Ayurveda, connected health, wellness and organic skincare glossary

Use this glossary to understand key Ayurvedic, mind-body, and organic skincare concepts. Each term links to deeper educational content and products to help you apply these principles in your daily life.

Connected health and wellness page | Certified organic page | Organic skin care category

This glossary defines key Ayurvedic, holistic health, connected wellness, mind-body health, and organic skincare terms used across Red Pantz. Each term connects to related products, rituals, and educational content to help you apply these concepts in daily life.

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

A

Adaptogen

What is an adaptogen?
An adaptogen is a natural substance that helps the body respond to stress and restore balance based on the body’s needs.

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Agni (Digestive fire)

What is agni in Ayurveda?
Agni is the metabolic force responsible for digestion, absorption, and transformation of food, thoughts, emotions, and experiences in the body.

It is a key component of the Ayurvedic definition of health. The goal of Ayurveda is to keep the agni balanced for optimal digestion, absorption, and assimilation of all inputs.

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Ama

What is ama in Ayurveda?
Ama is the accumulation of undigested or improperly processed food, thoughts, emotions, or experiences due to weak digestion (agni).

In modern terms, ama is very loosely translated as toxins even though the Ayurvedic definition is not an exact match to the allopathic definition. Ama is caused by “toxic” buildup due to incomplete digestion and low agni. The goal of Ayurveda is to clear ama to help restore balance.

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Amalaki (Amla)

Dubbed as the Ayurvedic wonder, it’s a vitamin C-rich fruit used for skin, immunity, and rejuvenation. It’s known as Indian gooseberry in English. Research: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3326920/

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Antioxidants

What are antioxidants?
Antioxidants are compounds that help neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress that can damage cells and accelerate aging. They help protect cells from oxidative stress.

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Ayurveda

What is Ayurveda?
Ayurveda is a holistic system of health that defines well-being as balanced doshas, tissues, digestive fire (agni), with proper elimination, and the blissful state of mind, senses, and soul.

Ayurveda is an ancient form of medicine originating from India. Ayu means life and veda means wisdom or knowledge. The meaning of this word is often translated to the science of life or wisdom of life. It’s a holistic healing system that follows the cycles of nature, and uses natural means, such as lifestyle, diet, herbs and nature-based approaches to help prevent imbalances and restore balance.

The Ayurvedic definition of health is more encompassing than how modern science defines health. In Ayurveda, health is the state of balanced doshas, balanced tissues, balanced digestive fire with proper elimination and the blissful state of soul, senses and mind.

Today’s holistic wellness in modern medicine focuses on the mind-body connection, however, it’s still only a part of the full story. To capture the significance of Ayurveda’s truly all-encompassing definition of health, at Red Pantz, we coined the term connected health and wellness.

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B

Biohacking (Ayurvedic)

Optimizing health, productivity, and performance using daily rhythms, food, and natural practices using the wisdom of the circadian rhythm.

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Body-mind connection

What is body-mind health?
Body-mind health refers to the connection between mental, emotional, and physical states, where thoughts and stress directly influence the body.

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C

Certified organic

A system ensuring ingredients and processes meet strict regulatory standards. In the US, the USDA governs the national organic certification process which extends well beyond using certified, verifiable organic ingredients in a final product. It requires the operation to be certified organic.

Unfortunately, there are several brands in the US today that incorrectly and illegally claim organic status. To know whether or not a brand qualifies to make such a claim on its packaging and in its marketing, visit the USDA Organic Integrity Database: https://organic.ams.usda.gov/integrity/.

Red Pantz is proud to be a USDA-certified organic operation.

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Certified organic skincare

Certified organic skincare lines are extremely rare in the US because of the strict regulations imposed on the skincare brand across sourcing, manufacturing, handling, storage, distribution, and recordkeeping.

In the US, the USDA governs the national organic certification process which extends well beyond using certified, verifiable organic ingredients in a final product. The USDA has established various certification levels based on the certified organic ingredient content of a final product. Regardless of the certification level, all USDA-certified organic skincare products must follow the strict requirements regarding sourcing, manufacturing, handling, storage, distribution, and recordkeeping.

