63 of 64 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
very comprehensive, September 27, 2004
This review is from: Absolute Beauty: Radiant Skin and Inner Harmony Through the Ancient Secrets of Ayurveda (Paperback)
This book is more than advice on skin care. It is a comprehensive guide to Ayurvedic living The author covers everything from nutrition to exercise and body care, explains why the body gets out of balance, how each of the three doshas reacts differently, and how we can regain health. She includes special elimination therapies, fasts, and breathing techniques, and helps you discover your skin type through a variety of quizzes.
The major part, of course, deals with body care and has simple recipes for homemade shampoos, conditioners, cleansers, baths and much more. In fact, so much more that I recommend you give up your job and hire two servants if you intend to follow her daily beauty regimen. Raichur recommends morning exercise (45 minutes), body self-massage (20 minutes), scalp massage (5 minutes), facial care (up to 15 minutes), saunas (or home alternatives, which she describes), nasal rinses, meditation, yoga, and, well, you name it. Although not all procedures need to be done every day, just following her basic daily routine takes more time than most mothers have.
Like other Ayurvedic specialists, she does not explain how people with two dosha imbalances should handle the diet recommendations. She does, however, bring good lists with dietary suggestions for each skin type, and these lists include herbs, food, and cosmetics. (According to the author's principle: "If you can't eat it, don't rub it on.")
Raichur also has her own cosmetics line which is available on the Web. When I discovered that some cosmetics listed the ingredients while others did not, I took out her book again. I was not surprised to see that she includes ingredients in her own cosmetic products that she brands as possible carcinogens or allergens in her book. Again, theory differs from reality.
But in general, her book is a thorough introduction to Ayurveda with lots of advice for healthy living and natural home-made cosmetics.
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29 of 29 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent and Comprehensive, March 1, 2002
This review is from: Absolute Beauty: Radiant Skin and Inner Harmony Through the Ancient Secrets of Ayurveda (Paperback)
I really like Ms. Raichur's detailed and thorough approach to Ayurvedic philosophy. I've been very pleased with the results of the homemade products. I have been using the sensitive skin recipes, and have been getting a lot of compliments on my glowing skin. Plus, I used the concoctions while I was pregnant with very good results. I highly recommend this book. I also like being liberated from buying expensive skin care products and their wasteful packaging.
I should also note that while she does mention her own line, everything in the book can be made very easily at home. I probably will try purchasing the liposomes that the Bindi line offers, though...I was puzzled that one reviewer noted that she couldn't find amber colored eyedropper bottles, and the basic ingredients for the potions--many are straight from the food store (like orange peel, bananas, milk powder, almond powder--or you just buy almonds and grind them up in a coffee grinder) or the health food store (essential oils, bottles). Some of the ingredients are from Indian grocery stores (like chickpea or lentil flours). You can always order stuff off the web if you don't live near a good health food or Indian grocery store.
I should note that I did not care for the body cleanser (milk powder & chick pea flour) because it clogged up my tub drain...otherwise everything else has worked beautifully.
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24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Absolutely Essential, July 1, 1999
By A Customer
I love this book. I now understand why skin is like it is. And I can see how food alters it, store bought creams don't help it, and my mind has a huge part in it. I now make my own lotions and "potions" and I'm in possesion of my skin again. My face has cleared, and when there is a break out I see what the problem stems from, and this book helped me to get where I am, which is amazingly happier and more understanding of myself.I'm not a victim of my skin anymore, It is my friend who reminds me of whats going on inside and what I can do to restore the balance in my life. I thank you Absolute Beauty as I thank myself for finding it.
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