Tulsi, The Queen of Herbs, has been used in the Ayurvedic tradition for thousands of years to support the body to adapt. It is known to support longevity and wellness by supporting the body to adapt to environmental, physical and emotional stressors and restore balance.
Regarded as ‘Liquid Yoga’, regular consumption of Tulsi tea may be compared to the habitual practice of yoga since Tulsi and Yoga share the following qualities:
- Naturally soothing for the adrenals
- Immune supporting
- Supports quality sleep
- Naturally detoxifying
- Supports overall wellbeing of mind, body and spirit
We believe incorporating both Tulsi tea and yoga into daily life is a beautiful path toward nourishment from the inside out. Here are 10 yoga poses you can try to complement your cup of Tulsi tea.
1. Siddhasana (Classic Seated Meditation Pose) & Tulsi Honey Chamomile
Shared benefits: Stress Relieving and Calming
While this pose is one of the most relaxing asanas, it also requires poise. In a seated position, the body is at rest, but by keeping the spine erect, the mind is still attentive and alert. As the breath slows and steadies, feelings of stress subside and a sense of calm and clarity often follows, helping to restore energy levels.
The unique combination of Tulsi, Honey and Chamomile is also simultaneously calming and supportive of good stamina. Chamomile tea is perhaps best known for supporting calm and a good sleep; Tulsi on the other hand is known for its adaptogenic properties, meaning it is calming while also supporting stamina and endurance so you won’t feel tired. Tulsi is also well known for supporting focus and clarity.
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2. Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Facing Dog) & Tulsi Original
Shared benefits: Stress-Relieving and Immune Supporting
Downward Facing Dog is wonderful for releasing stress and tension as it focuses the extension of the cervical spine and neck, releasing spinal compression, stretching most of the major muscle groups, and bringing fresh blood to the brain.
This is a naturally nourishing pose for the immune system as it supports circulation of white blood cells.
The adaptogenic nature of the Tulsi leaf trio: Rama, Krishna and Vana Tulsi means that it supports the body to adapt to stress, be it physical, mental, emotional, spiritual or environmental and to balance and build stress resilience.
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3. Urdvha Mukha Svanasana (Upward Facing Dog) & Tulsi Green Tea Ashwagandha
Shared benefits: Stress-Relieving and Refreshing
The lovely expansion of the chest in this pose encourages the lungs to gain elasticity and assists with blood circulation, promoting the refreshing of lungs and opening of the heart. As blood circulation increases, it helps to improve blood flow to the brain, promoting a fresh supply of oxygenated blood and nutrition, supporting brain function and reducing headaches and stress.
Tulsi Green Tea Ashwagandha is also stress-relieving and refreshing. Tulsi and Ashwagandha are both double-acting adaptogenic herbs meaning that they both naturally calm and energise the body. They both support the body’s natural response to any form of stress in order to regain homeostasis. Ashwagandha nourishes the adrenals and supports healthy stress hormones. The green tea and lemongrass ensure a truly refreshing cup of tea.
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4. Trikonasana (Triangle Pose) & Tulsi Ginger
Shared benefits: Stress-Relieving and Uplifting
Trikonasana is a wonderful pose for feeling the flow of prana through the body while the pose is held. As you come out of the pose, you’ll enjoy the uplifting and energising effects. This pose also supports mental equilibrium, promoting a calm state of mind as it works to reduce anxiety and stress.
Tulsi Ginger also provides stress-relieving and uplifting properties. A warming stimulant, Ginger contains gingerols and shogaols which have been shown to support circulation for healthy blood flow throughout the body and its organs and muscles. This effect combined with its warm, sweet, woody, spiciness provides an energising, uplifting effect. The addition of Tulsi blends beautifully to relieve stress (as discussed above) to deliver a calming and uplifting cup of tea.
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5. Virabhadrasana II (Warrior II Pose) & Tulsi Turmeric Ginger
Shared benefits: Strengthening and Revitalising
The Warrior II Pose is incredibly strengthening for the legs, abdominals and arms. It revitalises by energising tired limbs, improving circulation and respiration and opening the chest and lungs.
Tulsi has a strengthening effect as its adaptogenic properties support stamina and resilience. Tulsi, Turmeric and Ginger are all known antioxidants, known for their ability to support the process of oxidation and protect cells from the damage caused by free radicals – supporting strong, revitalised cells.