Unfortunately, there are several brands in the US today that incorrectly and illegally claim organic status. To know whether or not a brand qualifies to make such a claim on its packaging and in its marketing, visit the USDA Organic Integrity Database: https://organic.ams.usda.gov/integrity/.

Red Pantz is proud to be a USDA-certified organic operation, offering organic skincare products.

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Circadian rhythm

What is circadian rhythm?
Circadian rhythm is the body’s 24-hour biological cycle that regulates sleep, digestion, energy, and hormonal activity.

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Clean beauty

Skincare made without harmful synthetic ingredients. There is no standard today that regulates what constitutes clean beauty. Due to substantial greenwashing in the cosmetic industry, manufacturers may claim their products to be clean after adding a certain amount of non-harmful chemicals. This, however, does not mean that their products are actually clean. The best way to ensure if you’re purchasing a clean beauty product is to research the ingredients on the packaging.

There are organizations now that rate ingredients on how harmful they are.

As part of our commitment to provide you with the cleanest possible ingredients and processes, Red Pantz became a USDA-certified organic operation, which is extremely rare in the cosmetic and skincare industry.

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D

Digital detox

We’ve been talking about digital detox for over a decade. It’s the idea to take breaks from our pervasive digital lifestyle for better health, mood, and productivity.

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Detox (Ayurvedic)

What is detox in Ayurveda?
Detox in Ayurveda is the process of supporting the body’s natural elimination systems by strengthening digestion (agni) and reducing ama.

In Ayurveda, detox refers to supporting the body’s natural ability to eliminate waste by improving digestion (agni) and reducing the buildup of ama. It is about restoring balance through daily habits, food, herbs, and natural methods.

Pancha karma, also known as 5-sense therapy, is a structured process to help cleanse and restore balance, guided by a qualified Ayurvedic professional.

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Digestion (Ayurvedic)

Digestion in Ayurveda goes beyond the breakdown of food. It includes how the body processes and assimilates all inputs, including food, thoughts, and experiences. Strong digestion (balanced agni) is central to overall health.

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Doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha)

What are doshas in Ayurveda?
Dosha literally means the one at fault. Doshas are biological energies—vata, pitta, and kapha—derived from the five elements that govern all physiological functions in the body.

Ayurveda describes everything and anything by the 5 gross elements. From lightest to heaviest, these elements are space, air, fire, water and earth. They make up the 3 doshas, vata, pitta, kapha.

Think of these doshas as biological energies in Ayurveda that govern your physiological functioning. Vata represents movement, Pitta represents transformation and metabolism, and Kapha represents structure and stability. Every individual is born with a unique combination of these doshas, which is called your natural state (prakruti). However, as you go through the day, season, and so one, these doshas can go out of balance due to controllable and uncontrollable factors. This out-of-balance state is called your current state (vikruti). The goal of Ayurveda is to help maintain and restore balance from your current state to your natural state.

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E

Energy balance

A state where every part of your existence functions optimally with stable energy throughout the day. In Ayurveda, this is achieved by aligning daily routines with natural rhythms and maintaining balanced doshas and agni.

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Essential oils (Ayurvedic use)

Plant-based oils used in Ayurveda for their therapeutic properties, often applied topically to help calm the mind, support the nervous system, and nourish the body.

While the use of essential oils is popular today to avoid the use synthetic fragrances, it should be noted that the more is not necessarily better. Essential oils can cause sensitivities, photosensitivity, phototoxicity, and other situations, as well as have dermal limits. At Red Pantz, we follow the International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists (IFPA)’s strict guidelines, and prioritize effects and safety rather than overpowering scents.

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F

Free radicals

What are free radicals?
Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells, contributing to oxidative stress, aging, and imbalance in the body.

Antioxidant-rich ingredients help counter their effects.

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G

Gotu kola

Gotu kola (Centella asiatica or Indian pennywort) has been traditionally used in Ayurveda to support a wide range of functions, including skin health, brain function, circulation, emotional wellbeing, and detoxification. It is also commonly used in skincare to support wound healing, help improve skin elasticity, and promote a healthy complexion.

