Dallas Yoga Magazine

Rocket Yoga: The Surprising Fun of Ashtanga’s Little Brother
Patanjali, Yoga Sutras & Eight Limbs of Yoga
How to Return to Yoga After Injury or Illness
Power of Mood-Food: How Eating Well Can Lift Your Spirits
Fear? Not If You Use YOGA the Right Way!
Benefits of the Top 10 Ayurvedic Herbs & Spices

Rocket Yoga: The Surprising Fun of Ashtanga’s Little Brother

Posted: 22 Apr 2020 07:41 PM PDT

Understanding Rocket Yoga and how it relates to Ashtanga.

By: Mary Von Ahnen, Co-Owner, Horizon Hot Yoga

I spent the month of February participating in Horizon Hot Yoga's 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training. Carson Clay Calhoun taught us throughout the month, and he has a huge passion for Rocket Yoga. Although we offer Rocket Yoga in our studio, I had never taken a class. I had heard it was a very advanced practice, with lots of arm balances and inversions, and I definitely have a more moderate practice. But we spent an entire week on Rocket Yoga in my teacher training, and my eyes were opened to a whole new side of this interesting practice.

Beginning History of Rocket Yoga

The surprises of Rocket started for me in learning its history. Rocket is based on the grandfather of all Vinyasa yoga styles, Ashtanga Yoga. For those of you unfamiliar with Ashtanga, it has its' roots in an ancient text called the Yoga Korunta, written by Vamana Rishi. This text was imparted to Sri T. Krishnamacharya in the early 1900s by his guru, Rama Mohan Brahmachari. It was later passed down to Pattabhi Jois, the founder of the Ashtanga practice, during the duration of his studies with Krishnamacharya, beginning in 1927.

Pattabhi Jois (1915–2009) began his yoga studies with Krishnamacharya in Mysore, India at the age of 12. He developed Ashtanga, a set series of poses done in a flowing vinyasa style, based on his learnings. Jois was the leading practitioner and teacher of the Ashtanga format, which he conducted in what is now called the Mysore style. In a Mysore class, students come into the room and practice yoga at their own pace and only through Ashtanga postures they have mastered. When their teacher thinks they are ready for another posture, they are shown the posture and given permission to begin practicing it.

The Purpose of Ashtanga Yoga

The purpose of Ashtanga yoga is important to explain because the benefits of this practice also translate to Rocket yoga. The Ashtanga practice is constructed to purify the body and mind. By moving quickly and powerfully, a student generates a lot of tapas. (Tapas is a Sanskrit word meaning heat, specifically the kind of heat generated by certain yogic practices. In the early yogic scriptures, which still shape most yoga practiced today, tapas refers to the burning off of impurities.) With so much tapas generated during the Ashtanga practice, everything "extra" (physical and mental) is forced out, leaving the practitioner with a focused, purifying, and healthful experience.

Ashtanga Yoga was well established when Larry Schultz entered the scene. Schultz was first introduced to yoga in 1979 when he saw Ashtanga Yoga's 4th series being practiced by Cliff Barber (famous yogi and painter of the Flower of Life in the Caribbean). Schultz was impressed by Barber's strong appearance and physical abilities and asked Barber how he was in such great physical shape. Barber explained to him that he practiced Ashtanga Yoga and it was responsible for his strength. Schultz had to learn more. Schultz met Pattabhi Jois in 1982 and practiced Ashtanga Yoga with Jois for the next seven years in Mysore, India.

In 1989, Schultz returned to San Francisco and started to teach Ashtanga Yoga from his home. Schultz believed that all students should get access to all poses, which was in conflict with Jois’ Mysore style, in which students progressed only when teachers said they were ready to learn a new pose. Schultz instead taught a modified version of Ashtanga Yoga in which each of his classes incorporated poses from three of the traditional Ashtanga Series (Primary Series, Second Series, and Third Series…there are series even beyond these three, but most are never practiced). All of Schultz's students were welcomed to try all poses. This non-traditional approach to Jois' method gained Schultz the nickname “The Bad Man of Ashtanga Yoga”.

