Warming Tea

We have entered the time of year of great celebrating. IT is also a time of increased stressors and sickness. So, Tis the season to warm our bellies and souls, while boosting our immune systems! Below you will find a favorite recipe of mine, Yogi Tea, passed down from my Kundalini Yoga teacher's teacher Yogi Bhajan, Ph.D.
Yogi Tea is a combination of foods. It acts as a tonic to the nervous system. It can help to balance your system when you are feeling out of balance. It has been used often as a remedy and preventative measure for colds, flu and diseases of the mucous membranes. Black pepper is a blood purifier. Cardamom is for the colon. Together they support the brain cells. Cloves help support the nervous system. Cinnamon is good for the bones. Ginger helps strengthen the nervous system and is very good if you have a cold, flu, physical weakness. It can help women when they are experiencing menstrual discomfort, such as cramps or PMS symptoms. You can try making Yogi Tea with extra ginger when you are feeling a cold or the flu coming on. Make at least 4 cups of Yogi Tea at a time. It's a good idea to make large batches at a time, and store it in the refrigerator without milk; then add the milk of your choice when you want to drink it. It can stay fresh in the refrigerator for about a week.
For ONE cup, the measurements are:
10 oz. water
3 whole cloves
4 whole green cardamom pods (cracked open is best)4 whole black peppercorns
1/2 stick cinnamon
1 slice ginger root
1/4 tsp. black tea (optional)
1/4 cup milk
Boil the spices for 10-15 minutes, with the top on the pot(just leave it open a crack to let a little of the steam out). Add black tea and steep for 2 minutes. Add milk of your choice, then bring to a boil. Remove immediately from the stove, and strain. Add honey or agave nectar to taste.
For 2 quarts use:
20 cardamom pods
20 peppercorns
15 cloves
5 or more slices of ginger root 
3 cinnamon sticks
1 tbs. black tea
Boil at least 30 minutes.
Add 1 qt of milk of your  choice.




Enjoy!
Namaste!