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Guduchi

A well-known Ayurvedic herb often referred to as a rejuvenative. It is traditionally used to support overall wellness, including skin health and vitality.
Research: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3644751/

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Gut health (Digestive system in Ayurveda)

What is gut health in Ayurveda?
Gut health in Ayurveda refers to the strength of digestive fire (agni), which governs digestion, absorption, and elimination—not just the intestines.

Ayurveda teaches that digestive health is central to overall health. Gut health is a part of this definition. Digestive health in Ayurveda includes digestion, absorption, and elimination, rather than focusing only on the intestines. Balanced digestion supports overall health and prevents the buildup of ama. A balanced agni helps maintain gut health.

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H

Holistic health

An approach to health that considers the entire system rather than treating isolated symptoms. Today’s holistic wellness in modern medicine focuses on the mind-body connection, however, it’s still only a part of the full story.

The Ayurvedic definition of health is more encompassing than how modern science defines health. In Ayurveda, health is the state of balanced doshas, balanced tissues, balanced digestive fire with proper elimination and the blissful state of soul, senses and mind.

To capture the significance of Ayurveda’s truly all-encompassing definition of health, at Red Pantz, we coined the term connected health and wellness.

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Hormonal balance

Refers to the body’s natural regulation of hormones that influence mood, metabolism, and skin. The term hormone is a modern name. In Ayurveda, lifestyle, stress management, and nourishment are used to support overall balance in the body.

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I

Immunity (Ojas)

What is ojas in Ayurveda?
Ojas is the vital essence of the body that supports immunity, strength, and resilience, influenced by digestion, lifestyle, diet, and stress.

Immunity can be natural (what you were born with) and acquired. In Ayurveda, immunity is linked to ojas, which represents vitality and resilience. There are two types of ojas. Para ojas and apara ojas. Para ojas is 8 drops and located in the heart. It’s the most vital, supreme essence of the two. Any damage to it results in death. Apara ojas, on the other hand, is ½ anjali (one handful), circulating throughout the body, giving it energy and vitality. Apara ojas fluctuates based on lifestyle, diet, and stress. Strong ojas supports overall well-being.

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Inflammation

What is inflammation in Ayurveda?
Inflammation is the body’s response to stress or imbalance and is often associated with excess pitta, which governs heat and metabolism. Balancing doshas is critical to help address inflammation.

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J

Jojoba oil

Jojoba oil is a liquid wax extracted from the seeds of the jojoba plant (Simmondsia chinensis). Unlike many plant oils, jojoba oil is technically a wax ester, which closely resembles the structure of human sebum—the natural oil produced by the skin. Because of this similarity, it absorbs easily, helps balance oil production, and supports the skin’s natural barrier without leaving a heavy or greasy residue.

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K

Kapha

Kapha is one of the 3 doshas in Ayurveda. The dosha associated with structure, stability, and lubrication in the body.

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M

Meditation (Ayurvedic context)

A practice used to calm the mind, focus the mind, reduce stress, and support overall balance.

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Microbiome

The community of microorganisms in the digestive system that influences overall health. In Ayurveda, this is indirectly supported through strong digestion and balanced agni.
Research: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3705355/

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Mind-body health

What is mind-body health?
Mind-body health refers to the connection between mental, emotional, and physical states, where thoughts and stress directly influence the body.

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N

Natural skincare

Skincare products formulated using naturally derived ingredients. It is not to be confused with organic skincare, certified organic skincare, or vegan skincare.

Red Pantz is not only a natural skincare brand, but we are also a USDA-certified organic operation, offering organic skincare products.

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Neem

Neem (Azadirachta indica or Margosa Tree) has a long history of use in Ayurvedic medicine, known and used for helping manage many ailments, including urinary disorders, skin diseases, burns, intestinal worms, and so much more.

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Nervous system regulation

The process of balancing the body’s stress response to maintain calm and stability.

