should be well-covered & kept warm, the baby should never be exposed to cold wind.   Babies' health is the major point of concern and holistic wellness awareness is on the rise. Health is much more than just Nutrition and hygiene now dwelling into a more complete and real meaning. Multiple developments and researches are being continuously done world wide and Indian traditions are being validated by the Western Sciences. We hope this helps your baby stay healthy this Winter, do write back to us with your experience with becoming a little yogi by yourself it!  

The ecological awareness shift in the fashion industry has given rise to a demand for sustainable clothing options that cater to different all the categories, be it kids' wear, women's wear, or men's wear. If you're looking to make eco-friendly choices for your wardrobe, understanding sustainable fabrics, processes, techniques, local textile crafts, traditions, the suppliers and manufacturers in India can be a great starting point. The Rise of Sustainable Fashion Sustainability in fashion is about making clothing choices that consider the entire lifecycle of a garment, from its production to disposal and afterlife. It prioritizes natural fibres, recycled raw material, ethical manufacturing practices, minimizes waste, biodegradability of the product, and reduces the environmental footprint.   Sustainable Fabrics: A Deeper Insight Sustainable fabrics are those that have been sourced, produced, and manufactured in ways leading to minimal to zero negative impacts (ideal will be positive impact) on the environment and people involved in the process. Here are some of the top sustainable fabrics gaining popularity in clothing and lifestyle industry, along with their unique benefits: 1. Organic Cotton Organic cotton is grown without the use of synthetic pesticides or hazardous chemical fertilizers, making it an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional cotton. It is commonly used everywhere today, including kids' wear, women's wear, and men's wear. Organic cotton is soft, breathable, and ideal for various clothing styles. 2. Recycled Cotton Recycled cotton fabric is made out of cotton that otherwise would have ended up in a landfill. Also known as upcycled cotton, it’s either made from cotton products that have already been thrown out, such as clothes and bedding or from pre consumer cotton waste like pattern cutting table. In addition to reducing the amount of cotton that ends up in landfills, recycled cotton can also reduce reliance on cotton production, making it a great option provided it’s widely adopted by manufacturers and consumers. 3. Hemp Hemp and Linen are versatile and sustainable fabrics that require minimal water and pesticides to grow. It is used for a wide range of clothing, from casual wear to high-end fashion and other lifestyle products. These fabrics are known for their durability and breathability. 4. Tencel (Lyocell) Tencel, also known as Lyocell, is made from sustainably sourced wood pulp, primarily from eucalyptus trees. The production process is eco-friendly and closed-loop, meaning that the solvents used to decompose the pulp to fibres are recycled. Tencel is soft, moisture-wicking, and great sustainable alternative used for activewear and undergarments. 5. Recycled Polyester Recycled polyester is majorly made from post-consumer plastic bottles and fishing nets, diverting non-compostable plastic waste from landfills and oceans. It's commonly used in sportswear, shoes, outerwear, and accessories. This fabric helps reduce the consumption of virgin resources to meet up consumer demands. 6. Bamboo Bamboo fabric is derived from bamboo pulp, which is a highly renewable resource as it grows really fast and require no chemical pesticides or fertilizers. It's extremely soft, breathable, and naturally antibacterial. Bamboo fabric is suitable for everyday wear and can be used in various clothing categories.     Other fibers like Ethical wool, Ahimsa or Eri Silk, Lotus, Pineapple, Banana, Milk, Rose and may more fabric alternatives, are also gaining popularity as people – both manufacturers and consumers are looking for new and creative replacements to give newness and yet preserve the cause. India is a hub for sustainable clothing manufacturing and sourcing. With old yet rich culture and textile crafts there is a lot to explore and employ in the world of sustainable life choices. When shopping for sustainable clothing, it's essential to research brands and suppliers that align with your values. One can look for certifications such as GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) or Fair Trade and values to ensure the authenticity of sustainable claims. By choosing eco-friendly fabrics and supporting ethical manufacturers, you contribute to a more sustainable and responsible fashion industry and future, regardless of your clothing category needs.     In conclusion, sustainability in fashion is not limited to one category. And rather than a destination, it is a journey. Whether you're shopping for kids' wear, women's wear, or men's wear, there are numerous sustainable fabrics and manufacturers in India that will cater to your needs. By making conscious choices, you can build a wardrobe that not only looks good but also feels good for the planet and the people who make your clothes.