Ashtanga & The Grateful Dead

How fitting, then, that Larry Schultz would be asked to join the band The Grateful Dead as their yoga teacher on tour. Nearly everyone reading this article will know The Grateful Dead. This amazing band, together for three decades, had nearly no commercial hits but had a huge following, many of them, called Dead Heads, following the band around the country as they toured. Schultz traveled on The Grateful Dead tours in the 1990s teaching them yoga.

The Grateful Dead members were spontaneous, playful men, and they grew tired of the Primary Ashtanga set sequence. They wanted to get to the Secondary Sequence. Schultz mixed up the order of the Ashtanga postures and combined poses from both the Primary and Secondary sequences, following his previous style of playing around the strict Ashtanga methodology. The Grateful Dead named this new yoga, based on Ashtanga, "Rocket Yoga" because it "gets you there faster". A Rocket practitioner could now enjoy postures from the Primary and Secondary Ashtanga sequences without having to fully master a posture before being "handed" the next posture by his or her yoga teacher.

Rocket Yoga is designed to be practiced and taught much less strictly than traditional Ashtanga Yoga. Modifications within postures are encouraged (whether to make a posture easier to execute or to be more challenging). Teachers do not have to follow an exact script in each class. There is more structure to Rocket than a typical Vinyasa class, which can be completely choreographed individually. A Rocket class follows the general sequence of the Ashtanga Series on which it is based, but postures can be added in or modified by the instructor. Rocket 1 is based on Ashtanga's Primary Series. Rocket 2 is based on Ashtanga's Secondary Series. Rocket 3 is a mixture of Rocket 1 and Rocket 2.

Carson Clay Calhoun Answers Questions

(You can find a longer interview by clicking here.)

I learned all this and practiced many Rocket classes during the month Carson was with us. I conducted a brief interview with him and Ceci Castillo, Horizon Hot Yoga's Studio Director (who also teaches Rocket Yoga) to get their thoughts on a few topics.

Mary: What got you into Rocket Yoga?

Carson: Mom had a pretty strict Ashtanga studio, and there were lots of rules. Rocket is about modifying and bending the rules of Ashtanga for your own practice, even though it's based on Ashtanga. Every Rocket practice can be different. (Author's note: In getting to know Carson during the month I spent with him in training, I can definitely see why a less "rule-bound" style of yoga appealed to him. Carson is spontaneous and has a wonderful sense of humor and fun about him. A Rocket class gives off that vibe.)

Ceci: I kept seeing Rocket on social media. I come from a disciplined practice, Bikram, just like Ashtanga is disciplined, so the fact that Rocket is based on Ashtanga appealed to me. But I also like to mix it up within the "skeleton" of Ashtanga. I love arm-balancing, and there are plenty of opportunities to do that in Rocket. I enjoy teaching people to arm-balance.

Mary: Are there people who shouldn't do Rocket?

Carson: People think they can't because they don't have an advanced arm-balance practice. You can do difficult poses for sure. No limit. But there are no requirements to do these more complex asanas.

Ceci: Anyone can do Rocket, at their own pace. It's for all levels of modification and amplification.

Mary: Is Rocket a broadly popular yoga, or more of a niche style?

Carson: It's been a bit of a niche, but it's gaining in popularity. It's the freedom of it that more and more people are enjoying.

Ceci: I feel like I see it a lot now, and that it's growing in mainstream popularity. I am heavily involved in the Ashtanga and Rocket yoga communities. There, Rocket is definitely a big deal.

Mary: The unlock for me for the true enjoyment in this practice is that it does not have to be an advanced inversion, arm-balancing style. As a moderate-level yogi with lots of modifications necessary for health issues, I did not think Rocket would be a style I could do; however, I taught a Rocket Yin class as my final test to achieve my 200-hour certification. I did more basic expressions of the postures but was also able to offer more advanced yogis some amplifications they could do. And many Rocket teachers offer short periods of "free time" where yogis can practice whatever their bodies are calling on them to do.