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  • MY24/7 by Red Pantz mind care oils
  • MY24/7 by Red Pantz specialty teas, organic

O

Organic skincare

What is organic skincare?
Organic skincare refers to products made using certified organic ingredients AND processes that meet strict regulated standards such as USDA organic certification.

Just because a product uses some or all organic ingredients, it does not mean that it is legally allowed to claim organic status on its labels and in marketing. More is needed.

To be able to put the word organic next to the respective ingredient in the Ingredients section of the label, brands must carry an Organic Processed Product registration. Without this registration, they are not allowed to claim organic ingredients in the Ingredients section of their label. With this registration, they’re only allowed to put the word organic next to the verified organic ingredient. This registration does not qualify them to call a final product organic. Only certified organic products in certain organic categories are allowed to make such a claim as approved and governed by the USDA in the United States.

In the US, the USDA governs the national organic certification process which extends well beyond using certified, verifiable organic ingredients in a final product. The USDA has established various certification levels based on the certified organic ingredient content of a final product. Regardless of the certification level, all USDA-certified organic skincare products must follow the strict requirements regarding sourcing, manufacturing, handling, storage, distribution, and recordkeeping.

This governing body also regulates what claims a brand can make regarding its organic status. Unfortunately, there are many brands in the US today that incorrectly and illegally claim organic status. To know whether or not a brand qualifies to make such a claim on its packaging and in its marketing, visit the USDA Organic Integrity Database: https://organic.ams.usda.gov/integrity/.

Certified organic skincare lines are extremely rare in the US because of the strict regulations imposed on the skincare brand across sourcing, manufacturing, handling, storage, distribution, and recordkeeping.

Red Pantz is proud to be a USDA-certified organic operation, offering organic skincare products.

Learn more:

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MY24/7 by Red Pantz certified organic skin care https://redpantz.com/product-category/skin-care/

Oxidative stress

An imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body that can contribute to aging and damage.

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P

Pitta

Pitta is one of the 3 doshas in Ayurveda. The dosha associated with heat, metabolism, and transformation.

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Plant-based ingredients

Ingredients derived from plants used for health, wellness, and skincare.

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MY24/7 by Red Pantz organic skincare https://redpantz.com/product-category/skin-care/

R

Rasayana

Ayurvedic rejuvenation practices that support longevity and vitality.

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Rose

Rose (Rosa centifolia) is the “lotus of the heart” as it’s the flower of love and devotion. It has a special effect on the heart amongst other health benefits from circulatory system support to skin benefits.

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S

Sattwa (sattva)

A state of clarity, calm, and balance in the mind.

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Self-care (Ayurvedic)

Daily practices that support physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

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Shirodhara

An Ayurvedic practice involving oil application to the forehead to help calm the mind and support relaxation.
Research: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4034202/

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Skin barrier

What is the skin barrier?
The skin barrier is the outermost layer of the skin that protects against moisture loss, environmental stress, and reflects internal balance in the body.

In Ayurveda, skin health is more than the outermost layer of your skin. It’s connected to digestion, nervous system, lymphatic system, lifestyle, diet, and overall balance in the body. And there’s more.

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Stress (chronic)

Prolonged activation of the body’s stress response that can affect both mental and physical health.

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T

Triphala

A traditional Ayurvedic blend of three fruits—amalaki, haritaki, bibhitaki—used to support digestion, elimination, and overall wellness.
Research: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5567597/

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Tulsi (Holy basil)

An Ayurvedic herb known for supporting stress balance and overall wellness.
Research: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4296439/

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V

Vata

Vata is one of the 3 doshas in Ayurveda. The dosha associated with movement, elimination, the nervous system, and irregularity.

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W

Wellness (holistic)

The Ayurvedic definition of health is more encompassing than how modern science defines health. In Ayurveda, health is the state of balanced doshas, balanced tissues, balanced digestive fire with proper elimination and the blissful state of soul, senses and mind.

Today’s holistic wellness in modern medicine focuses on the mind-body connection, however, it’s still only a part of the full story. To capture the significance of Ayurveda’s truly all-encompassing definition of health, at Red Pantz, we coined the term connected health and wellness.

Learn more:

Explore products: