In today's Textile, many of the textile producers are facing various challenges.About half of the world's waste water problems are linked to the production of textile goods including many of the chemicals using in dyes & finish fabric causing harm to human health. This hazardous leads today's customers to approach for procuring safe & sustainable product. AYURVASTRA is one of the most sustainable, safe, earth-friendly & human friendly defined as knowledge of life, to live a vigorous & disease free life. "Ayurveda"treats man as a whole- which is a combination of body, mind & soul.


What is AYURVASTRA?


AYURVASTRA is a Sanskrit term made up of two words- "AYUR" means "health"& "VASTRA" means "Cloth", meaning "life cloth". It developed as branch of Ayurveda, the ancient 5000 years old Indian system of health care which is still accomplished in South India. Ayurvastra cloth is completely free from synthetic chemicals & toxic irritants & is totally organic, sustainable& biodegradable. Ayurvastra or medical dress is made of 100% pure organic cotton or silk, wool, jute & coir products that have been hand loomed, dyed by using various ayurvedic herbs & have medicinal qualities.


Ayurvastra-Strength

  • 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 extra smooth & 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.

  • Herbal dyes dont pollute like chemical dyes.

  • It is interesting to know that medicinal value of this cloth will be 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.

  • Ayurvastra is a way to revitalize & increase the market for their handloom industries & to create a niche for their eco-friendly handloom fabrics


Ayurvastra-Weakness

  • Natural fabrics & dyes are poor substitutes for synthetic colors in terms of range & tonal variations.
  • This cloth is more effective when the body is at rest such as sleeping or relaxation because this is when the body is naturally healing & re-establishing balance. This is why Ayurvastra cloth is often used for sleepwear, bed sheets, towels, meditation clothes and cotton mats.
  • The process is very complex, manual & time consuming.
  • It is very important to follow the correct care instructions during washing or dry cleaning the Ayurvastra. This should be washed separately with bleach free detergent. For machine wash, gentle cycle is recommended. This cloth should be ironed with warm iron; steam iron is preferable.


Ayurvastra- Threats

  • Some people claim that there is a side effect on children as a high level of formaldehyde has a toxic effects on children. But till date, no such complain has been registered

  • Due to lack of availability of precise technical knowledge on the extracting & dyeing technique, it has not commercially succeeded like synthetic dyes.

Conclusion:


The concept of dyes that are natural & improve the wearer's health is mesmerizing. Ayurvastra, life sustaining & eco friendly are truly chemical free, naturally dyed apparel & colors made from medicinally rich botanicals & herbs from India. It is time for the Indian Government & textile industries to encourage & support this precious heritage of India.


References:

  • ayurvastra.in

  • ayuvastra.ie/what_is_ayurvastra?frontend

  • startupfashion.com

  • fibre2fashion.com

  • ecoloom.com

  • ayurvedaresortindia.com

  • Dr. Minakshi Jain "Ayurvedic Textiles: A wonderful approach to handle health disorders" Colourage, October ,2010, 45-52