My journey with Rocket has been fascinating. The history is so unconventional, and the practice has been full of so many unexpected pleasures. I highly recommend this yoga for anyone who is curious to explore new styles. We offer 3 Rocket Yoga classes a week at Horizon Hot Yoga in Frisco.

More on Horizon Hot Yoga:

During our "Staying at Home" mandate, Horizon Hot Yoga is not open. However, if you go to their Facebook page you will find several FREE online classes.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Horizonhotyoga/

Website: https://horizonhotyoga.com/Frisco%20Yoga/

The post Rocket Yoga: The Surprising Fun of Ashtanga’s Little Brother appeared first on Dallas Yoga Magazine.

Patanjali, Yoga Sutras & Eight Limbs of Yoga

Posted: 22 Apr 2020 07:18 PM PDT

Patanjali, Yoga Sutras & Eight Limbs of Yoga

By: "AJ" Amy Jo Crowell, Publisher Dallas Yoga Magazine, Co-Founder Cosmic Yogi Movement & Festivals, Certified Kundalini Yoga Instructor

I am often surprised at how certain aspects of the yoga practice has become washed down or even omitted in the United States. I talk to yoga teachers who have been through yoga teacher training who have never heard of the Eight Limbs of Yoga and people who have taken yoga for decades who are also uneducated on the topic. The Eight Limbs of Yogi is a guide for us to become the best yogis we can by having rules to practice and lead us on a disciplined path of enlightenment. It teaches us to look within ourselves to find peace and bliss. My hope is yogis who are not educated on this topic will incorporate these Yoga Sutras into their life and they will pursue a more spiritually guided path. This article is meant as an overview on the topic and it is encouraged to read more on the Eight Limbs of Yoga, join workshops on the topic and enjoy self-practice.

Important Note: Please don't jump into attempting all Eight Limbs of Yoga at once. It is suggestion practicing a few at a time…even one… until they become a part of your inner self. It is a process and each person's journey is very different.

Who is Patanjali?

Patanjali is one of the most famous Indian sages of all times. He is believed to have written the Yoga Sutras which contain the Eight Limbs of Yoga. There is very little known about him including discrepancies on when he wrote them. Some claim it's the 3rd, 4th or 5th century…but the exact date remains an unknown fact. Patanjali literally translated means forgetting self in meditation.

What are the Yoga Sutras?

The Yoga Sutras are a collection of sacred writing or, to be exact, 196 Sutras separated into 4 chapters. Patanjali's (also known as the Father of Modern Yoga) writing was designed to teach us how to merge the mind and body with the universal power. It gives us a specific guide to follow to become better people and grow in our spirituality.

The Sutras 4 Chapters or Padas:

Chapter 1: Samadhi Padi (51 Stutras)

This chapter gives specifics on how to become enlightened through meditation and focus.

It explains the method used to become One with the Universal Power. It shares the definition of yoga, difficulties to attaining yoga, the reason for yoga, priority of daily practice, and non-attachment of material objects and involvements.

Chapter 2: Sadhana Pada (54 – 55 Sutras)

This chapter focuses on practice. The first six parts of the Eight Limbs of Yoga are described in detail with specifics.

Chapter 3: Vibhuti Pada (56 Sutra)

This chapter is written to discuss what happens when union is accomplished. The last two limbs are discussed with the framework established for the last three limbs.

Chapter 4: Kaivalya Pada (Final Chapter)

This chapter is solely for sharing details of finding the mind's bliss or complete freedom.

