Cooler weather has arrived, and with it, the time for tea. Which spices can warm us during the transitional period and in the winter months? A summary of warming teas.
Warming teas beneficially affect all three Ayurvedic doshas. Vata individuals have a cold body and thus crave warmth; consuming one to two cups of warming tea daily is highly recommended for them. Pitta individuals should maintain the golden mean; one cup of warming tea daily is ample. Kapha individuals can confidently consume spicier, more pungent teas, as tea consumption can have beneficial effects on their slower metabolism.
Warming, Pungent, Spicy Tea Blends
Cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, ginger, orange peel – the most important warming spices.
Cinnamon is a strongly stimulating spice, which also possesses diuretic and blood-purifying properties. It improves digestive complaints and strengthens the digestive fire. It has a strong pain-relieving effect, e.g., for toothache. Vata individuals can consume it confidently.
Cardamom has a strong mucolytic effect. It is recommended for colds, asthma, and coughs alike. It is known for its effect of removing Kapha accumulation from the stomach and lungs. Individuals with reflux can also consume it, as it helps bind stomach acid.
Clove tea can be consumed by those with low blood pressure. It is also a good digestive aid, relieving colds and coughs. It plays a leading role in detoxifying the lymphatic system.
Ginger is available in powder form, but also whole in grocery stores’ produce sections. It affects all tissues of the body and is also called an omnipotent medicine. It is a healer of digestive and respiratory diseases.
Orange peel has antispasmodic effects and is recommended for ovarian and uterine inflammation. It has stomach-strengthening and digestion-improving effects.
Autumn-Winter Tea Recipes
Cardamom Tea
Ingredients:
– approx. 4 crushed cardamom pods
– 4-5 dl cream or milk
– 2 black tea bags
– sugar
Preparation: Mix the milk or cream, crushed cardamom, and black tea, then place on heat. After it boils, remove from heat, let it rest for a few minutes, then sweeten.
Chai
(Serves 1-2)
Ingredients:
– 1.5 cups cold water
– ¼ or ½ cup milk
– 1 crushed cinnamon stick
– 3 cardamom pods
– 1-2 slices ginger
– 3 cloves
– 1-2 tsp sugar
Preparation: Bring the water to a boil. Once it boils, add the cinnamon and simmer for another two minutes. Then remove from heat, add the cardamom, ginger, and cloves. After a brief boil, remove from heat and sweeten. After boiling the tea mixture, remove from heat, let it rest for a short while, and blend the infusion with a hand mixer. Heavenly delicious! The quantity can be reduced as desired.
Lemon Ginger Tea
Ingredients:
– 5-6 cups water
– ¼ cup fresh, sliced ginger
– ½ fresh, sliced lemon
– 1 tsp honey
Preparation: Bring the water to a boil. Add the ginger slices to the hot water and simmer for 15 minutes. After removing from heat, add the lemon and honey.
Source: Ayurvédika
