Maria and Samantha of Magical Medicine

Maria and Samantha are the founders of Magical Medicine, a pro-ageing wellness brand redefining how we perceive and experience ageing. 

As Qualified Ayurvedic Practitioners (HEDip), Pranic Energy Healers, and skincare specialists, they blend Ayurvedic tradition, longevity science, and a touch of magic to help others grow joyfully wiser each year. They met at the College of Ayurveda in 2018, united by a shared vision to help people live healthier, more vibrant lives. 

Together they offer award-winning prana-infused skincare and a range of healing packages, including facial rejuvenation, Ayurvedic consultations, Pranic Healing. yoga therapy and sound healing

Follow Maria and Samantha: 

Instagram: @Magicalmedicine_uk

YouTube: @Magical_Medicine

Facebook: MagicalMedicine

Website: https://magicalmedicine.com

WHAT DOES AYURVEDA MEAN TO YOU?

Ayurveda is a science of life, nature’s wisdom, which reveals a way of life to balance body, mind and spirit.

WHEN DID YOU DISCOVER IT? HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN PRACTISING IT?

Maria: I first got into yoga and had a general interest in natural, frugal living. After having my first child, I began searching for more natural healthcare solutions. One day, I came across an Ayurvedic book by Dr Vasant Lad, and its teachings resonated with me on a deep leve - I couldn’t put it down. While I was initially sceptical of some practices, countless trials and tests built my absolute trust in this beautiful science. 

Samantha: I was completely drained after having my third child, struggling to find the energy to keep up with the demands of my young family. Then one day, while searching for ways to boost my energy, I discovered Ayurveda - and from that moment, I was hooked. Ayurveda didn’t just change my life; it became my life. It's more than just medicine - it's a way of living.

That’s how we met in the college of Ayurveda in September 2017. Since then we have continued learning, applying, practising and teaching Ayurvedic wisdom

WHAT DREW YOU TO AYURVEDA?

The fact that it addresses the root cause rather than the symptoms provides a blueprint for a healthy and vibrant life. 

HAS IT HELPED YOU WITH ANYTHING MAJOR?

Samantha: Yes - it helped me overcome burnout and low energy, find deep balance, and become more conscious in my daily life. Its simple, spirit-connected practices calmed my mind and gave me a toolkit for peace in a stressful world.

Maria: Absolutely. Ayurveda empowered me to care for my health in a natural, holistic way - that ripple effect extended to my family and friends. It’s a transformative way of living.

IS AYURVEDA PART OF YOUR EVERYDAY LIFE OR JUST FOR YOUR MEDICINE CABINET OR FALL-BACK ROUTINE?

Samantha: Ayurveda isn’t just a practice - it’s a way of life, a timeless guide for living in harmony and balance. It has become second nature, integrated effortlessly into the flow of my daily life. I truly believe Ayurveda is the foundation of my daily habits and choices, whether it’s meditation, breathwork, yoga, or understanding when and what to eat to nurture digestion and boost energy. From my sleep patterns to intermittent fasting, it shapes how I care for myself. Ayurveda, to me, is the ultimate science of self-care—one that nurtures not just the body, but the mind and spirit as well.

Maria: Ayurveda is a part of my life, a part of who I am. It shapes how I think and how I see the world - I naturally view everything through its lens. I may not always follow every guideline, but I truly love how Ayurveda helps me understand the deeper connections between cause and effect. It’s a perspective that brings insight, balance, and meaning to everyday life.

WHAT ARE YOUR TOP 3 AYURVEDIC TIPS THAT HAVE WORKED FOR YOU?

Samantha: 

  1. Eating the main meal at lunch time - improving digestive fire is key to a vibrant and healthy life

  2. Using my kitchen as a pharmacy - there is a spice or a herb for pretty much any ailment, nature really does know best

  3. Oil pulling - such a simple yet powerful practice for oral health. Sleep before Pitta kaala begins at night and wake up before Kapha kaala begins in the morning.

Maria: 

  1. Daily abhyanga 

  2. Foot massage before bed

  3. Medicated milk at night. No matter what, eat only what the body asks for - that too only as hunger sets in.

WHAT SURPRISED YOU MOST ABOUT AYURVEDA? 

Samantha: Its deep wisdom surprised me most.

Maria: That it works every single time!

DID YOU INTEGRATE IT GRADUALLY OR OVERNIGHT FOR ANY PARTICULAR REASON?

Samantha: Instantly. I started practicing the dinacharya and noticed immediate changes in my mood and energy levels after that I was all in! 

Maria: Gradually and still integrating. Ayurveda’s wisdom is so deep that even though I have studied it thoroughly for over 8 years, every time I discover a new layer. It’s infinite.

DO YOUR CHILDREN/FAMILY EAT AN AYURVEDIC DIET? 

Our families may not be eating traditional Ayurvedic dishes like curries, kitchari, or dals, but everything we cook follows Ayurvedic principles - including the six tastes, using spices, and focusing on local seasonal produce. Our children believe it’s simply home cooking, but the food is secretly infused with Ayurvedic wisdom.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE AYURVEDIC RECIPE OR GO-TO INGREDIENT?

Samantha: Seasonal spice mixes.

Maria: Medicinal hot milk which I turned into medicinal hot chocolate.

HOW DOES AYURVEDA FIT INTO YOUR DAY-TO-DAY ROUTINES?

It is our way of life and we live it thoroughly. Start the day with the sunrise, scrape the tongue, do oil pulling, abhyanga, meditation, stick to the same meal times, massage feet before bed, bed before 10 pm, seasonal regimens.

WHAT DO YOU WISH WAS EASIER IN OUR SOCIETY TO MAKE AN AYURVEDIC LIFESTYLE MORE ACCESSIBLE? 

Greater education about Ayurveda. Modern medicine has largely become sick-care instead of true healthcare. We need to be reminded that real wellness means addressing the root causes of disease - not just managing symptoms. Many of the imbalances we face are created by our own daily choices - through diet, lifestyle, and disconnection from nature. Ayurveda offers the tools to reconnect, realign, and take responsibility for our health.

DO PEOPLE AROUND YOU/IN YOUR CIRCLE OF FRIENDS KNOW ABOUT AYURVEDA? 

If they are in touch with us, they cannot escape it!

WHAT’S THE ONE THING YOU WOULD ENCOURAGE EVERYONE TO TRY OR YOU THINK WOULD BENEFIT THE MAJORITY OF PEOPLE’S HEALTH FOR THE BETTER?

Seasonal cleanses! In today’s world of constant overconsumption, we believe less is more. Regular detoxing helps reset the system and supports the body’s natural ability to self-heal. It’s a powerful way to restore balance and vitality.

ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO ADD? 

We wanted to highlight the less is more philosophy. In today’s world, we often overdo and overconsume  -  even the things meant to support our well-being. But too much of a good thing can still lead to imbalance. Simplifying allows us to slow down, tune into our bodies, and make space for real healing.

That’s why we created a conscious skincare range with just two essential steps - because that’s truly all you need for healthy, radiant skin. Our goal is to encourage mindful, responsible consumption. Life isn’t about doing or having more - it’s about being present, finding peace of mind, and choosing quality over quantity.

Jasmine Hemsley