Patanjali's Eight Limbs of Yoga

Yama: Universal Morality

Five Restraints

Ahimsa (non-hurting): Compassion, patience, love for others, self-love, worthiness and understanding Satya (truthfulness): Honesty, forgiveness, non-judgment, owning your feelings, loving communication, letting go of masks Asteya (non-stealing): Right use of resources, letting go of jealousy, cultivating sense of self-sufficiency and completeness Brahmacharya (sensory control) Challenging emotions, moderation Aparigraha (non-possessiveness) Fulfilling needs rather than wants Niyama: Personal Observances

Five Disciplines

Shaucha (purity) Evenness of mind, thought, speech, purity of body Santosha (contentment) Gratitude, acceptance, calmness with success or failure Tapas (purification zeal): Determination, willingness for practices Svadhyaya (study): Reflection, meditation, expanding knowledge Ishvara Pranidhana (devotion, surrender): Faith, dedication Asana: Body postures for health and meditation Pranayama: Control of prana (life force) Pratyhar: Synchronization of senses and thoughts Dharana: One-pointed concentration Dhyana: Deep meditation Samadhi: Awakening and absorption in spirit

Whether you are a new yogi or a seasoned yogi who practices the Eight Limbs as part of your lifestyle, taking a moment to ponder Patanjaili's meanings of each is as important as holding your favorite pose in class. Make a commitment to yourself you will incorporate these rules in your life and continue in a positive direction on your spiritual yogic journey.

About the Author:

"AJ" Amy Jo Crowell is the Publisher of Dallas Yoga Magazine and Co-Founder of Cosmic Yogi Movement & Festivals. She has been in advertising, marketing, publishing and large-scale event planning for over 20 years. She was also certified in Kundalini Yoga in Samadhi ashram in Rishikesh, India. AJ leads Kundalini workshops and sound meditations with crystal singing bowls. She is a Magnified Motivation Mentor and has been in recovery from addictions for over 30 years. AJ is a co-host on Ken Goldberg's Law & Disorder show on Tuesdays at 6pm on YouTube and Facebook.

www.yogawithsound.com

www.cosmicyogimobment.com

The post Patanjali, Yoga Sutras & Eight Limbs of Yoga appeared first on Dallas Yoga Magazine.

How to Return to Yoga After Injury or Illness

Posted: 22 Apr 2020 07:16 PM PDT

Getting Back to Your Yoga Practice After an Injury or Illness

By: Caitlin Evans

There are circumstances in life when working out is completely out of the question. Whether you've been away from your regular yoga practice due to illness or injury, returning to your mat is something you should do slowly and carefully.

In most cases, getting out of shape doesn't happen as quickly as we'd think. While cardiovascular fitness starts to decline after about ten days to two weeks of not working out, muscle strength actually stays around longer.

According to most sources, it takes three to ten weeks for muscle fibers to start shrinking. Of course, this depends on how much you worked out before the time off, as well as the shape you were in. Those who work out more and at higher intensities will probably start seeing a difference in their performance sooner, even though their muscle strength will remain intact for a longer period.

What does all this mean for resuming your yoga practice? Well, it's a reminder of the fact that, like a machine, our bodies need maintenance. After having been idle for longer periods of time, they will require slightly more effort to boot up.

Fortunately, though, there are things you can do in order to minimize the consequences of having taken time off.

Take things slow in yoga class

If you've been away from the studio for more than two or three weeks, it's best to ease your body back into physical activity. It's recommended that you take a lower-level class, as well as, taking it easy and not pushing yourself (even if you feel like you can handle it).

It's not uncommon for people to get an adrenaline rush simply from being able to exercise again, which then makes them less aware of their physical limits. The increased adrenal activity makes it easier for you to maximize muscle power, all the while making you less sensitive to pain. This means that pushing yourself to the limit might just be the tipping point to another injury, which is what you want to avoid in the first place.

Fuel your body

What you eat will have a big impact on how you perform. That's why you'll want to pay closer attention to your nutrition when getting back into working out. If you've been ill and your body is weaker than it was, the right nutrition will make two things possible. First, it will give you the energy needed to do an entire workout. And second, it will help you recover easier.

Opting for nutrient-rich, versatile foods will be your best bet. Make sure you're not eating too much nor too little and try to give yourself enough time between your meals and workouts so you don't push your body into exhaustion right off the bat.

It's also not a bad idea to include supplementation in your diet. While something as simple as a well-chosen multivitamin will give you some benefits, you'll do even better if you customize your supplements to give you the exact targeted benefits you need.

