Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Yogi tea, also called masala tea, is used to warm and stimulate digestion after a meal, as well as nourish the body, mind, and spirit. Yogi tea consists of four primary spices: cardamom, ginger, long pepper, and cinnamon.
Cardamom and ginger are considered sattvic, believed to stimulate spiritual purity. They also help reduce mucus, calm the stomach, and eliminate toxins. Long pepper helps reduce pain and rejuvenates tissue. Cinnamon is similar to cardamom and is also good for the circulation and the heart.
Everyone seems to have a favorite yogi tea recipe, but here is a basic one to try:
Boil two quarts of water. Add one-half tablespoon long pepper, one heaping tablespoon cardamom seeds, six sticks of cinnamon, and four slices of fresh ginger root, peeled.
Reduce the heat and let the spice mixture simmer for 30 minutes. Add one and one-half teaspoons black tea and then let steep for no longer than 10 minutes. Strain and add milk, honey, or maple syrup to taste.