In today's tech-enabled, forever stimulating world, where environmental concerns are rising, and individuals are seeking holistic well-being, Ayurveda and sustainable practices are becoming increasingly popular. One such area gaining traction is Ayurvedic dyed clothes made from natural fabrics and ayurvedic medicinal dyes, offered by Ayurvedic clothing manufacturers. These eco-friendly garments not only showcase variety of hues but also offer multitude of health and environmental benefits. In this blog, we will explore the five key advantages of choosing Ayurvedic dyed clothes, also known as Ayurvastra also elaborating hoe Sporty Summer at Miho is several steps ahead: 1. Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Bamboo fabric, derived from the fast-growing bamboo plant, is renowned for its sustainability. Other natural fibres like wool, silk, cotton, hemp, jute etc., can also be used for Ayurvedic dyeing process. Unlike conventional fabrics, bamboo requires minimal water, pesticides, and/or fertilizers to grow and give a high yield, making it an environmentally friendly choice. Additionally, Ayurvedic clothing manufacturers take sustainability a notch further by using natural dyes derived from plants and herbs. All the components of the dye waste are compostable. This combination of bamboo fabric and herbal dyes significantly reduces the carbon footprint of our brand, contributing to a cleaner and greener planet. 2. Non-Toxic and Skin-Friendly One of the significant advantages of Ayurvedic dyed clothes is their non-toxic and skin-friendly quality. Synthetic dyes used in traditional clothing often contain harmful chemicals that can cause skin irritations and allergies. Their disposal too leads to water and soil pollution in large extents. In contrast, Ayurvedic dyes are made from natural ingredients like turmeric, indigo, Neem, Lotus, madder root, and many more, which have therapeutic properties and are good for the skin. These clothes are particularly beneficial for individuals with sensitive skin or those prone to allergies like babies, patients, elderly, people living in humid areas, pregnant women etc. 3. Ayurvedic Healing Properties Ayurvedic dyed clothes go beyond aesthetics and the trendy sustainability; they offer subtle healing and wellness benefits as well. The plants and herbs used in the dyeing process carry inherent medicinal properties derived from Ayurveda, which is an ancient Indian medical stream of science. For instance, turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties, indigo is believed to have a calming effect, and madder root is well-known for its antimicrobial properties. When these ayurvedic dyed fabrics come in contact with the skin, the skin absorbs the benefits through pores and help promote a sense of balance and well-being, through both medical benefits of herbs and inherited colour therapy, following the principles of Ayurveda. 4. Breathable and Comfortable Bamboo fabric, used in Miho’s Ayurvedic clothing, is highly breathable and comfortable to wear. It allows air circulation, wicks away moisture, and keeps the body cool during hot weather. It prevents bacterial growth and is resistant to odor building. This characteristic is especially beneficial for yoga practitioners or individuals leading an active lifestyle and are required to move often. Moreover, bamboo fabric is soft and gentle on the skin, providing a luxurious and comfortable experience throughout the day.   5. Mindful Fashion Choice Choosing Ayurvedic dyed clothes from bamboo fabric aligns with the principles of mindful fashion. By supporting Ayurvedic clothing manufacturers, you encourage sustainable practices, local crafts, Indian traditional sciences and ethical production methods. Choosing minimalistic yet buildable styles and better quality keeps your wardrobe timeless. Embracing mindful fashion means making conscious decisions that benefit not only your well-being but also the environment and the communities involved in the clothing supply chain. It fosters a deeper connection to the clothes you wear and the impact they have on the world today determining the future. At Miho, ayurvedic dyed clothes made from bamboo fabric offer a perfect synergy of style, sustainability, and well-being. By opting for garments and other textile products crafted by Ayurvedic clothing manufacturers, you contribute to a healthier environment, experience the therapeutic properties of herbal dyes, and enjoy the comfort of eco-friendly fashion.   Embrace Ayurvedic clothing as a lifestyle choice – it promotes both personal health and the welfare of the planet and society. Let your wardrobe become a testament to your commitment to wellness and mindful fashion.