Take recovery seriously

Getting back to physical activity can be exciting, and a little addictive. Nonetheless, it's important to remind yourself to take things slow. Most importantly, you'll want to give yourself at least a couple of recovery days per week. If you haven't worked out in months or years, it's best to limit your yoga practice to two or three sessions per week. Slowly increase the number of sessions as you gain back strength.

On your days off, don't let yourself become glued to your couch. Go for a 30-minute walk, do some foam rolling, or sweat it out in a sauna.

Furthermore, be prepared to experience some light delayed onset muscle soreness after your first few sessions. Generally, this shouldn't be an excuse to skip a workout. Rather, it's a sign to take it easier and to better care for your body in between yoga classes. Taking a hot bath with some Epsom salts, getting a massage, or taking a cold shower the morning after your workout are all excellent ways of helping alleviate DOMS.

Make sure you have a support system

Finally, there's another very important aspect of getting back into yoga after injury or illness. You will want to provide yourself with a good support system. For the most part, this system should include professionals who will closely monitor your health and advise any necessary adjustments or practices to ensure you're getting maximum benefits from your yoga practice.

If the reason for your being away was an illness, consult with your doctor, who can give you guidelines on the best way to get back into physical activity. If, however, the reason for an extended break was an injury, you'll want to also involve a physical therapist. Even more, it's important that you speak with your yoga instructor so that they're aware of any limitations that will affect your session.

Conclusion

Returning to yoga is a beautiful experience. And, if you've been away from the studio for an extended period, it's also an important milestone. As long as you listen to your body, exercise patience, and do a few small things on your days off, you are sure to have a happy, satisfying experience while regaining your strength and flexibility.

The post How to Return to Yoga After Injury or Illness appeared first on Dallas Yoga Magazine.

Power of Mood-Food: How Eating Well Can Lift Your Spirits

Posted: 22 Apr 2020 07:05 PM PDT

The Healthy Power of Eating Well

By: Lilly Miller

There is no doubt that we are currently living in quite an uncertain and often frightening time, being forced to isolate ourselves at home, excluded from the outside world. This sort of separation tends to lead to negative feelings and emotions, such as loneliness and depression, which is why it's vital for our overall well-being to foster a positive mindset. Thankfully, simply by preparing and serving a wonderful meal, we can satisfy our basic needs, while at the same time practicing mindfulness, nurturing a healthy mindset, and living a healthy and balanced lifestyle. So, here are some of the best and most powerful mood-foods that will help lift your spirits during this unpredictable time:

Dark chocolate to lower stress levels

Research has finally confirmed what most of us have already known – chocolate does indeed make us happy. Apart from a low sugar content that fuels our brain without being unhealthy and damaging to our bodies, dark chocolate also contains other ingredients like caffeine and theobromine that have been known to lower stress levels and boost our mood. Chocolate is also rich in antioxidants and flavonoids, which could possibly promote blood flow to the brain, ultimately boosting health and supporting proper mood regulation. After all, chocolate simply has an incredibly pleasurable texture and flavor, lifting our spirits simply by enjoying this delicious snack.

Fatty fish for brain power

Representing a group of essential fats, omega-3 fatty acids are highly beneficial for maintaining optimal brain functions, improving our memory, behavioral aspects, and overall brain performance. However, our brain can't seem to produce enough of these important chemicals on its own, which is why it's vital we obtain it through a healthy and nutritious diet. Fortunately, certain types of fatty fish, such as salmon, tuna and herring, provide us with a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, allowing for a healthy and balanced diet that not only improves mood and alleviates depression, but also has numerous benefits for our heart and metabolism as well.

Nuts and seeds to improve well-being

From peanuts, walnuts and cashews to sesame, pumpkin and sunflower seeds, nuts and seeds are a magnificent source of fiber, proteins and healthy fats, as well as a certain amino acid called tryptophan, which is vital for producing higher levels of mood-improving serotonin. They might also be rich in selenium and zinc, two chemicals that encourage proper brain functions, and even alleviate symptoms of depression. The great news about this is that nuts and seeds are usually quite important ingredients in many different types of Chinese food, which not only helps to promote a healthy and nutritious diet necessary for maintaining overall well-being, but is also an incredibly rich, flavorful and delicious way to enhance your daily meals.

