Yogi Tea: A Nurturing Tonic

If you've enjoyed a cup of Yogi Tea after yoga class then you already know it is yummy! But were you also aware of its amazing healing benefits? The ingredients that make up Yogi Tea have been used in natural healing for hundreds of years. Ginger, cloves and cardamom are nervous system restoratives and cold and flu preventatives. Black pepper stimulates digestion and cinnamon fuels the internal fires and has been found to help control blood sugar and cholesterol. Cinnamon is also known to improve memory and information processing so it makes perfect sense that this delicious combination is served after Kundalini Yoga. It is said to integrate the energy changes the kriyas bring about.

Drink Yogi Tea often at Yoga Phoenix and brew your own to drink at home whenever you want that warm, hug-like feeling that is truly good for you!

Here's the recipe for two quarts:

2 quarts water
15 whole cloves
20 black peppercorns
3 sticks of cinnamon
20 whole cardamom pods (split or crush the pods first)
8 ginger slices (1/4" thick, no need to peel)
1 bag of black tea (we use decaf or none at all)
Milk and Honey to taste

Bring water to a boil in a 3-4 quart pot. Add cloves and boil for one minute. Next, add cardamom, peppercorns, cinnamon, and fresh ginger root. Cover and boil lightly for at least 1 hour. For best flavor, cover and simmer for 2 to 3 hours! When ready, remove from heat, add black tea and let cool. Strain tea. When ready to drink, add soy or dairy milk and sweeten to taste with honey or maple syrup. (Store extra tea in the fridge – enjoy tea hot or cold.)

Peace,
Liz (Amrit Bani)
Kundalini Yoga Teacher in LA and friend of Yoga Phoenix

Butterfly Pose: to Open the Hips & Release Tension

Butterfly Pose (also known as Baddha Konasana) is especially good for women (but great for men too!) It opens the hips, adjusts the pelvis, and gently releases tension from the foundation of the body.

Try this:
Sit on the floor. Bring the soles of your feet together and draw the feet as close in towards your body as is comfortable.

Release your knees towards the floor. Some people like to place pillows under the knees to give added support.

Lengthen through the spine so that you are sitting tall.

Raise and lower the knees in a gentle but rapid bouncing motion. This does not need to be a large movement. It is just enough that you feel it in your hips and legs.

Continue for 1-3 minutes.

Note: This is a great practice during pregnancy! 

Also, children love this movement - in Children's Yoga classes, we often sing a little song as we do this posture:
"Fly like a butterfly, fly like a butterfly, fly like a butterfly, in the sky."