Ayurvedic Tea for Your Dosha



Cardamom, Cloves, Licorice, Cinnamon, Roses, and Fennel

 Ayurveda is the sister science of yoga, practiced in India for more than 5000 years.  Some say it is the world's oldest health care system! 

Ayurveda promotes vitality by removing toxins from the body, and harmonizing body, mind and spirit using foods, spices, herbs, and mantras.

You can determine your personal Dosha or constitution by taking this Dosha Quiz from the Chopra Center or this one from Doctor Oz or this one from Yoga Journal.

Ayurvedic teas are a wonderful way to introduce this ancient wisdom to your life.  They are delicious, and easy to make from herbs and spices in your garden, whole foods store, or your favorite Indian grocer.

Here are three recipes that calm and energize the body and mind without caffeine.  They also promote healthy digestive and immune systems. 

Click here for the recipe source and more information about their indications and benefits.

Vata Chai:  Licorice root, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, fennel, and stevia.

Pitta Chai:  Licorice root, rose petals, fennel, cardamom, ginger, and stevia.

Kapha Chai:  Ginger, licorice root, cinnamon, cloves, black pepper, and cardamom.

Drink to your pleasure and health!

Saffron Tea to Brighten Your Day

Saffron Tea, aka "Liquid Sunshine"

Saffron is prized for easing digestive and menstrual pain, lifting your mood and preventing wrinkles.

Studies say it can even lower high blood pressure and prevent the onset of some cancers.

Though saffron is one of the world's most expensive spices, you need so little that this sunny infusion will likely cost less than a cup of tea at your local coffee shop.

What to do:

Place 3-4 saffron threads in a cup. 

Add a little hot water and allow the threads to steep until the brew is bright yellow. 

Add more freshly boiled water to fill the cup.

Enjoy!

Note* You can refill your cup once or twice and still enjoy a flavorful and colorful tea. 

Optional* You can sweeten your tea, but I find the flavor pleasant all on its own.

Warming Ayurvedic Tea for Coughs and Colds

Brrrrr!!!  Its a cold, snowy autumn in Alberta.

Here's a Ayurvedic tea that will warm you up and soothe coughs and sore throats like magic!

What you need:

4 cups water
4 cloves
2 pieces of  licorice root (called "mulethi" if you're buying it from your favorite Indian grocer)
2 (or more) slices of raw ginger root

What to do:

Boil the ingredients together or steep in your thermos on the way to work and sip happily.  No need for honey as licorice root is known to contain compounds 30-50 times sweeter than sugar!

Thanks to Rul, my favorite Ayurvedic consultant for this delicious recipe!

Note *Please do not drink this excessively if you are pregnant or have high blood pressure.