Beans and lentils to boost your mood

Apart from being rich in protein and fiber, beans and lentils are also chock full of other mood-boosting nutrients. They represent some of the best sources of the vitamin B complex that is known to increase the production of certain neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine, all of which are quite important chemicals for regulating our mood and improving happiness levels. What's more, B vitamins also play a crucial role in nerve signaling, an essential function that allows for proper communication between nerve cells, helping to alleviate depression and other mood disorders. Beans and lentils are also a great source of magnesium, zinc, iron and selenium, which might help to lift your spirits as well.

Fermented foods for overall health

From yogurt and kefir to kimchi, kombucha and even sauerkraut, fermented foods don't only work to improve the health of our gut, but might also help to enhance our spirits as well. These foods contain live bacteria cultures that act as probiotics in our system, helping to promote proper digestion and support the growth of healthy microorganisms in our bodies that allow us to maintain optimal health. Fermented foods could also encourage the production of serotonin in our brains, improving our mood and lowering stress levels in the process. However, it's important to note that not all fermented options are healthy and beneficial, as beer, wine and certain bread types are best avoided in a balanced and nutritious diet.

If you need something to cheer you up and help you live a healthier, more mindful and positive lifestyle during this demanding period in time, these incredible nutritious foods will help to lift your spirits and improve your mood, while giving you the opportunity to truly enjoy cooking and eating meals once again, allowing you to power through this ongoing uncertainty.

About the author: Lilly Miller is a freelance writer, who focuses on interior design, well-being and sustainable living. She loves to experiment on daring new home decor trends and write about it as a regular contributor on Smooth Decorator. Settled in Sydney for the time being, Lilly shares home with two loving dogs and a gecko named Rodney. You can find her hanging out on Twitter.

"Poetry creates the myth, the prose writer draws his own portrait." – Jean – Paul Sartre

The post Power of Mood-Food: How Eating Well Can Lift Your Spirits appeared first on Dallas Yoga Magazine.

Fear? Not If You Use YOGA the Right Way!

Posted: 22 Apr 2020 06:49 PM PDT

Fear of YOGA? Use it the right way and there’s no worries.

By: Alice Carey

You may have a little fear in trying Yoga. But it is popular across the globe because of its amazing effects on your mind, body, and overall wellness. It combines physical postures, known as asanas, with breathing techniques, known as pranayama, and guided meditation to help you gain more strength and enhance a positive mindset. Yoga dates back to thousands of years ago in the Indus Valley to promote harmony between the mind, body, and surroundings. Today, it continues to be practiced by many, and different types have emerged along the way.

Seeing yogis do their sun salutations or even just videos on the Internet can make yoga seem daunting. You will often hear people afraid to try the practice for reasons like lack of flexibility or fitness. However, yoga is not about being perfect and getting each of the poses right on your first try. It is about the journey and transformation you experience as you immerse yourself in practice.

If you have been putting off your first session for a while, now is the time to embrace it! Put on your top and leggings, grab your whey protein isolate (WPI) and your yoga mat, and head off to your class. If you are still uncertain, here are some things you can remember to rid yourself of the common insecurities.

Everyone Being Better

Yoga is not about attaining a certain "level" because in every class you attend, you will meet different people who have different challenges. Some may just be starting, while others may have been going to class for some time. Whatever the scenario, do not feel intimidated because it is not a competition. You will get better at your own pace. So, enjoy the experience as you go along. Go to your classes feeling energized and I personally like ending class enjoying some WPI to give you the protein you need.

Not Flexible Enough

One of the most common misconceptions about trying yoga is that you have to be flexible. Rather than thinking yoga requires flexibility, think this way: yoga increases flexibility. Thus, you need not enter your first class and be able to touch your toes, nor do you have to do a headstand immediately. As you go along your journey, you will slowly become more flexible and learn to love the practice regardless of your flexibility.

Not For Me

Yoga is not exclusive for anyone, so do not ever feel it is not for you. You need not have a specific personality, body type, or lifestyle to take part in the practice. When you go to your first class, you will likely meet all sorts of people–a testament to how everyone is welcome to do yoga. All it takes is a desire to do yoga.

Falling Down

A lot of yoga poses involve balance and concentration, so many people fear that they will fall when doing the practice. Falling down, however, is a natural part of the learning process, and it will help you get better over time. Do not feel humiliated in any way because nobody will reprimand or judge you if you ever lose your balance while trying to hold a pose. At the same time, falling will not hurt as much as you may think, especially since you have the support of your mat.

About the Author:

Alice Carey is a freelance writer and extremely fond of anything related to Digital Marketing and Business. She is writing Technologies as well as fiction, like good music, loves her cat and eats too much. More than anything, she loves to share the knowledge of Technology.

The post Fear? Not If You Use YOGA the Right Way! appeared first on Dallas Yoga Magazine.

Benefits of the Top 10 Ayurvedic Herbs & Spices

Posted: 22 Apr 2020 06:31 PM PDT

EXPLORING THE SIGNIFICANCE OF AYURVEDA AND AYURVEDIC HERBS

By: Vivek Roy

The traditional Indian system of medicine, guarding health and wellness, offering solution for all the diseases, Ayurveda preserves the body, mind and health in any or all circumstances with its' variety and natural spirit.

For Ayurveda to work its' course, various Ayurvedic herbs and spices are entrusted to host benefits, nutrients, and body-friendly components that works from health to taste.

AYURVEDIC HERBS AND SPICES The ayurvedic herbs are derived from a plant source, where the leaves, flowers, fruits, seeds, roots, bark and resin are used to prepare medicines and balance body and health. Some of the ayurvedic herbs and spices that carry this prestigious place are as follows:

1. TURMERIC – The yellow mellow as it can be said, justifies its name with its wide range of nutrients and benefits, and years of reliability on its shoulders. Nutrients – Turmeric contains various anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties, topped up protein, fats and fiber. Benefits – Thus, backed by the powerful properties, the ayurvedic spice enhances skin tone, complexion, texture, builds a strong immune system and provides nutrients to skin and body, in both culinary or cosmetic forms. Apart from which, turmeric also has the ability to act medicinal, treating cough, cold, and body weakness.

2. ASHWAGANDHA – A highly regarded Ayurvedic treasure, Ashwagandha has a strong aroma and is said to bestow upon its users the vitality and strength of a horse. Nutrients – Containing healthy amounts of fats and fibre, the herb contributes to the diet, while also providing other medicinal value with it’s anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Benefits – As the benefits provided to the body, Ashwagandha supports weight management, provides nourishment to body tissues, enhances cognitive ability, and reduces stress and anxiety to a great extent.

3. TRIPHALA – Triphala is a powerful ayurvedic spice and contains three medicinal fruits, a) amla, b) bibhitaki, c) haritaki, which enriches the body with a wide array of goodies. Nutrients – The spice provides anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant leisure to the body, while vitamin c, sodium and good amount of fibre to the diet. It further benefits the body with compounds like gallic acid, chebulagic acid, and chebulinic acid. Benefits – reduces constipation and abdominal pain, help conditions like arthritis and provides dental care, suits the digestive system, aids heartburn, helps in weight management, and boosting metabolism.

4. CUMIN – The spice known for distinctive earthy, nutty and spicy flavor is a strong addition to the body and health. Nutrients – Containing strong amount of calcium and iron, cumin is also anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory. It additionally hosts several healthy plant compounds including terpenes, phenols, flavonoids and alkaloids. Benefits – The powerful plant compounds acts as an antioxidant guard for the body (helping in oxidation of the body), improves blood cholesterol, promotes weight loss, increases the digestive activity while also reduces the risk of certain foodborne infections.

