Yogi Tea * the original chai

Thanks to my Kundalini yoga teachers, I have been enjoying this delicious and healthy tea for almost ten years now. Judy, thank you for reminding me that I had promised to share the recipe!

YOGI TEA is a health-promoting beverage and tonic for the whole body. It strengthens the nervous system, energizes the body, and clears the mind. It is both a remedy and preventative measure for colds, allergies and other diseases of the mucous membranes. The combined spices create a synergistic healing effect.
Black pepper is a blood purifier
Cardamom aids digestion (I buy the green pods)
Cloves strengthen the nervous system
Cinnamon aids calcium absorption
Ginger heals inflammations and removes physical weakness
Soy or dairy milk aids in assimilation
Black tea activates the ingredients

You can buy the spices in bulk at some health food stores or ethnic markets.    Bulk is vastly more reasonable than regular grocery store container spices.

Ingredients:

• 2 quarts water
• 15 whole cloves
• 20 black peppercorns
• 3 sticks of cinnamon
• 20 whole cardamom pods (split the pods first)
• 8 fresh ginger slices (1/4″ thick, no need to peel)
• 1/2 teaspoon regular or decaf black tea leaves (approximately 1 tea bag)
• Dairy or soy milk and honey or maple syrup to taste

Preparation:

Bring two quarts of water to a boil. Add cloves and boil one minute. Add cardamom, peppercorns, cinnamon, and ginger. Cover and boil for 30 minutes. Reduce heat and simmer for two to three hours. Remove from heat, add black tea, and let cool. Strain and store in the refrigerator. Reheat when you want a cup and add milk and sweetener to taste.   Some people like drinking it cold.

Another added benefit to brewing Yogi Tea is that your house will smell wonderful with the aroma of spices!

Enjoy * Enjoy

“The act of being happy lies in the power of extracting happiness from common things.” ~Henry Ward Beecher