Warm Up with Yogi Tea
A few years ago I was picking up my son at a friends house and just as I entered the house I was greeted with a richly warm fragrance. I asked my friend what she was making and she said she was brewing a big batch of Yogi Tea. She offered me a cup of this aromatic spice tea and while I was sipping in the warmth she told me about her time in Los Angeles studying Kundalini yoga and her path toward wellness through yoga, meditation and nutrition. Well as a yoga teacher myself and a student of Ayurveda I was elated by our shared interests - so of course, the conversation continued on with enthusiasm…and my son was equally delighted to have an extended play date with his friend.
Before leaving, my friend printed out the Yogi Tea recipe for me and the next day I gathered all the ingredients to brew my own pot of delicious spice tea. And now I am happy to share this recipe with you. Please note that many of these ingredients can be found at your local grocery store or health food store. And I find that the best time of the year to make/drink this tea is in Fall, Winter and early Spring…enjoy!
Yogi Tea Recipe
Yogi tea is a spiced tea, a traditional tea from India made with warming spices. It's designed based on Ayurvedic medicine to enhance digestion, increase circulation, and boost your immune system.
1.5 Gallons of Spring Water
1/4 Cup Cardamom Pods (crush or split the pods for better flavor)
2 Tbsp. Whole Cloves
8 Cinnamon Sticks (break into small pieces)
5 Slices of Fresh Gingerroot
1 Tbsp. Black Peppercorn
1 Tbsp. Black Tea (loose leaf) or 2 Tea Bags
Bring water to a boil and add spices (except black tea). Turn heat down to low rolling boil and cover with a lid for 3 - 4 hours. Remove from heat and add the black tea. Place lid back on and allow tea to cool. After tea is cool, strain and store in the refrigerator. Enjoy tea warm or cold with milk or milk alternative.
The Healing Powers of Yogi Tea
Black Pepper: Improves digestion, promotes intestinal health, also known as a blood purifier.
Cardamom: Helps digestion, headaches, cramps, circulation, and coughs.
Cloves: Helps prevent toxicity from environmental pollutants, joint inflammation, boosts immune system, and gives relief from respiratory ailments.
Cinnamon: Aids digestion, congestion and circulation. Strengthen bones, relieves stiffness of muscles and joints. Helps prevent urinary tract infections.
Ginger Root: Aids digestion and circulation, soothes the intestinal tract, relieves upset stomachs, eliminates gas, increase energy, plus has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Recipe from Foods for Health and Healing.
