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Herbs

Amalaki Summer Face Mask Recipe

This is a picture of a plant called Amalaki. It links to an Amalaki summer face mask recipe.

Amalaki (aka Indian Gooseberry, aka Amla) is COOLING. It’s great for pitta tendency people who get overly heated (think menstrual-related acne or loose stool), especially this time of year.⁣⁠ Try this Amalaki summer face mask recipe to cool and cleanse your skin during the hot summer months!
⁣⁣⁠
This herb is also a potent external medicine for hair and skin. Amalaki is a well-known rejuvenate as it gently cleanses the colon, beautifies hair and skin and is an all-around tonic for the organs. In India it's known as a super-food, youth-enhancer!⁣ It's also one of the fruits in Ayurveda's digestive formula, Triphala.⁠
⁠
We recommend getting your amalaki powder through Banyan Botanicals who we know and love! Use code KATIES15 for a discount.⁣

Amalaki Summer Face Mask Recipe:

  1. Chop up finely a sprig of washed parsley (the parsley is optional!)
  2. Crush it up in a mortar and pestle until the juice is coming out (the bottom of the clean jar on a chopping board can suffice if you don’t have one).
  3. Add 2 teaspoons of Amalaki (Amla) powder and hot water to make a wet paste with the crushed parsley.
  4. Add a teaspoon of Manuka honey to the still warm mixture and blend them all together into a paste.
  5. The crushed parsley won’t spread consistently but this doesn’t matter as the hot water will have dispersed its compounds into the paste.
  6. You want your face mask to be the consistency of yogurt, easy to spread but not too watery/runny.

Application Instructions:

  • Apply the paste while it's still warm to freshly cleansed, damp skin.
  • Lie down in your room with mask on for 20-30mins.
  • Wash off with warm water and apply your favorite moisturizer!

This summer face mask recipe is great for blemishes but it may dry out your skin if left on too long or if used during dry months or during dry skin cycles. Use this in humid environments, in the high summer season or if you have oily skin.

If you want to take your summer self-care routine to the next level try sipping on a cooling summer herbal tea or our Rose Water Mocktail while mixing up this summer face mask recipe!

Happy at-home Ayurveda facial-ing! 😎

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Herbal Teas for Plump, Hydrated Skin

This is a picture of herbs and tea in a class. It links to a blog post about Ayurvedic herbal teas for hydrated skin

Maintaining hydrated skin in the summer (and as we age) is an inside job! However, drinking a ton of water will only do so much if your tissues aren’t actually nourished and rejuvenated from within. The demulcent herbs in these herbal teas actually hold lubricants that will plump up the skin full of water (in a youthfulness-boosting way, not a water retention way!) to give you glowing, hydrated skin! 💦

See below for our favorite demulcent herbal teas for deeply hydrated skin:

❤️ Licorice is an anti-aging, nourishment-boosting, ultimate rejuvenation herb (aka a rasayana). Its sweet, cool, and moisturizing effects help rejuvenate and hydrate all 7 tissues. We use this licorice power from Banyan Botanicals. You can use code KATIES15 for a special 15% discount on all of Banyan Botanicals' awesome products!

🌹 Rose helps to balance Sadhaka Pitta (one of the Pitta subdoshas), cooling excess heat in the blood before it erupts in our skin and balancing emotions so they don’t disturb our hearts. On those extra hot days, try our cooling Rose Water Mocktail.

🌺 Hibiscus is soothing and purifying. Its sweet, astringent and cooling properties support healthy, hydrated skin and a clear complexion.

🥀 Rose hips are sour, astringent, and warming which helps reduce vata. Rose hips contain many vitamins that make them beneficial for all skin types and are associated with anti-aging. We love these rose petals from our friends at Paavani Ayurveda.

🏵️ Last but not least, marshmallow root helps store water which helps our skin remain plump and lush. It helps rebuild our body’s water element and also boosts our hair’s lustrousness and growth!

Two other great Ayurvedic practices for glowing, hydrated skin are dry brushing and Abhyanga. Both of these practices increase blood and lymph circulation through self-massage. Learn more about these skin-health-boosting practices in our blog post, Why You Should Dry Brush (or do Abhyanga).

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Ayurvedic Mint, Pistachio and Cilantro Chutney Recipe

This is a picture of a bowl of green chutney. It links to a Ayurvedic Mint, Pistachio and Cilantro Chutney recipe blog post.