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6. Padottanasana (Wide-Legged Forward Bend) & Tulsi Masala Chai
Shared benefits: Stress-Relieving and Rejuvenating
This semi-inversion is much more than a strong stretch for the backs of the legs; it rejuvenates by improving the functioning of internal organs, supporting digestion, creating length through the spine, and providing rest to the heart while relieving stress, and supporting good mood.
Tulsi Masala Chai, based on the traditional mix of spices that make a perfect exotic chai, stimulates the senses and soothes the soul. In this cup of Ayurvedic wisdom you will find the rejuvenating properties of Chai spices are traditionally known to support digestion, fuel energy, support healthy blood sugar levels, natural toxin removal, provide antioxidants, calm the mind and support stress resilience.
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7. Vrksasana – Tree Pose & Tulsi Peppermint
Shared benefits: Cooling and Balancing
Tree Pose helps bring balance to the physical body and to the mind by promoting awareness of alignment, requiring strong concentration and gaze, and a surrendering of the body to stillness. Mindfulness is required to remain steady in this balanced pose, resulting in a strong sense of balance and poise.
Tulsi Peppermint is deliciously cooling and balancing. Tulsi is known for its balancing ability, supporting with the restoration of homeostasis and harmony. Peppermint is sweet, cooling and light. It is also balancing to all three doshas and a wonderful herb to offset the warmth of Tulsi for a cooling, balancing effect.
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8. Eka Pada Rajakapotasana (Pidgeon Pose) & Tulsi Cinnamon Rose
Shared benefits: Stress-Relieving and Mystical
One of the ways our body reacts to mental, emotional or physical stress (in preparation for fight or flight) is to tighten our hip flexors, i.e. our psoas muscles. This can lead to all sorts of pain, including lower back pain. Practicing this pose helps to relax the psoas and release pain, tension and stress. A relaxed psoas muscle really does have a truly magical effect on us!
Tulsi Cinnamon Rose is full of the stress-relieving properties of Tulsi with a harmonious combination of cinnamon bark, rose petals, peppermint leaves, cardamom pods, chamomile flowers and bay leaves to produce one deliciously mystical herbal infusion.
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9. Marichyasana III (Sage’s Pose) & Tulsi Tummy
Shared benefits: Digestive Support
This lovely, seated twisting pose benefits digestion by massaging the abdominal organs, including the intestines, liver, and kidneys. This stimulation of the organs can help support healthy metabolism and elimination.
Tulsi Tummy is designed to both soothe and support the awakening of the whole digestive system. The warming spices of ginger, tulsi and cinnamon gently warm the stomach and support the digestive fire, while the cooling spices of licorice and peppermint support peristalsis and calm, relaxed digestion.
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10. Balasana (Child’s Pose) & Tulsi Sleep
Shared benefits: Calming and Peaceful
This is one of the most calming and restorative of all the yoga poses. The gravitational pull and sense of surrender of Child’s Pose induces a sense of physical, mental and emotional calm and peace. You will enjoy the release of tension, alleviation of stress and anxiety as your spine lengthens.
Tulsi Sleep works to ease some the most significant barriers to sleep including stress, worry, restlessness and digestive comfort. Tulsi, Cardamom, Chamomile, Peppermint, Shankpushpi, Ashwagandha, and Gotu Kola work beautifully to help calm and soothe the mind, the nerves and the digestive system, promoting balance and peace during stressful times.
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I hope you enjoy exploring the shared benefits of Yoga and Tulsi. Despite any chaos in the outside world, I hope you are able to experience peace and harmony on your yoga mat, with a cup of Tulsi in hand. It is always recommended to end your practice with Shavasana (Corpse Pose) which is said to assist with the assimilation of all your efforts in the practice, allowing the full benefits to be experienced.
Remember, the compounding effects of both the traditional Ayurvedic longevity herb Tulsi, and the ancient longevity practice of Yoga, reveal the greatest results when practiced regularly over time, so a daily practice of even just 10 minutes can support your long-term wellbeing.
For more inspiration, please enjoy the Organic India Yoga and Tulsi e-Book where more poses and practice guidelines can be found.
Namaste.
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Always read the label and use as directed. If symptoms persist see your healthcare professional.
Organic India, Good Health Food, Auckland
TAPS: PP7946