One Eleven Health herbal formulations are based on the wisdom of the oldest form of healthcare in the world, the unique and precise blends belonging to a long line of distinguished Vaidyas (Ayurvedic physicians) in India. The curated collection of potent herbal elixirs is designed to provide a potent boost for your mind, body and spirit, punctuating our relenting ‘busy-ness’ with moments of bliss and intention.

Here, Cassie talks about the unique approach of Ayurveda health products, the holiest of herbs and her personal line-up of daily rituals (including tongue scraping!).

M+E: What first sparked your connection with Ayurveda – what drew you to its ideologies and practices?

CC: I have always been interested in wellness, but it wasn’t until I discovered Ayurveda that something really clicked for me. It felt like ‘coming home’ to my body, and I understood what wellness really meant. As the world’s oldest known holistic health science dating back thousands of years, originally cognised by ancient seers, I really resonated with the fact that this body of knowledge and principles have stood the test of time. Also, I love the fact that Ayurveda isn’t about ‘rules’, rather empowering principles that educate us to adapt to our body’s unique needs at any given moment. I find this an incredibly empowering and much needed approach to health as it allows us to be the masters of our own. Ayurveda doesn’t focus on disease, it’s more interested in how we can enliven health, so disease naturally dissipates and as such, is not part of our vocabulary. Where our attention and energy go is what shapes our life, so this practice resonated as it promotes a preventative, daily approach to health rather than a reaction to crisis. To me, this just makes sense.

M+E: Can you share the key differences between Ayurvedic health products and ‘regular’ health products of the same, supplementary nature?

CC: I believe there is room for all kinds of products, and that different products and health approaches are not necessarily exclusive, and can in fact be quite supportive and complementary. I do love to have my collagen beauty supplements in my morning smoothie just as much as I love my divine Ayurvedic herbal products.

In saying that, unlike many of the western vitamin products and ingestible beauty products we’re accustomed to, Ayurvedic products are based on an ancient holistic health science called Ayurveda, translated to ‘The Science of Life’ which predates and has influenced many of the natural and herbal medicine we use today. So, you could say that the whole philosophy and underlying intelligence to these products is different – more ancient, more complex; the timeless intelligence of nature itself.

Further to this, Ayurvedic products are (typically) made from whole foods and herbs rather than synthetic compounds or vitamins. This supports the body with the right nutrition so it can more readily do what it needs to do. Essentially, Ayurvedic products work at a deeper physiological level for a sustainable and preventative approach.

Lastly, a key point of difference with Ayurvedic herbal products, like our flagship product One Eleven Health Bliss, is that rather than just using a single herb – or whacking together a bunch of ingredients (each with a similar effect) – Ayurvedic formulations are highly complex and exponentially more potent.

M+E: How do the products effectively ‘connect’ the user with nature?

CC: Ayurveda, and our One Eleven Health products connect us with nature on so many levels. By taking these herbs every day, you’re benefiting from the incredible healing capabilities of nature through a potent synergistic blend of multiple herbs with wonderful properties. By taking time out for those moments of ritual, you are communing with your higher self and investing your Soma (attention) in your health and wellbeing. Most importantly, Ayurvedic principles and rituals are all about aligning us with nature and its cycles. One example is waking up with the sunrise and going to bed before 10pm for a synched circadian rhythm, better sleep, and general health. Our intention with One Eleven Health was to ground a set of principles into enjoyable daily rituals which connect people back to their truest nature, which is – being one with nature.

“What is not commonly known about the Tulsi plant are its best kept secrets, its medicinal value. In Ayurveda, this miraculous plant literally heals and links one’s body, mind and spirit.”

M+E: I’m sure you favour each Bliss herb equally, but if there were two you could hero, what would they be and why?

CC: In Ayurvedic formulas there isn’t typically a ‘hero’ ingredient. If one herb was removed, the whole formula would change, so the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Every herb has amazing properties, but some of the more popular/common herbs are Ashwaganda, Amalaki and Tulsi.