5. GOTU KOLA – Known as the ‘herb of longevity’, the Ayurvedic remedy is made from taste-and-odorless plant with fan-shaped green leaves that grows in and around water. Nutrients – The longevity herb is a well-known anti-depressant, which also houses Vitamin A, C and B2, Iron, potassium, and calcium. Benefits – The variety of help gotu kola provides ranges from improving memory, helping in coping with stress or anxiety, helping in wound healing, promoting bone health, diminishing symptoms of eczema and psoriasis and boosting cognitive function.

6. CARDAMOM – One of the ancient and trusted spices in the world, Cardamom has a strong aroma like that of cloves and is used in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine. Nutrients – Cardamom has anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties, Vitamin C and B6, calcium and protein, making it a valuable culinary and medicinal intake. Benefits – works as a natural tranquilizer, treats indigestion, promotes oral health, lowers blood pressure, prevents inflammation and improves stomach health, justifying the quality of “queen of spices”, as rightly known.

7. BRAHMI – Known by the common name, ‘herb of grace’, Brahmi is the ayurvedic remedy for a number of health ailments. Nutrients – Apart from sodium, protein, and dietary fibre, the staple herb also has strong anti-inflammatory and adaptogenic properties. Benefits – The herb has the ability to fight stress and anxiety, improves cognitive functioning, lowers inflammation, while also improving learning skills.

8. NEEM – Neem is believed to be the bestower of good health with its stuffed nutrition and benefits to skin, hair, body and overall health. Furthermore, it has been trusted from over centuries, for its culinary and medicinal properties. Nutrients – Power-packed neem has glutamic acid, tyrosine, aspartic acid, alanine, praline, glutamine and cystine like amino acids, and several fatty acids (dodecanoic, tetradecanoic and elcosanic), layered with anti-septic, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. Benefits – With the house-full of nutrients, neem is a trusted source for treating or improving skin health, fighting rashes, wounds and acne. The consumption of neem treats fever, cold, and specially malaria fever. It further also promotes hair growth, protects hair roots, and acts as s conditioner to both skin and hair.

9. AMALAKI – Amalaki is considered as a powerful rejuvenating herb in Ayurveda. More commonly known as ‘amla’, amalaki poses several health amenities for skin, hair and health of the body. Nutrients – Amalaki is entrusted for it’s rich anti-oxidant content, anti-inflammatory properties, Vitamin C, iron, protein, sodium and calcium. Benefits – The hefty-benefitted herb reduces inflammation, alleviates pain, helps in overall hair quality, growth and improvement, maintain the health of heart and liver, boosts immunity and promotes longevity.

10. ALOE VERA – From plant to gel, aloe vera is known to uplift most of the skin, hair and health requirements. Restoring maximum health, aloe vera is globally even believed by some as the “plant of immortality”, with nutrients, and benefits making it hard to deny so. Nutrients – Ranging from vitamins A, C, and E, folic acid, enzymes, minerals and amino acids, aloe vera supplies anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Benefits – The competence of aloe vera goes from improving digestive system, increasing energy production, promoting heart health, treating or improving various skin and hair conditions including, acne, dark spots, rough hair or skin, skin toning, reducing inflammation, fighting off infection, and purifying blood.

The herbs and spices are believed to purify body, mind and spirit with each being a trusted hand of Ayurveda.

HOW TO USE • The herbs and spices can be used topically, culinary, according to their own parameters (check of the same is must) for all the bodily needs. • They can also be found or used in cosmetic products and can be applied accordingly. • For any query or experimental use, a check with a health professional is recommended.

CONCLUSION Working on the principles of Doshas (Vata, Pitta and Kapha), Ayurveda has been a reliable and comprehensive systems of healing and healthcare known to humanity. As Ayurveda works to balance the misbalance of physiological process of the living beings, it can be followed to the ends of the chain, from food or cosmetics, as Ayurveda stands an irreplaceable ground.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Vivek Roy is a trained natural cosmetic practitioner and blogger from India. He loves to write about natural & healthy ingredients and share the knowledge around the world. For more information about him visit his website Zoem Skin Essentials.

The post Benefits of the Top 10 Ayurvedic Herbs & Spices appeared first on Dallas Yoga Magazine.