Butterfly Ayurveda: Reformulating Ancient Science For Modern Healing

The Swadeshi Movement, now known as the “Made in India” campaign was first initiated in 1905. It was an important area of focus for Mahatma Gandhi who described it as the essence of Swaraj (self-rule or independence). The movement led to a newfound appreciation for Indian goods whilst boycotting British-made products including foreign fabrics and textiles. Simple hand-spun and hand-woven sarees became high fashion all across Bombay, Calcutta and other parts of India. The movement helped revive the indigenous industry and gave rise to Indian cotton mills, match factories, glassblowing shops, and iron and steel foundries. Self-reliance became the focus of the movement as a way to assert national dignity.

This month, we’re celebrating Mahatma Gandhi’s 151st birth anniversary by putting the spotlight on successful Indian brands that are going beyond the status quo, and creating products and services that help make our lives better. Butterfly Ayurveda is one such brand. Founded in 2014, Butterfly Ayurveda has a unique morning to night range of herbal teas, light and aromatic caffeine-free herbal infusions, wholegrain and cow-ghee based preservative-free cookies, and Ayurvedic medicines that help prevent and treat lifestyle-related disorders. In the wake of COVID-19, the organisation has also launched Balance, through which it offers free wellness webinars on mental health, Ayurveda, Yoga, and more by collaborating with doctors, psychologists and other area experts.

“I started Butterfly Ayurveda with the intention to design Ayurvedic products that could cater to the modern lifestyle, and be used as an effective form of healthcare across the globe. Ayurveda is a vast subject that not only includes healing methods and remedies, herbal formulas, but also lifestyle and diet suggestions, in relation to and with an in-depth understanding of the body, mind and spirit.

I want to help people live healthier lives by increasing awareness about ways in which Ayurveda can be incorporated in our day to day living. Ayurveda has the ability to treat and remove the root cause of a given health issue. Some of the classical medicines of Ayurveda such as the ‘arishtams’ and ‘chooranas’ are highly effective in helping resolve numerous health problems that exist today. For instance, ‘Arjunarishta’ is one of the best medicines for heart health as well as controlling high blood pressure.

During this time of COVID-19, there are several herbs that can be included in our daily diet regimen to keep health issues at bay. Ashwagandha enhances the body’s ability to manage stress; Turmeric helps in removing toxins from the body, and in rejuvenating the body tissues of blood and plasma; Tulsi and Giloy help combat respiratory ailments, detoxify the body and help regulate blood sugar levels,” says Akshi Khandelwal, founder and CEO of Butterfly Ayurveda. In 2019, Akshi was selected as one of nineteen women leaders from across fifteen countries for the US Fortune Mentorship Program that helped enhance her entrepreneurial and leadership skills. She has a master’s degree in International and Development Economics from Yale University.

Rooted in Ayurveda, Butterfly Ayurveda is dedicated to producing powerful remedies that honour the principles of harmony and ancient formulation with years of traditional evidence. These are backed by modern science quality control tests and procedures. Their range of herbal teas, cookies and infusions help pacify Vata, Pitta and Kapha Doshas, and create an inner sense of well-being and balance. “We’ve created unique blends of dosha-pacifying teas for different times of the day. For instance, our Suprabhat Chai is a Kapha balancing morning tea that helps improve focus and concentration, and keeps lethargy away. Shubh Saanjh Chai is a Vata pacifying afternoon tea that helps with digestion and flatulence, and freshens the mouth naturally. Ratri Chai is a caffeine-free night-time tea with Brahmi and Ashwagandha to help calm the nerves, promote relaxation and deep sleep. Our tea leaves are sourced from India’s most esteemed tea estates in Assam and Darjeeling, and blended with top quality herbs,” explains Akshi.

Butterfly Ayurveda also offers a range of light and aromatic caffeine-free infusions such as Tummy Love for the gut, Diabe Infusion with Guduchi and Sweetleaf Stevia for Diabetics, Love Your Body with Kokum, also popularly known as Garcinia for healthy weight management, and Mama Love for pregnant and lactating mothers that helps enhance the immunity of the mother and baby. At its core, the company’s mission is to promote wellness amidst the difficulties of contemporary life. Their Ayurvedic formulations can help prevent and treat lifestyle related disorders such as high cholesterol, obesity, weak immune system, respiratory issues and liver problems. Their cookies are made using whole grain flours, natural sugars, herbs and cow ghee. They contain no additives or preservatives, and are made in small batches in order to keep their freshness intact. They are rich in fibre, protein and calcium, and the recipes are backed by R&D to ensure compatibility of ingredients.

“My vision is to create a farm to pharmacy experience through rigorous research and development processes, and develop products using herbs that are grown on organic and natural soils. Our Ayurvedic medicines help with multiple health issues such as respiratory health, liver problems, Diabetes, constipation, immunity, fever, and joint pain. We’ve recently launched a new medicine to help people cope with covid or any flu-like symptoms and other seasonal infections. It’s made using potent herbs such as Mulethi, Guduchi, Triphala, Vasa and Ashwagandha. It can even be taken by asymptomatic patients and is also good for liver health,” shares Akshi. Butterfly Ayurveda has also recently launched an Immunity Kit that helps strengthen the immune system in a gentle yet effective way. It comes with Bronchiofly Syrup for cough, Ayush Kwath & I-Immune Capsules for enhancing immunity and Hello Aloe Herbal Hand Sanitiser for clean, germ-free hands.

Butterfly Ayurveda is dedicated towards creating formulations that are backed by proper R&D and stringent quality checks. Their team includes Ayurvedic doctors and research analysts. All of their products are licensed by the State Department of AYUSH or FSSAI and manufactured at GMP certified units. Their raw materials are sourced from small farmers that practice sustainable methods of cultivation and harvesting. All of their syrups are prepared using the traditional decoction method by soaking and boiling whole herbs in water for a few days - a process that helps unlock the goodness of these herbs and makes the liquid more effective as opposed to extract-based syrups that are commonly available in the market.

“Being transparent with our customers is of utmost importance to us, which is why all of our labels specify the certifications we’ve received, and the details about each ingredient we use, making us a credible seller of Ayurvedic products in the Indian & global market. We get all our raw materials tested before they are considered for production. All packaging materials used are food grade, and ensure prevention of toxicity or staleness of any kind. We are proud of the fact that we have the ability to blend ancient wisdom with modern technology in order to create innovative products that are both preventive and curative,” explains Akshi.

In addition to starting a farm and growing their own herbs and raw materials in order to become more self-reliant, Butterfly Ayurveda is also looking to build in-house production capabilities. They also plan to enter the herbal nutraceuticals market soon. “These are fortified food products with extra health benefits in addition to the basic nutritional value found in foods. They promote general well-being, and help in treating and preventing malignant processes in the body. We’re also planning many interesting wellness workshops through Balance,” says Akshi.

To learn more about Butterfly Ayurveda and discover their products, visit
www.butterflyayurveda.com

You may also follow Akshi Khandelwal @gethealthywithakshi for tips on Ayurveda, food and lifestyle, healthy routines, somatic practices and ways in which small changes in our day-to-day living can have a big impact on our physical and mental health.