My Favorite Teas for Bloating, IBS, and Regularity

I love talking to people on Spinach and Yoga facebook page. Recently one of Spinach and Yoga followers asked me about my favorite teas to soothe stomach. I replied almost right away but kept thinking about the topic for the next several days.

Stay Strong and Awake During The Gloomy Winter

Energy is such a precious resource! On most mornings I wake up full of energy and ready to conquer the world. Yesterday was the first time in at least 6 months that I remembered what a 3pm slump feels like. Barely managing to keep my eyes open in a small poorly lit anatomy class room, I thought of a coffee. Usually I like to smell coffee but never drink it. Yesterday, inspired by Aroma’s cafe coffee menu, I ordered a small Mocha (a super strong and sweet mixture of espresso, cocoa, and milk). It was so sweet and strong that I felt my entire world perception shift just after a couple of sips…The Rajasic State of Mind was taking over. I felt more awake but it was a disordered and aggressive kind of energy. Mocha had to go to the garbage and I had to review my ayurvedic books for some energy renewing tips.

Feel-Good Holiday Travel Tips

This post is for all lucky travelers who are going to celebrate holidays with the family and friends or taking off to a vacation spot. Traveling is always fun and exciting but it can also get quite stressful, especially if you are flying. Packed airports, TSA screenings, and delays can upset even a tough traveler. Besides that, Ayurveda says that any movement faster than a walking speed gets the entire system out of balance. Also traveling disrupts your daily routine and often pulls you across time zones. All this aggravates the vata dosha—the subtle energy that governs movement—and leaves you vulnerable to dehydration, insomnia, sluggish digestion, anxiety, and jet lag. As a result you might feel a little spacey, irritated, and tired upon your arrival to the  destination. To make sure this doesn’t happen and that you arrive ready to party, follow these simple Ayurvedic traveling tips:
Before you leave the house:
– Take a few ginger or cinnamon tea bags with you. Both herbs have warming and calming qualities. Herbal caffeine-free tea is a good alternative to coffee and black tea since they won’t have a dehydrating effect.
– Bring healthy snacks or a home cooked meal. You will save money and your stomach. Most airport terminals still lack freshly prepared meal options. So unless you have something with you, you will end up eating a day old dry sandwich. If you don’t have time to prepare something, take a packet of instant oatmeal. You can get hot water at any terminal.
– Bring an interesting book and ipod with calm music. That’s in case you get delayed.
– Carry a Lavender pouch if you are an especially sensitive traveler. Lavender has a calming effect on the nervous system.