This Ayurvedic mint, pistachio and cilantro chutney recipe makes a tasty side or topping rich in herbs and spices that support digestion, detoxification and overall health.

Ayurvedic Mint, Pistachio and Cilantro Chutney Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves (finely chopped)
  • 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves (finely chopped)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted pistachios (soaked for 1-2 hours)
  • 1 small green chili (optional, adjust to your heat preference)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated)
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds (lightly roasted)
  • 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds (optional, for cooling effect)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon or lime juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1/2 teaspoon rock salt (or to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black salt (optional for a tangy flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon coconut or olive oil (optional for added smoothness)
  • 2-3 tablespoons water (adjust consistency as needed)

Optional Additions to this Ayurvedic Mint, Pistachio and Cilantro Chutney Recipe:

  • 1/4 teaspoon *turmeric powder: Adds anti-inflammatory properties.
  • 1/2 teaspoon jaggery or raw honey: For balancing Vata and Pitta doshas, adds a touch of sweetness.

*Use code KATIES15 for a special 15% discount on all Banyan Botanical products.⁣

Instructions:

  1. Soak the Pistachios: Soak the pistachios in warm water for about 1-2 hours. This makes them easier to blend and helps release their oils.
  2. Toast the Spices (Optional): In a small pan, lightly toast cumin and fennel seeds until fragrant. Allow them to cool slightly.
  3. Blend Ingredients: In a blender or food processor, add soaked pistachios, cilantro, mint, green chili (if using), ginger, roasted cumin, fennel seeds, rock salt, black salt, lemon or lime juice, and turmeric (if using). Blend until smooth. Add water gradually to reach your desired consistency.
  4. Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust salt, lemon juice, or jaggery/honey as needed.
  5. Optional Oil: Add coconut or olive oil for a richer texture. Blend again for a few seconds to incorporate.
  6. Serve: Serve fresh with meals or as a dip. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Ayurvedic Considerations for this Ayurvedic Mint, Pistachio and Cilantro Chutney Recipe:

  • Vata Dosha: Reduce green chili and use a small amount of oil and jaggery/honey to ground Vata.
  • Pitta Dosha: Skip or reduce the chili and black salt, use more mint for cooling, and add fennel seeds to soothe Pitta.
  • Kapha Dosha: Skip the oil, use lime juice instead of lemon, and add more chili and ginger for heat and stimulation.

This chutney could be a great addition to an Ayurvedic spring cleanse or our Instant Pot Kitchari.

Enjoy making this flavorful mint, pistachio and cilantro chutney recipe and pairing it with your meals! 🌱

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Ep. 168 Ayurveda & Tantric Herbalism with Brooke Sullivan

Spirit Sessions Guest - IG post (2)

In this episode, Katie is joined by tantric herbalist, yoga therapist, and educator Brooke Sullivan. Brooke and Katie explore the parallels between Tantric Herbalism and inner energy work, and share practical ways that you can tap into the ancient knowing within you to navigate this wild life! They also have a candid discussion about the importance of waking up from our cultural amnesia around the repressed Divine Feminine and Masculine. It’s time to reawaken to your inner Shakti power!

Tune in to learn Brooke’s favorite ways to deepen your connection to Mother Nature this winter, and her favorite herbs to support your health during the coldest months of the year!

In this episode you’ll hear:

~ Registration for Level 1 Ayurveda School is open for less than two weeks! Join us to study with amazing teachers like Katie and Brooke.

~ What is Tantric Herbalism?

~ How to appreciate rather than resent the monotonous routines of life

~ The most Tantric question you can ask yourself

~ How the divine and the mundane are two sides of the same coin

~ Why constantly growing and expanding isn’t always healthy

~ The difference between being open and expanding

~ The magical benefits of non-attachment

~ What is the Holy, ten-thousand-armed Mother?

~ The concepts of Shri Yantra and Sahaja Yoga

~ Why the world needs a matured feminine and masculine

~ Uncovering and unblocking your power

~ Turning to nature as a teacher

~ Brooke’s top 3 herbs to explore this winter

~ How to meditate with herbs

~ Katie’s new book, Glow-Worthy: Practices for Awakening Your Inner Light and Loving Yourself as You Are—Broken, Beautiful, and Sacred is available now!

