Herbal teas are one of the joys of the yogic diet, and they are best when fresh and homemade! Here are some favourite recipes.
Refreshing and warming – this recipe has many health benefits and is very easy to make. Just cook some water, put a piece of star anise and a stick of cinnamon in your glass and wait for a few minutes. The anise is refreshing and vitalising, the cinnamon warm and strong. A perfect boost on a cold winter’s day!
Spicy and cleansing – another simple yet very popular tea: ginger and lemon. Take one centimeter of ginger root, grate or mince with a sharp knife, mix with some grated lemon peel and a hint of lemon juice. Pour into a pot of hot water. If you really want to go crazy, add some ground lemon grass, black pepper and turmeric. Both lemon and ginger are cleansing, known as a natural remedy against cold and sore throat. In the latter case, adding some honey is not a bad idea.
Creamy and calming – maybe it’s not a classical ayurvedic herbal tea, but this Indian recipe couldn’t be left out of the list: chai tea! You can make it with or without tea leaves – that’s up to you. For a herbal chai latte, you need the following spices:
- 2 whole cloves, crushed
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon fennel seed
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Boil two cups of water in a pan and add the spices (keep a small amount aside), then cook for 5 minutes. In the mean time, warm two cups of soy milk in another pan. Just before the milk starts to boil, take the pan off the stove and use a wire whisk to foam it. Fill your teacups with half herbal tea, half milk foam, and top off with the spices you kept aside.
This heart-warming chai tea latte is the best after a walk in a winter wonderland, or just before bedtime – the warm milk will help you fall asleep easily.
Do you have a favourite? Or do you feel inspired to create your own recipes? Feel free to share your ideas in the comments below!
Yoga Lañā 