Yogi Tea (Chai)

This is not just a cup of tea, it is a tonic - or in my opinion an elixir. The perfect time for a cup is after morning yoga practice. It can be made with or without caffeine or dairy and be sweetened with honey, maple syrup or my favorite is agave.

ingredients: (just multiply for more than one cup)

10 oz. water

3 cloves

4 whole peppercorns

4 whole cardamom pods

1 2-inch cinnamon stick

1 slice fresh ginger

pinch of black tea (optional)

1/2 cup whole milk (or soy milk)

sweeten to taste with whatever sweetener you prefer

Add cloves, cinnamon, ginger and peppercorns to water and bring to boil. As soon as it starts to boil turn the heat down to a simmer and let it simmer covered for about 3 hours. My experience is the longer, the better, especially if you are making a big batch. When water is dark and the whole house smells like chai, add the milk and the black tea and turn up the heat. When you see the first bubble as it approaches a boil remove from heat. Sweeten to taste.

The black pepper is a blood purifier, the cardamon is for the colon, the cloves are for the nervous system and the cinnamon is for the bones. The Ginger is for flavor and also good for when you have a cold or other physical weakness. The milk aids in easy assimilation of the spices and avoids irritation of the colon or stomach. The black tea acts as an alloy for all of the ingredients, achieving a new chemical structure which makes the tea a healthful and delicious drink.