Other links mentioned in this episode:

~ Connect with Brooke on her website and Instagram

Or Subscribe on iTunes

Learn more:

Ayurveda Certification

The Shakti School Subscription

HELP US SPREAD OUR POD WINGS

This show is a passion project that I produce for the love of sharing. If you enjoy this show and want a free and easy way to help it grow, the most effective way you can help is to:

  1. Subscribe to the show by clicking “subscribe” in iTunes
  2. Write us a review in iTunes
  3. Share this show with one friend right now!

It’s seems simple, but you’d be AMAZED to know how much it helps my little love project reach more people. iTunes’ algorithm uses ratings and reviews to know who to show our show to in their app.

Here’s the link to leave us reviews in iTunes.

From my heart to your screen,

Katie

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Ep. 102 Parsley is Spring Magic

Podcast Banner 102

Parsley is the perfect spring herb. Learn why and how to make a simple parsley remedy you can sip throughout the day.

In this episode you’ll hear:

~Spring is abundant in Kapha

~Health benefits of parsley

~Parsley Water protocol

~Blue Sage Ayurveda Parsley Water Recipe

~Book: Healing With Whole Foods by Paul Pitchford

Parsley Water:

  • 1 head of parsley
  • 3-4 cups of water
  • Strainer
  • 2-4 quart pot

Instructions:

  1. Bring water to hard boil
  2. Lower water to soft boil for 1 minute before adding parsley
  3. Put parsley head in for 3-4 minutes (set a timer)
  4. Pick parsley out, place in strainer
  5. Divide Parsley Water into 3 servings spread throughout the day
  6. Enjoy 1 hour before each meal

Or Subscribe on iTunes

Learn more:

Shakti Ayurveda School

Free Divine Feminine Ayurveda Mini-Course

The Shakti School Subscription

HELP US SPREAD OUR POD WINGS

This show is a passion project that I produce for the love of sharing. If you enjoy this show and want a free and easy way to help it grow, the most effective way you can help is to:

  1. Subscribe to the show by clicking “subscribe” in iTunes
  2. Write us a review in iTunes
  3. Share this show with one friend right now!

It’s seems simple, but you’d be AMAZED to know how much it helps my little love project reach more people. iTunes’ algorithm uses ratings and reviews to know who to show our show to in their app.

Here’s the link to leave us reviews in iTunes.

From my heart to your screen,

Katie

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Ep. 101 Getting Practical with Nidhi Pandya + The Definitive Guide to Eating

Ep. 101 Banner

In this episode, Katie gets down and practical with Nidhi Pandya, third generation Ayurvedic practitioner and lineage carrier, to talk late winter and early spring routines + her newest course with The Shakti School, Ashtanga Hridayam: The Definitive Guide to Eating.

In this episode you’ll hear:

~ Fueling late winter immunity

~ Tips for getting sun this spring

~ Avoid projecting your neurosis: Ayurveda for modern people

~ The key to learning through an ancient text

~ Nidhi’s course:

Ashtanga Hridayam (Part 1): Fundamental Chapters

Ashtanga Hridayam (Part 2): The Definitive Guide to Eating

Ashtanga Hridayam Part 2

~ Katie’s episodes on sun and spring:

Ep. 40 To Sunscreen Or Not To Sunscreen? How About Natural?

Ep. 42 What Does Ayurveda Say About Allergies?

Ep. 55 Vitamin B.S. – Sunlight + Forest Baths

~ Nidhi’s instagram @my_ayurvedic_life

Herbs we mentioned this episode:

  • Turmeric
  • Ginger
  • Musta
  • Salt
  • Guduchi
  • Clove

Or Subscribe on iTunes

Learn more:

Shakti Ayurveda School

Free Divine Feminine Ayurveda Mini-Course

The Shakti School Subscription

HELP US SPREAD OUR POD WINGS

This show is a passion project that I produce for the love of sharing. If you enjoy this show and want a free and easy way to help it grow, the most effective way you can help is to:

  1. Subscribe to the show by clicking “subscribe” in iTunes
  2. Write us a review in iTunes
  3. Share this show with one friend right now!

It’s seems simple, but you’d be AMAZED to know how much it helps my little love project reach more people. iTunes’ algorithm uses ratings and reviews to know who to show our show to in their app.

Here’s the link to leave us reviews in iTunes.

From my heart to your screen,

Katie

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Ep. 64 How to AyurVeda Biohack Your Holiday Travel

Traveling soon? Learn Katie’s favorite hacks from Ayurveda and holistic health so you can be sure you stay sane and healthy when you’re on the go.

In this episode you'll hear:

~How to prepare in order to avoid stress

~Getting ready the night before

~Food to bring with you

~What herbs I take with me

~My recipe for hydrating water

~My earthing/sun practice

~The flow of prana when we travel and how to regulate it

~Less than 6 weeks to get into 2020 Ayurveda School! Join the next crew of courageous and wonderful women.

~If you have questions about Ayurveda School you book a call with Amaury or Lyndsay

Products I mentioned:

~License to Chill Set by ApotheKary

~Noise cancelling headphones

~Melatonin - Quicksilver makes a liposomal version that acts fast

~Compression socks

~Massage balls

Ayurvedic Products I mentioned (use promo code SHAKTI10 for 10% off):

~Nasya (Nose) Oil 

~Ashwagandha Tincture

~Tulsi Tincture

~Triphala tablets

Or Subscribe on iTunes

This episode is sponsored by ApotheKary! A boutique apothecary offering Ayurvedic inspired herbs and blends. Their kits make holiday shopping super easy with curated sets of wellness products based on one's Dosha or health concern. Use promocode GHEESPOT10 for 10% off your entire order.

This episode is also sponsored by the Ahara Ghee family. Use promocode GHEESPOT at checkout for $5 off your order.

Learn more:

Shakti Ayurveda School

Free Divine Feminine Ayurveda Mini-Course

Lineage of Love Community

HELP US SPREAD OUR POD WINGS

This show is a passion project that I produce for the love of sharing. If you enjoy this show and want a free and easy way to help it grow, the most effective way you can help is to:

  1. Subscribe to the show by clicking “subscribe” in iTunes
  2. Write us a review in iTunes
  3. Share this show with one friend right now!

It’s seems simple, but you’d be AMAZED to know how much it helps my little love project reach more people. iTunes’ algorithm uses ratings and reviews to know who to show our show to in their app.

Here’s the link to leave us reviews in iTunes.

From my heart to your screen,

Katie

Continue Reading

The BEST Summer Herb

Amalaki (aka Indian Gooseberry, aka Amla) is COOLING. It’s great for pitta tendency people like me who get overly heated (think menstrual related acne, or loose stool), especially this time of year.

It's one of the fruits in ayurveda's digestive formula Triphala. It's english name is Indian Gooseberry.

But it's also a potent external medicine for hair and skin!! ⠀

You can take amalaki internally. It is a super-well-known rejuvenate as it gently cleanses the colon, beautifies hair and skin and is an all-around tonic for the organs. In India its known as a super-food, youth-enhancer!

It’s also SUPER helpful for blemishes. Scroll down for my summer Amalaki face mask.

➳ You can also use the powders in your smoothies or yogurt. It has a delightful sour taste.

➳ Mix it with coconut oil and use as a hair mask. It makes your hair really shinny and strong. This is so good for pitta hair that’s often very fine and breaks easily. It’s hard to grow out your hair sometimes as a pitta.

➳ Mix it with almond oil to make an anti-aging treatment and soften fine lines. (Amalaki is high in Vit C, which helps build collagen).

➳ Mix Amalaki juice or powder with aloe vera juice for a refreshing facewash.

➳ Banyan Botanicals sources THE BEST amalaki, it’s potent, organic and fair trade. Banyan is supporting farmers in Asia, not just doing business and then peacing out. Use the discount code SHAKTI10 for 10% of your order.

Try this facemask, it will change your skin routine forever!!!!

