It's crucial to understand that most yoga mats available today are not just harmless tools for your practice. They are actually made from materials and chemicals that can pose significant health risks. They are made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a type of plastic that requires numerous toxic additives to achieve the desired flexibility and durability. The production of PVC releases harmful chemicals like dioxins, which are known carcinogens, into the environment.

Since our skin absorbs everything we touch, we absorb these toxicities during our yoga practice. When we exercise, we are generating heat in the body. When we generate heat, our pores expand, allowing for a larger absorption rate of these toxicities.

Yoga mats also contain phthalates, a group of chemicals used to make plastics more flexible. Phthalates are endocrine disruptors that interfere with the body's hormonal systems. Prolonged exposure to phthalates has been linked to various health issues, including reproductive abnormalities, respiratory problems, and an increased risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and cancer.

Studies show that phthalates alone can cause endocrine disruptions, causing reproductive issues, including infertility, shorter pregnancies, and premature breast development in girls. It has also been linked to cancer, obesity, and asthma.

These phthalates can leach out over time, especially in warmer temperatures like those found in many hot yoga studios. This is called 'off gassing'. This leads us to another problem: these Phthalate particles cling to dust, that are inhaled during practice. Because our breath is so much deeper during yoga, we are inhaling these toxins at a more intense rate.

Chemicals upon chemicals upon chemicals. Before they are packaged up for you, they are treated with antimicrobial chemicals to prevent mold and bacteria growth. While this may sound beneficial, these chemicals can harm both the user and the environment. For instance, triclosan, a common antimicrobial agent, has been associated with liver toxicity and the disruption of thyroid function.

The chemicals used to make the mats cause measurable negative environmental impacts. During manufacturing, these chemicals are released into the atmosphere. In addition, these mats cannot be recycled and take hundreds of years to decompose. If you do dispose of them through incineration or if buried in a landfill, it releases dioxin — a cancer-causing chemical. Lastly, the chemical dyes are being disposed into our waters, causing water pollution and harming our marine life.

These phthalates can leach out over time, especially in warmer temperatures like those found in many hot yoga studios. This is called 'off gassing'. This leads us to another problem: these Phthalate particles cling to dust, that are inhaled during practice. Because our breath is so much deeper during yoga, we are inhaling these toxins at a more intense rate.

Chemicals upon chemicals upon chemicals. Before they are packaged up for you, they are treated with antimicrobial chemicals to prevent mold and bacteria growth. While this may sound beneficial, these chemicals can harm both the user and the environment. For instance, triclosan, a common antimicrobial agent, has been associated with liver toxicity and the disruption of thyroid function.

The chemicals used to make the mats cause measurable negative environmental impacts. During manufacturing, these chemicals are released into the atmosphere. In addition, these mats cannot be recycled and take hundreds of years to decompose. If you do dispose of them through incineration or if buried in a landfill, it releases dioxin — a cancer-causing chemical. Lastly, the chemical dyes are being disposed into our waters, causing water pollution and harming our marine life.

Bennd eliminates exposure to toxic chemicals commonly found in synthetic materials and the non-decomposing waste associated with the disposal of used textiles. Instead, we source only biodegradable materials such as organic cotton and medicinal herbs like Turmeric, Indigo, Neem, and Holy Basil to create luxurious textiles made in harmony with our planet.

Ayurvastra, an ancient Indian practice, involves using textiles dyed with medicinal herbs to promote health and well-being. These textiles are infused with natural dyes derived from a variety of plants, roots, flowers, and spices known for their therapeutic properties. The natural dyes used in Ayurvastra are free from harmful chemicals and synthetic additives, making them environmentally friendly and reducing the risk of allergic reactions.

[Ayur-vastra]: "Ayur" is Sanskrit for health, and "Vastra" is Sanskrit for clothing. Ayurvastra means Healthy Fabrics.

Using Ayurvastra fabrics allows the skin to absorb these medicinal compounds, which can help balance the body's doshas (vital energies) and improve overall health.

In todays fast paced society, it’s a simple way to introduce plant medicine into your wellness routine. When we exercise we are generating heat in the body. When we generate heat, our pores expand, allowing for a larger absorption rate of these therapeutic herbs to enter our bloodstream, creating positive change at a cellular level.

Studies show that textiles dyed with natural Ayurvedic herbs are scientifically proven to enhance skin health by alleviating conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis, reduce inflammation, aid in detoxification, improve blood circulation, boost mental performance, support immune and digestive health, be blood purifying, antibacterial, antimicrobial, and more!

Incorporating Ayurvastra into daily life promotes a holistic approach to wellness, combining the therapeutic effects of traditional medicine with the practical use of textiles. By choosing these naturally dyed fabrics, individuals can experience the healing power of nature while supporting sustainable and eco-friendly practices.