At Soul Of Yoga, we always finish our Saturday kundalini yoga class with homemade yogi tea, courtesy of my beautiful friend and teacher Sarah Sang. Today, I want to share her recipe which has been adapted from Yogi Bhajan’s recipe
Who is Yogi Bhajan?
He was an inspirational teacher of holistic living who came from India to the West in 1969. Yogi Bhajan shared with his students his wisdom and knowledge of healthy living and the beneficial properties of herbs while serving a comforting and aromatic Ayurvedic spiced tea they affectionately named “Yogi Tea”.
Eventually, this blossomed into the Yogi Tea Company in 1984 which now offers over 60 unique blends that aid to help with stamina, relaxation, circulation and endurance. You’ve probably seen these products in the major grocery stores. Their packages include instructions for short meditations and words of wisdom.
Benefits of Yogi Tea
This tea is a remedy and preventive measure for colds, flu and sinus problems. The black peppercorns are a blood purifier. The cardamon is for the digestive system, particularly for the colon. The cloves are for the nervous system. The cinnamon is for the bones. The ginger adds flavor and aids in strengthening the nervous system while energizing the entire person. And finally the black tea which acts as a catalyst for the other ingredients.
Making Your Own Yogi Tea
While buying it already packaged is convenient, there is nothing like preparing a fresh batch of yogi tea from scratch. The species will leave a beautiful aroma in your kitchen. I can guarantee it! Hope you enjoy this recipe.
- 6 cups of water
- 3 large cinnamon sticks
- 6 green Cardamom pods
- 6 cloves
- 20 black peppercorns
- 1 thumb length of ginger, thinly sliced
- 4 dried Jujube (optional)
- 1 pinch of black tea ( you can use 1 tea bag)
- non-dairy milk and sweeterner
- Bring water to boil and all all spices ( except for black tea)
- Turn down the heat, let it simmer for 20 mins.
- Add black tea and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Strain it into a warmed teapot or directly into teacups.
- Add milk and sweetener of choice ( optional)
- Tip - Make the tea early in the morning and let it sit for at least another 40 minutes after turning off the heat. The tea turns sweeter with a stronger earthy aroma as all the ingredients continue to release their flavor and healing nutrients.
- Enjoy it throughout the day or store in the refrigerator in glass bottles. I always warm up my tea in a pot (not microwave)
Yogi Tea – Chai Tea – Masala Chai – A funny anecdote
While I was visiting Hyderabad a few years back, I was asked if I wanted tea. I replied “YES, please!”. Then I was asked “Well, what kind of tea?”. “Chai, please”. The server smiled “Yes, tea. What kind of tea?”. It took me a few minutes to realize that the Indian word for tea is simply “chai”. Saying “I want a chai tea” is like saying “I want a tea tea”. What we know in the United States as chai or yogi tea is actually called “masala chai” in India
Also, I just want to point out that this Ayurvedic recipe has been around for centuries, especially in the northern state of Punjabi. But it was introduced in the US relatively recently, if you think about it. Of course, you don’t need to be a yogi to enjoy a delicious cup of yogi tea.
Thank you Sarah for sharing this recipe with us.
Namaste. Sat Nam!
Resources:
Hari Singh Bird’s Website
Yogi Tea Website
If you live in San Diego and you want to experience kundalini yoga, come to Sarah Sang’s free Sadhana at the Soul Of Yoga. It’s the second Sunday of every Month!
