Yogi

Safflower Flower is an herbaceous annual with many long sharp spines on the leaves. Safflower has been used in herbalism as a diaphoretic and diuretic. When prepared as tea, safflower produces strong perspiration and has thus been used to support seasonal respiratory changes.

Sage leaf (Salvia officinalis) is regarded by Ayurveda as specific for calming the heart, excessive desires and passions. In addition to the herb's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, centuries-old theories that sage can improve memory appear to be borne out by modern research, as participants in a recent study given sage oil tablets performed much better in a word recall test. Experts believe the active ingredient may boost levels of a chemical that helps transmit messages in the brain.

Salt is a common preservative and a popular food seasoning. Sodium is one of the primary electrolytes in the body. All four cationic electrolytes (sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium) are available in unrefined salt, as are other vital minerals needed for optimal bodily function.

Senna Leaf is a strong anthraquinone-containing purgative that is used in acute constipation. This East Indian leaf promotes bile flow in liver. Long a favorite in Europe, senna will promote a bowel movement in about 4-6 hours.

Shank pushpi (Evolvulus alsinoides) is used in Ayurvedic medicine to help restore our relationship with the original, clear quality of the mind. So named because its flowers resemble the shankha, or conch shell, this herb is an outstanding rejuvenative tonic for the mind and nerve tissue. There are three varieties of the plant, all of which are said to have profound mystical properties. Shank pushpi has an affinity for the heart (anahata), throat (vishuddha), third eye (ajna) and crown (sahasrara) chakras.

Skullcap is a member of the mint family, and has numerous uses in herbal medicine. The leaf is used as a mild relaxant; it renews the tissues of the nervous system, and benefits mood issues and PMS. Ayurveda says that skullcap enhances meditation and awareness and reduces anger, jealousy and hatred. It is emotionally, as well as physically, calming.

Slippery Elm Bark is native to North America. A soothing, mucilaginous herb, slippery elm bark is used internally to soothe digestion and normalize bowel movements. The consistency comes from a high content of soluble fiber, which makes it valuable as a fiber laxative. As a poultice, it is a useful remedy for skin conditions. Slippery elm bark is also used as a throat-soothing herb, and is a primary ingredient in several over the counter herbal lozenges.

Spearmint Leaf has been used for culinary and medicinal purposes since the time of the ancient Romans. It is mildly soothing when used for digestive disorders and slightly relaxing overall. Ayurveda says that this herb clears the mind and senses, and that it is superior to peppermint as a relaxant and as a diuretic. Like all mints, spearmint is a mild diaphoretic that helps support respiratory issues during the cold season.

Closely related to wheat, spelt is an ancient grain that traces its heritage back long before many wheat hybrids. It is a great source of fiber and contains large amounts of B-complex vitamins. The total protein content from spelt is 10-25% greater than common varieties of wheat.

See St. John's Wort Leaf and Flower

St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a yellow-flowering, perennial herb indigenous to Europe. The common name comes from its traditional flowering and harvesting on St John's Day, (June 24th). In herbal medicine, St. John's Wort is a mild mood elevator. It is used for its sedative effect and as a general restorative for nerve tissue. It is also thought to benefit mildly painful conditions. Studies show that it helps with sleeplessness and makes menopause more comfortable. It supports immune function and increases energy over time.

Stevia is a genus of about 240 species of herbs and shrubs in the sunflower family native to subtropical and tropical South America and Central America. The leaf is used primarily as a sweetener in South America. Locals there use it as a substitute for sugar for those who can't use sugar. Various glycosides, including stevoside - which is about 100 to 200 times sweeter than sugar - provide the sweetness. It is widely used as a non-sugar sweetener in other areas of the world, particularly in Japan.