Food as Medicine - Homemade Ayurvedic Yogi Tea
In Ayurveda, food is not just nourishment — it's medicine. The foods and drinks we consume have the power to restore balance and enhance our well-being. Yogi Tea is a perfect example of this philosophy in action. This spiced beverage is both comforting and healing, making it an ideal drink for the cold months. Not only does it support digestion and boost immunity, but it also helps balance your body’s energies, particularly when Vata and Kapha are prone to imbalance during this time of year.
The healing spices in Yogi Tea
Yogi Tea's power lies in its carefully chosen blend of spices, each one with specific health benefits. These warming, aromatic spices work together to support the body, mind, and spirit. Here’s a closer look at the key ingredients:
- Black Pepper: Known for its ability to purify the blood, black pepper enhances circulation and supports detoxification.
- Cardamom Pods: These aromatic pods aid digestion, helping to relieve bloating, gas, and other digestive discomforts.
- Cloves: Cloves help strengthen the nervous system, boost immunity, and even provide pain relief.
- Cinnamon: This warming spice supports bone health, improves circulation, and can help regulate blood sugar levels.
- Ginger: A powerful anti-inflammatory, ginger helps combat colds, flu, and digestive issues, while also providing a natural energy boost.
Together, these spices create a warming and grounding tea that not only fights off the chill but also supports your immune system — essential during the cold months when the weather can leave us feeling vulnerable to illness.
Why Yogi Tea Is perfect for the cold months
In Ayurveda, each season corresponds to a specific dosha (body energy), and the cold months often bring an increase in Vata and Kapha energies. Vata is associated with air and ether, which can lead to dryness, coolness, and feelings of restlessness when out of balance. Kapha, on the other hand, is associated with earth and water, and during the cold months, it can lead to feelings of heaviness, sluggishness, and congestion.
Yogi Tea is a wonderful beverage for balancing both Vata and Kapha during this time. The warming spices in the tea help soothe the dryness and coolness of Vata, while also stimulating circulation and digestion to counteract the heaviness and stagnation associated with Kapha. The ginger, cinnamon, and black pepper help boost energy and warmth, while the cloves and cardamom assist in breaking up congestion and supporting healthy digestion.
How to make your own Yogi Tea
Making your own Yogi Tea at home is simple and rewarding. Here’s a recipe for a full liter of this healing, aromatic tea:
Ingredients:
- 1 liter of water
- 6 slices of fresh ginger
- 9 cloves
- 10 green cardamom pods (cracked open)
- 10 black peppercorns
- 2 cinnamon sticks
Instructions:
- Bring the water to a boil in a pot.
- Add all the spices to the boiling water.
- Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer gently for about 15 minutes to allow the spices to infuse.
- Strain the tea into a thermos or another container for easy storage.
- Serve with a splash of milk or a plant-based alternative. If you have a Kapha imbalance, it’s best to skip the milk, as dairy can increase Kapha's heavy qualities. For those with Vata or Pitta imbalances, a little milk (or a plant-based milk) can be soothing and help assimilate the spices.
This recipe makes a full liter of tea, which you can store in a thermos and enjoy throughout the day. The rich, flavorful brew is perfect for sipping during the cold months.
Enjoy!
Yogi Tea is more than just a beverage — it's a nourishing, warming tradition. The cold months can disrupt balance, but this tea's grounding and stimulating spices keep you energized, healthy, and in harmony. Perfect for supporting your well-being during colder days.
Enjoy the benefits of this time-tested Ayurvedic recipe and stay warm, grounded, and balanced throughout the season.