Amalaki facemask with honey (& optional parsley)

This is a great mask for blemishes but it may dry out your skin if left for too long, or used during dry months, or during dry skin cycles. Use this in humid environments, in the high summer season or if you have oily skin.⠀

➳ Start by chopping up finely a sprig of washed parsley⠀

➳ Crush it up in a mortar and pestle until the juice is coming out (the bottom of the clean jar on a chopping board can suffice if you don’t have one)⠀

➳ Add 2 teaspoons of Amalaki (Amla) powder and hot water to make a wet paste with the crushed parsley⠀

➳ Add a teaspoon of Manuka honey to the still warm mixture and blend them all together into a paste⠀

➳ The crushed parsley won’t spread consistently but this doesn’t matter as the hot water will have dispersed its compounds into the paste⠀

➳ You want your face mask to be the consistency of yogurt – easy to spread but not too watery/runny.⠀

➳ Apply the paste while it's still warm⠀

➳ Wash your face of any dirt or makeup⠀

➳ Apply the paste to damp, clean skin⠀

➳ Lie down in your room with mask on for 20-30mins⠀

➳ Wash off with warm water and apply your favorite moisturizer!⠀

Continue Reading

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TheShaktiSchool

According to the Vedas (the spiritual root texts o According to the Vedas (the spiritual root texts of Ayurveda), your soul has four goals or desires, which the texts call the purusharthas, “that which is for the purpose of the soul.” The Ayurvedic tradition takes these four core human motivations and gives us permission to enjoy and pursue them, while not becoming overly attached to any of them. ⁠
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In this way, we can enjoy pleasure, seek success and purpose, strive for material gain and seek out the practices and mentors that will teach us how to live a more integrated, enlightened, soulful life. ⁠
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By no means will this quick overview do justice to the complex tapestry of what these four motivators are or how we can succeed in their fulfillment, but it will offer a little peek at the four aims that are paramount to our sense of total health and happiness.⁠
⁠
Are you ready to dive deeper into Vedic philosophy and Divine Feminine Ayurveda?⁠
⁠
If this philosophy is lighting you up, you’re gonna’ love our free course, Women’s Wisdom and Ayurveda. Comment WISDOM below to get instant access to the 3+ hour video series now!
🚨Only 5 bonus gift spots left! → The doors ar 🚨Only 5 bonus gift spots left! → The doors are open for our 2026 Ayurvedic Wellness Coach Certification - and we have already welcomed several of you ladies into this upcoming Level 1 Year! 🌹🎉⁠
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If you know in your bones that 2026 is your year for heart-centered community, deepening your Ayurveda wisdom and evolving your own spiritual growth, now’s the time, ‘cause…⁠
⁠
…we’re giving away all the books you’ll need for the course to the first ten women who register for 2026! ⁠
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Y’all are registering so fast that there are only 5 spots left to claim this free $200 gift, so if you know you’re in for 2026, don’t wait.⁠
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This training is more than just learning Ayurveda - it’s a spiritual homecoming. ⁠
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If you’re ready to walk that path with us, be one of the next 5 women to join us in 2026 Level 1 Ayurveda School and I’m personally sending you all of your course books + your beautiful manual as a special love-gift. 🎁
One of the keys to good digestion in Ayurveda is k One of the keys to good digestion in Ayurveda is keeping things SIMPLE. Less complicated meals give our digestive fire a chance to rest and truly metabolize the fuel we’re feeding the fire. ⁠
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Peas are light, astringent and slightly drying—aka they help balance kapha’s natural heaviness and tendency to hold onto all the things (mucus, water, emotional clutter... you name it). Plus, they're packed with protein and fiber without being overly dense.⁠
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On top of that, soup is basically kapha’s best friend. It’s warm, light AND easy to digest. Broth and veggie-based soups are the perfect go-to option for spring dinners that aren’t too heavy! Enjoy! 🌿
When the Universe sends you a gentle nudge to grow When the Universe sends you a gentle nudge to grow and you respond by eating four too many cookies and texting your ex. 📞🍪✨ (We’ve all been there 😉.) Sometimes chaos is just a part of the human curriculum - we’re all beginners in this weird and beautiful school of life.
Ayurveda is a means for uncovering the truth of yo Ayurveda is a means for uncovering the truth of your Soul.⁠
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Quick reminder that this practice is not only about achieving a state of perfect health, getting rid of all your wrinkles or even getting the perfect poo. 💩 The reason that we strive to honor our health, to put IN that which is nourishing to our bodies and to reduce our “ama-generating” habits is so that we can begin to hear the soul’s whisper become clearer and clearer.⁠
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Yes, we could all probably use a two-week Panchakarma (it’s true!), but sometimes, the best thing we can do for our health is to go outside, let the sun wash over our face and get quiet enough to remember our inner knowing for just a few moments.

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