Warming Winter Teas for Each Dosha

This herbal teas are your best winter companions. Do not matter if you choose to take them in your quiet sofa or in a party, it is always uplifting for all and surely preventing dullness and cold.

Kapha Balancing

• 6 cups water
• ⅛ of an orange slice or a nice pinch of dried orange peel
• 5 cardamom pods
• 2 cloves
• ½ teaspoon grated ginger
• ½ teaspoon ginger powder 
•  1 teaspoon fennel seeds 
• 1 teaspoon dried tulsi leaves
• Honey to taste* (optional)

Vata Balancing

• 6 cups water
• 6 cardamom pods
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• ¼ teaspoon ajwain/carom seeds
• 1 teaspoon licorice powder
• ¾ teaspoon dried tulsi leaves
• Milk of your choice
• Honey to taste* (optional)

Pitta Balancing

• 6 cups water
• 4 cardamom pods
• 1 cinnamon stick
• ½ teaspoon licorice powder
• ½ teaspoon turmeric
• ¼ teaspoon ginger powder
• ½ teaspoon dried tulsi leaves
• Milk of your choice
• ½ teaspoon sucanat or jaggery (optional)

 

 

 Add the water to a pot and heat over medium-high. While the water is heating, gently crush the cardamom pods with the back of a knife or a mortar and pestle to release the seeds. Crush the seeds a bit if you desire. Add all the spices to the water and let simmer for 20–25 minutes or until you have about ½ the amount of liquid remaining.  Turn off the heat and add the tulsi leaves. Let the leaves steep for 3–5 more minutes, then add milk (optional) to your liking. Stir in the milk, strain, and serve. Makes about 2–3 servings.

*Honey—adding honey to hot tea reduces its beneficial properties, according to Ayurveda. It is best to add honey to the tea once it has cooled slightly. For the optimal nutrients, do the pinkie test. If the pinkie can remain in the tea for 10 seconds, add the honey.