The joy and health giving properties of Yogi tea
You may be one of those lucky people whose gym or yoga studio serves delicious homemade yogi tea. If not, spare the time to make it at home and enjoy the various benefits it has to offer. It not only tastes delicious, but it also promotes a healthy gut.
The History of Yogi Tea
Yogi tea was introduced to the world fairly recently but the spices that are used to make this fragrant beverage have been enjoyed for their health giving qualities for centuries. It began with Yogi Bhajan’s arrival in the States in 1969 and his introduction of Kundalini yoga. Amongst other topics, Yogi Bhajan lectured on Ayurveda and how to keep the mind, body and spirit healthy. After each class he served his pupils a cup of spiced tea and it was the students who named it ‘Yogi Tea’.
This delicious and healthy beverage grew in popularity and, in the 70’s, was served in the new vegetarian Golden Temple restaurants in the States and in parts of Europe. There is a lot of controversy surrounding Yogi Bhajan and the financial dynasty that he built but, the fact remains, yogi tea is delicious.
The Spices
Black Peppercorns
The ‘King of Spice’ is native to the southern Indian state of Kerala. Black peppercorns have been used since ancient times as anti-inflammatories, antioxidants, digestive aids and are known to help the body to absorb nutrients.
Cardamom Pods
Cardamom pods have been part of Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine since ancient times. Studies have shown, amongst other things, that they have anti-carcinogenic properties, are excellent for helping urinary tract infections, controlling cholesterol, fixing gastrointestinal upsets and even alleviate depression.
Cloves
Cloves have antioxidant and antibacterial properties and are great for gastric problems. Ayurveda medicine uses cloves to boost the immune system.
Cinnamon Sticks
Cinnamon is a wonder spice which is beneficial on so many fronts. It is a great antioxidant, packing more in one teaspoon than in a whole punnet of blueberries. It has antimicrobial qualities help fight disease. Studies have shown that cinnamon may help to lower blood sugar in people with diabetes.
Ginger Root
Among its many positive attributes, ginger is great for any digestive problem. It is also an anti-inflammatory. It helps the body absorb and assimilate vitamins and ginger tea is perfect for that sore throat or chest problem
The Basic Recipe – 1 cup
250 ml water
3 cloves
4 green cardamom pods – cracked
4 black peppercorns
5 cm cinnamon stick
1 cm piece of ginger (optional)
Honey (optional)
Small pinch of black tea
110 ml milk (dairy, nut or soya)
Add the cloves, cardamom, peppercorns and cinnamon to the water. Also add the ginger if you are using it. Boil and simmer for at least 20 minutes. Add a pinch of black tea and let it steep for a couple of minutes. Add the milk ad bring the tea back to the boil. Remove from heat and add honey to taste and enjoy.
The History of Yogi Tea
Yogi tea was introduced to the world fairly recently but the spices that are used to make this fragrant beverage have been enjoyed for their health giving qualities for centuries. It began with Yogi Bhajan’s arrival in the States in 1969 and his introduction of Kundalini yoga. Amongst other topics, Yogi Bhajan lectured on Ayurveda and how to keep the mind, body and spirit healthy. After each class he served his pupils a cup of spiced tea and it was the students who named it ‘Yogi Tea’.
This delicious and healthy beverage grew in popularity and, in the 70’s, was served in the new vegetarian Golden Temple restaurants in the States and in parts of Europe. There is a lot of controversy surrounding Yogi Bhajan and the financial dynasty that he built but, the fact remains, yogi tea is delicious.
The Spices
Black Peppercorns
The ‘King of Spice’ is native to the southern Indian state of Kerala. Black peppercorns have been used since ancient times as anti-inflammatories, antioxidants, digestive aids and are known to help the body to absorb nutrients.
Cardamom Pods
Cardamom pods have been part of Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine since ancient times. Studies have shown, amongst other things, that they have anti-carcinogenic properties, are excellent for helping urinary tract infections, controlling cholesterol, fixing gastrointestinal upsets and even alleviate depression.
Cloves
Cloves have antioxidant and antibacterial properties and are great for gastric problems. Ayurveda medicine uses cloves to boost the immune system.
Cinnamon Sticks
Cinnamon is a wonder spice which is beneficial on so many fronts. It is a great antioxidant, packing more in one teaspoon than in a whole punnet of blueberries. It has antimicrobial qualities help fight disease. Studies have shown that cinnamon may help to lower blood sugar in people with diabetes.
Ginger Root
Among its many positive attributes, ginger is great for any digestive problem. It is also an anti-inflammatory. It helps the body absorb and assimilate vitamins and ginger tea is perfect for that sore throat or chest problem
The Basic Recipe – 1 cup
250 ml water
3 cloves
4 green cardamom pods – cracked
4 black peppercorns
5 cm cinnamon stick
1 cm piece of ginger (optional)
Honey (optional)
Small pinch of black tea
110 ml milk (dairy, nut or soya)
Add the cloves, cardamom, peppercorns and cinnamon to the water. Also add the ginger if you are using it. Boil and simmer for at least 20 minutes. Add a pinch of black tea and let it steep for a couple of minutes. Add the milk ad bring the tea back to the boil. Remove from heat and add honey to taste and enjoy.