Ashwagandha is a root herb whose name in sanskrit literally translates to “the smell of a horse”. Ashwa or aśva means horse and gandha means smell. This demonstrates Ashwaghanda’s ability to help provide the strength of a horse – physically, sexually, and perhaps mostly profoundly, mentally. Ashwagandha is well revered in Ayurveda (and is also becoming increasingly recognised in modern science), to significantly reduce stress, especially in chronically stressed humans. This adaptogen energises the body when it needs it during the day and calms overactive nerves for easy and restful sleep at night. It has a herbal intelligence that increases or decreases stress hormones like cortisol depending on the body’s need at any given time.

Amalaki, otherwise known as the Indian Gooseberry, is not only considered to be Ayurveda’s most potent fruit, but Amalaki is one of the most important herbs in the practice. According to studies, the average Amla fruit (22.5gm) contains 121mg of Vitamin C. The average orange (130 grams) has about 70mg of Vitamin C. So, Amalaki has 10 times the amount of vitamin C than an orange when we measure equal weights of both fruits!

Described as the most holy plant on earth in the ancient Vedic texts, Tulsi, otherwise known as “Holy Basil” or “Queen of the herbs” is still revered today as holier than holy. Its beneficial properties were originally undiscovered because the plant was so sacred that people wouldn’t ingest it out of respect. For millennia, Tulsi has been grown for spiritual purposes in the backyards of most Indian homes. Its branches are carved into beads and worn to enhance spiritual progress. Its fragrance is used to purify temples and the leaves are used in sacred ceremonies to honour God and heighten one’s awareness. What is not commonly known about the Tulsi plant are its best kept secrets, its medicinal value. In Ayurveda, this miraculous plant literally heals and links one’s body, mind and spirit. Tulsi is considered a true adaptogen which boosts energy in the morning and because it is not a stimulant, supports deep restful sleep when taken before bed.

I also love the liquorice root in Bliss for the beautiful subtly sweet taste. That’s why Bliss tastes so divine without any sweeteners – just the pure and natural sweetness of the herbs themselves.

M+E: What benefits have you noticed inside and out, with the frequent use of Bliss, and what are some of the ways we can incorporate this into our daily routines?

CC: One Eleven Bliss has proven incredibly supportive during periods of stress in my life, and for creating a steady clean stream of energy throughout the day. An interesting fact about Bliss is that you can add it to your coffee to mitigate its hyper-stimulating effects, and kind of ‘take it down a notch’.

Try adding ¼ teaspoon to any hot drink (hot water, hot milk, herbal tea, lattés, coffee…) and enjoy. We recommend enjoying Bliss once or twice a day, or more if you need it. Most people have Bliss in the morning, and in the evening before bed. Some prefer to have Bliss before their meditations to have a deeper and more blissful experience, it just depends on your routine and lifestyle.

M+E: What are some other daily health rituals you standby?

CC: Vedic Meditation – it’s my twice daily non-negotiable. Also, self-abhyanga (Ayurvedic oil massage), I do self-abhyanga massage daily – it’s another staple Ayurvedic wellness practice for general health, and it’s amazing for stress reduction, detoxification, lymphatic drainage, fat loss and healthy skin. It leaves me feeling so calm and grounded for the day ahead. Also, tongue scraping. The first thing I do when I wake up is brush my teeth and scrape my tongue with a metal tongue scraper (copper or silver). In Ayurveda, tongue scraping is a daily wellness essential as it helps clear toxins built up on the tongue overnight – it’s a great practice for detoxification, digestive health, oral health and fresh breath. Some form of movement like yoga or other exercise is also always on the agenda.

M+E: Last random act of kindness?

CC: At a local café, pre-paid for the next person’s coffee. It was kind of a ‘pay it forward’ thing which was fun.

M+E: Favourite MAURIE AND EVE piece right now?

CC: The Way Out Rib Pant and Rib Top – they’re so chic and comfy. I love sets like this, they’re such an elevated daily staple.

M+E: Album/artist on repeat?

CC: It switches up A LOT depending on my mood. These days though, I tend to have H.E.R., Jhene Aiko and Erykah Badu.