The signature drink of Yoga Yoga is of course a warm cup of freshly made Yogi Tea (“Soy or dairy?”) enjoyed after every yoga class.
The spicy brew served to you is the perfect complement to a yoga practice. The original recipe comes from my teacher Yogi Bhajan who insisted we drink it to become better yogis and healthier individuals.
The cinnamon helps bone strength, the ginger soothes tired muscles, the cloves build a strong nervous system, the black pepper purifies the blood, and the cardamom aids digestion and elimination.
Yet with recent international developments, we are reminded that Yogi Tea is not only for yoga or for yogis. It just might save your life.
Yogi Tea is based on an ancient Ayurvedic recipe from India where food and spices were often used as medicines. Before antibiotics, antivirals, and antiseptics, herbal preparations such as Yogi Tea were used to heal the body and prevent disease.
One of the most potent antiviral natural agents is cloves, a main ingredient in Yoga Tea. Worried about the flu? Have some Yogi Tea. Or if you want to go on the attack, try this natural antiviral preventative:
Take a handful of cloves and soak them in water overnight — no need to boil. First thing in the morning, take 3 or 4 tablespoons of the clove water (not more then 5!), swish it around in your mouth and then swallow. You can make enough for three of four days and keep it in the refrigerator. For best results, take some every day throughout the month of May.
“It will save you from a lot of viral diseases,” Yogi Bhajan once said. “The month of May breeds viruses. Your ears, nose and throat will all be all right. Symptoms will almost not appear. If you do it every year, you will never fall apart.”
Of course Yogi Tea itself contains a powerful clove extract from its preparation. It also contains black peppercorn that has proven effective in reducing symptoms of colds and flu as well. You can also do just the black peppercorns by themselves by boiling 5 or 6 whole peppercorns in a half cup of water and taking it by the tablespoon (or mix with pomegranate juice for an extra vitamin C rush!).
And if you want to indulge in an overall cleanse or detox regimen, drink 4 to 8 ounces of Yogi Tea, cold and unsweetened (no milk either), upon arising. It is a powerful liver flush and it may even create temporary nausea the first couple of days until your body cleans out. Then watch for the good results!
Finally if you are fasting or eating lightly when sick, drinking Yogi Tea throughout the day keeps your energy up. It is a natural energizer (especially with a little honey) that can get you away from your favorite caffeinated beverage.
So enjoy a cup of Yogi Tea after yoga class but take it home with you as your disease-fighting friend. Have no fear – Yogi Tea is here!
Yogi Tea is a health-promoting beverage and a tonic for the whole body. It strengthens the nervous system, energizes the body, clears the mind, and is both a remedy and preventive measure for colds, allergies, and other illnesses. Yogi Tea is best made two quarts at a time. It can be stored in the refrigerator or even frozen. Simply heat tea and add milk and honey when you’re ready to drink it.
To make two quarts:
- 2 quarts water
- 15 whole cloves
- 20 black peppercorns
- 3 sticks of cinnamon
- 20 whole cardamom pods (split the pods first)
- 8 ginger slices (1/4″ thick, no need to peel)
- 1/2 teaspoon black tea leaves (we use decaf)
- Milk and Honey to taste
Bring 2 quarts of water to a boil in a 3-4 quart pot. Add cloves and boil for one minute. Next, add cardamom, peppercorns, cinnamon, and fresh ginger root. Cover and boil for at least 30 minutes. For best flavor, cover and simmer for 2 to 3 hours! When ready, remove from heat, add black tea and let cool. Strain tea. When ready to drink, add soy or dairy milk and sweeten to taste with honey or maple syrup.
You can also visit any of our 5 locations to buy a 12 oz. bag of our organic Yogi Tea.
Drink often!