If you’re looking for a yummy pick-me-up this winter this tea is the perfect thing! Comforting with just a hint of spice from the black pepper it’s perfect for cold and rainy days (or for when “Snowpocalypse” hits here in North Carolina e.g. 4″-6″ of snow and the city shuts down…oh I love the south).
This tea perfectly compliments any yoga practice, but traditionally the recipe is from Yogi Bhajan who was the founder of the Kundalini yoga style. He maintained that the ingredients have excellent health benefits and modern science backs up his claims. Have a cup to motivate you to practice during the cold months. I know I struggle with my daily practice when it’s cold out, I just have no motivation!
Cloves: Healing for the the nervous system and have antioxidant, anti-septic, local anesthetic, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Cinnamon: Healing for the bones and has antioxidant, immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory properties. Also may fight diabetes, defend against cognitive decline, lower cancer risk, and protect dental health.
Black Pepper: Purifies the blood and is an excellent source of manganese, iron, potassium, vitamin-C, vitamin K, and dietary fiber.
Cardamom: Healing for the colon and kidneys and can be used to combat nausea, acidity, bloating, gas, heartburn, loss of appetite, and constipation.
Ginger: Healing for the stomach with anti-inflammatory effects and anti-cancer properties. Can also prevent nausea, reduce muscle pain and soreness, and help with menstrual cramps.
Milk: Aids the body in assimilation of the spices and avoids irritation in the gut.
Black Tea: Unify all of the ingredients and has an extremely low caffeine content which aids circulation.
This is a variation on the traditional recipe by Yogi Bhajan:
- 5 quarts water
- 3 inches sliced fresh ginger root
- 10 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tablespoons cardamom pods
- 1 tsp whole cloves
- 1 tsp black peppercorns
- 1 tsp bulk black tea
- almond milk (or cow milk or soy milk or whatever kind of milk you like!)
Boil the water in a stainless steel pot and add the ginger root, cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, cloves, and peppercorns. Simmer for 1 hour then add the black tea and simmer for 5-10 minutes more. Remove from heat and let cool. When you are ready to drink add milk and honey to taste and re-simmer on the stove until hot.
Can anyone spot the kitty cat in the background? Seamus approves of the tea too!
the pollen count 