We all have heard about Ayurveda in one or the other way. It is the popular ancient Indian system of medicine which is now gaining widespread recognition for its natural remedies. From herbal remedies to mindful practices, Ayurveda has touched innumerable aspects of our lives. Rajan, from Handloom Weaver's Development Society, Thiruvananthapuram who’s explaining this to us, is the sixth generation of the Kuzhivila family is trading in this fabric. Their lineage goes back to the Silk Route, when they supplied rajas with turmeric-dyed cloth. The practice Ayurvastra, a convenient and memorable combination of the Sanskrit words Ayur—which means life, health, or longevity—and Vastra or Vastram—which means clothing. The cloth works as a mediator in carrying the goodness of ayurvedic properties and transfers it to skin, thus providing wellness to those who wear it. This Ayurveda inspired herbal dyed clothing is known for its immense medicinal and natural properties that restore balance in human body and strengthen the immune system of the wearers. These herb-dyed textiles are known for preventing skin diseases, facilitating better immunity and regulating body temperature. Hence, Ayurvastra can be largely considered as a preventative health care and wellness clothing as there is evidence that supports the effectiveness of this clothing in preventing skin diseases like psoriasis, rheumatism, eczema, dry skin among others.     Supporting Research Two studies have been completed on Ayurvastra’s effects in humans, both indicating positive results. The researchers in the Department of Pharmacology at the Government Ayurveda College (GAC) in Kerala found that patients who used bedding, rugs, and towels dyed with medicinal plants experienced relief in symptoms of eczema, psoriasis, and even rheumatism. Kerala’s Ministry of Health conducted its own study on the effects that herbal-dyed clothing, bed sheets, and mattresses had on patients with a variety of ailments. They also hung Ayurvastra cloth mats on their walls and ceilings. Researchers reported that patients’ arthritis and rheumatism symptoms improved, suggesting possible effects that go beyond dermatological responses. “It is very difficult to pass any comment about the reliability and significance [of ayurvastra] without a comparative study between herbal decoction dyeing and chemical dyeing,” said Hari M. Chandola, MD, PhD, the head of internal medicine at Gujarat Ayurved University. “It needs scientific evaluation with multi-centric survey and trials before reaching to any conclusion.” Dr. Chandola noted that because the Ayurvastra linens are natural and free of synthetic bleaches and dyes, people using them could have a minimized chance of skin reactions from possible allergies to non-natural substances. Also, he said, natural fabrics allow perspiration to evaporate properly, something that can be difficult when wearing synthetic clothing.       Traditional History Dr. Chandola claimed that Ayurvastra is not referred to in the ancient or contemporary classics of Ayurveda. Instead, he said, some references mention certain plants that have a therapeutic result when applied to the skin by working through a mode of action called Prabhav, which means effect. The use of medicinal plants to dye clothing is mentioned in some Ayurvedic texts, just not under the name Ayurvastra. Additionally, Vasant Lad, BAMS—president of the Ayurvedic Institute in New Mexico and a distinguished Ayurvedic doctor and author—said that the usage of fabrics dyed in medicinal plants is discussed in the Padma Purana, a Hindu religious text, and the Astanga Hridaya, a text that covers the Eight Branches of Ayurveda (oral communication, September 26, 2011). The color of the fabric can be used to balance the doshas, Dr. Lad continued, and the medicinal properties of the plants can be obtained through their energy and dynamic action. Dr. Lad noted that in-depth Ayurvedic knowledge is scattered about in ancient Vedic literature. “It is there,” he said about documentation of the Ayurvastra process. He also said that the prescription of Ayurvastra by Ayurvedic practitioners in India and the United States is uncommon, but he recommends it for some of his clients—especially turmeric-dyed fabrics for people experiencing skin disorders.     Ayurvastra vs Normal Clothing : For Environment Research suggests that modern western wear is unsustainable and exerts a huge burden on the environment. A pair of jeans takes 7500 litres of water in its making process unlike traditional Indian wear such as handloom or organic clothing that may take significantly lesser water to process.  Regular daily clothing includes synthetic chemicals that are harmful both to those who wear it and the environment whereas organic clothing promotes human wellness and is eco-friendly. Ayurvedic clothing or Ayurvastra incorporates an inherent tradition of India that has long lived in a way in which it does not harm the environment. As we start to adopt lives with greater consciousness, incorporating Ayurvastra can be one of the healthiest ways to start. Benefits of Ayurvastra Herb dyed organic fabrics act as healing agents, act as an absorber through skin. Each fabric is infused with specific herbs that can help treat skin conditions. Herbs used in Ayurvastra are known to cure allergies having anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory properties. Ayurvastra is good for transpiration that helps in recovering various diseases. It may help treat a broad range of diseases such as skin infections, diabetes, eczema, psoriasis, hypertension, high blood pressure asthma & insomnia. Ayurvastra can further be used as energy booster, mood enhancer, blood purification & cooling. It is interesting to know that medicinal value of this cloth is increased if cloth is bleached with cow's urine. The wide array of unique naturally occurring colors can't be duplicated with synthetic dyes, hence new shades can be developed, the effect of which will not be lost even after constant use. Use of herbal dyes improves the aesthetic value of the cotton fabric in the most eco-friendly & sustainable manner. References: https://www.herbalgram.org/resources/herbalgram/issues/92/table-of-contents/orgnews-ayurvastra/ https://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/fashion/the-art-of-ayurvastra/article27377760.ece https://yehaindia.com/ayurvastra-clothing-that-heals-and-sustains-good-health/ 2018 IJCRT | Volume 6, Issue 1 February 2018 | ISSN: 2320-2882 www.ijcrt.org : https://ijcrt.org/papers/IJCRT1802306.pdf      AYURVASTRA FOR HEALTHY LIFE: A REVIEW(1: K. S. SARAVANYA & 2: Dr. S. KAVITHA ;1:Ph.d. Research Scholar, Department of Home science-Textiles & Clothing, 2:Associate Professor & Head i/c, Department of Home science, Mother Teresa Women’s University Research & Extension Centre, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India)

It feels content to share Miho has found a way to support the society in a way that is feasible and essential!With @goodworkstrust we are creating an ecosystem to inculcate the value of creativity and skill in the younger generation which not only provides them a way to learn new techniques, but also gives them validation to create something that reaches out to people - EXPRESS!A Confident Future, an expressive future, an innovative future, A creative approach - isn't that what we want for generations to come? Isn't that what closing the loop means? Isn't that what giving back to the society means?

Most babies and toddlers love to bathe because in the water babies like in the womb can move weightlessly and they relax very well in the warm water. Bathing must be well prepared so that bathing fun continues after the bath. Because babies and toddlers are susceptible and react with resentment to temperature fluctuations after bathing.