Natural Wonders

Would like to share a few of my favourite things that have been indispensable to my yoga practice. What makes them extra-special is that they are all homegrown products.

A local counterpart of the Maine-based Burt's Bees popular for its lotions, lip balms and other natural remedies, Ilog Maria- a bee farm located in Cavite- is near and dear to me because of its Propolis Cider Liniment (100ml). It has become a staple of mine ever since I discovered it in the changing room in Yoga Manila's Perea shala where it is a permanent fixture. It is applied for overnight relief of persistent aches, pains, sore tendons and muscles. It is recommended to soak the affected area with very hot water then slightly dry with a towel but leave a little moist. Vigorously rub into affected area. Then cover with an elastic bandage or towel. But all I do is just rub a small amount where it hurts-usually on my knees and ankles. Made from propolis gold, honey cider vinegar, camphor and peppermint oil. According to Peachie Kilayko, this was the "signature scent" of the Manila contingent training at Yoga Thailand in 2005.

Dharma, is a company which makes products by yogis, for yogis. I simply love its The Great Garbha Spray. It holds true to its claim of "helping you get slippery for Garbha Pindasana". And it smells great too, it's made with Lavender pure essential oils, triple distilled water, glycerine and vitamin E. Dharma's Peppermint Yoga Mat Spray is another favourite. It promises to banish dirt, smell, body oils and odors. The natural disinfectant properties of peppermint pure essential oil keeps yoga mats clean and fresh smelling. The product can also be used as hand sanitizer.

Alternately, fellow YM practitioners swear by Messy Bessy's The Little Warrior-which is marketed as a germ-busting multi-tasking sidekick that can be used as a hand sanitizer, disinfectant, room spray and surface cleaner. The company uses only SAFE, NON-TOXIC, ALL NATURAL, BIODEGRADABLE ingredients such as Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda), Distilled White Vinegar, and Essential Oils.

These products are available from the companies themselves and are also sold at the Eco Store and ECO Market which coincidentally are co-owned by Jeannie Javellosa, another Yoga Manila instructor.

Karmic sisters: Monica Eleazar Manzano and Denise Gonzales

It’s a friendship that transcends their college thesis papers, career choices, marriage and motherhood. Monica Eleazar Manzano and Denise Gonzales—"yummy mummies" whose sons Santi and Benny are 1 month and 1 day apart, already best friends since birth--are the moms behind INDIGObaby, a collection of all-natural, earth-friendly, locally-made bath soaps, detergents, body creams, massage oils, baby bottom sprays, mosquito repellants and other baby products. Both decided to quit their jobs to become stay-at-home-moms (SAHM) and eventually work-at-home-moms (WAHM) when the business was conceived and born.

Monica Eleazar Manzano (above) and Denise Gonzales (below) take their sons Santi and Benny everywhere. They keep their boys snug and close in these hip baby pouches.

Monica and Denise advocate breastfeeding and are L.A.T.C.H. breastfeeding peer counselors. They also practice attachment parenting, based on these principles: Feed with Love and Respect, Respond with Sensitivity, Use Nurturing Touch, Ensure Safe Sleep, Physically and Emotionally Provide Consistent Loving Care, Practice Positive Discipline and Strive for Balance in Personal and Family Life. The Indigo product line reflects this philosophy and also includes accessories like baby pouches, ring slings, tank tops and other clothes especially designed for breastfeeding. I had also breastfed my children, my eldest until he turned two, and I wish these nursing apparel were available back then because they are so fashionable, comfortable, and most importantly wearable.

These entrepreneur moms get my vote not only because they breastfeed their kids but also because they both practice yoga. Monica herself completed a 25-hour yoga course on Post Natal Teacher Training in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, module 2 of a 100-hour Yoga for Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond course. She’s currently doing an Ashtanga Yoga TT with Greenpath Yoga’s Clayton Horton in Boracay along with my friend Allen Enrique.

I got to know Monica after she posted a comment on this blog. After responding I checked out the Indigo multiply site and was attracted to the company’s breastfeeding poncho which they call “bonchos”. The bonchos are actually worn like a shawl and wrap around both mother and child to allow breastfeeding in public. But I've decided to use them as after-yoga wear so I quickly ordered 4 bonchos that were delivered to my home the following day. Online shopping is so cool.

Take a look at "after-yoga" wear from INDIGObaby:

My ultra sporty friend and yogin Edlyn Tan wearing a purple mosaic boncho. And looking good in Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana (below). Lyn is snapping up orders for bonchos from friends as I post this blog entry.

The dainty black boncho is ideal for other occasions as well. The fabric is lightweight and made from 100% cotton.

My favourite is this moss green boncho. Buttons secure the boncho around the shoulders.

Mala beads in wood, lapiz lazuli, coral and moonstone are available from sister company Dharma. Fuchsia fountain boncho worn like a shrug, below.

Monica and Denise’s interest in yoga has also spawned DHARMA, a selection of mindful and natural products like Awake an energizing and refreshing face mist, Dream a calming and balancing face mist, lavender-based Solstice mat spray, Glow body scrub and tulsi, lapis lazuli, coral and moonstone mala beads. The products were launched at the Yoga & Wellness Fair at the Power Plant last month. You can order through the Dharma website or purchase from authorized re-sellers at the EcoMarket and ECHOstore at the Fort and soon at Certified Calm and Aura Athletica.