Any yogi knows that yoga is about so much more than stretching and flexibility. It’s about a mind and body connection. Breath control. Spiritual connection and awareness. Well-being from the inside out. While movement and rest set the foundation for a strong practice, there are supplements that can help further support a practice.
Delta-9
Inhale relaxation. Exhale stress. Delta-9, the main psychoactive cannabinoid present in the hemp and marijuana plant, is associated with stress relief, relaxation, and even enhanced focus. Delta-9’s psychoactive effects may also ease the mind and body into a more meditative state, quieting those racing thoughts that hinder your practice. And as most of us yogis know, the calmer our minds, the more effective our practices are. Choose a smoke-free method, such as Delta-9 gummies, to maintain your practice’s breathwork.
New to THC? Different strains have different effects. Opt for an Indica or Hybrid strain. They’re smooth and calming without overwhelming intensity.
Kratom
Kratom has been traditionally used in Southeast Asia for centuries, with people chewing or brewing the leaves into teas as a stimulant to boost energy and ease pain. Today, it’s found its place in wellness as a natural alternative for energy, relaxation, and focus, helping us achieve balance and harmony during our flows. There are various strains at the kratom shop, each offering effects that can enhance different aspects of your practice:
- White Vein – White vein kratom strains are known for boosting energy, focus, and mood, making them ideal for dynamic practices like Vinyasa yoga.
- Green Vein – Green vein kratom provides yogis with a balanced experience, offering a gentle energy boost and relaxation for Hatha and Yin yoga.
- Red Vein – Red vein kratom promotes deep relaxation and a sense of peace – perfect for restorative yoga or an evening Yin yoga practice.
CBD
I think we can all agree that yoga requires mental presence and concentration, no matter your preferred style. We can also probably agree that calming an anxious, racing heart isn’t always easy with our everyday stress. That’s where CBD comes in. THC’s non-psychoactive cousin, CBD is a cannabinoid believed to interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating stress and mood. What does that mean for your practice? Put simply, CBD may:
- Make it easier to achieve deeper relaxation during your practice
- Quiet the mind, allowing for deeper focus on breath and movement
- Improve your mind and body connection
- Ease pain and inflammation
Magnesium
Magnesium is crucial for over 300 bodily functions, including muscle and nerve function. It helps muscles relax and contract properly. It plays a role in muscle repair and bone health. It also helps improve sleep quality. These are all essential for yogis, helping to:
- Prevent cramps and spasms during asanas
- Increase flexibility
- Quicken recovery
- Reduce muscle tension
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is nothing new, having long been used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat exhaustion and improve overall health. Now it’s used in conjunction with yoga practices for its adaptogenic properties. These properties are believed to help the body resist the effects of physical and mental stress, making it easier to relax and focus during our practices.
Vitamin B12
Have low energy? Give vitamin B12 a go. This essential B vitamin helps our bodies with energy production at the cellular level, helping convert food into energy. It’s especially beneficial for vegans and vegetarians, because B12 is mainly found in animal products like meat and dairy.
Another reason to add B12 to your lineup: The vitamin supports muscle function (that means faster recovery!) and nerve health, which is essential for control and coordination in yoga poses.
Holy Basil
This supplement has been used for thousands of years in India and Nepal for its medicinal properties, helping reduce stress and anxiety, decrease inflammation, and improve overall well-being. This is important for yoga practitioners wanting to achieve mind-body balance.
Holy basil is called “liquid yoga” because it calms the mind and supports a sense of balance!
Supplement Your Practice
There are countless supplements that can support our yoga practices. But that doesn’t mean they’re all right for everyone. What do you hope to achieve in your yogic practice? This will guide you on your pursuits.
