In the yoga community, the practice of mindfulness extends beyond the mat, weaving itself into every aspect of life—including the teas we drink. Whether you’re preparing for a morning flow, winding down after an evening session, or simply savoring a peaceful moment, the right tea can enhance your yoga practice and overall well-being. Let’s take a journey around the world, exploring some beloved teas and how they beautifully complement your yoga routine.
1. Masala Chai (India)
Yoga Connection: Masala Chai is a warming, spiced blend that not only tantalizes your taste buds but also aids digestion and circulation. Its invigorating aroma and comforting warmth make it a perfect companion after an intense yoga session, grounding your energy and promoting relaxation.
Recipe:
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup milk (or a plant-based alternative)
- 2 teaspoons black tea leaves or 1 black tea bag
- 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, sliced
- 2-3 cardamom pods, crushed
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2-3 cloves
- 1-2 black peppercorns
- Sweetener to taste (sugar, honey, or jaggery)
- Instructions:
- In a saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add the ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and peppercorns.
- Let the spices simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add the tea leaves and milk, and bring to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for another 2-3 minutes.
- Strain the tea into a cup, sweeten to taste, and enjoy the warmth!
2. Matcha (Japan)
Yoga Connection: Matcha’s vibrant green hue and smooth, earthy flavor bring an unparalleled sense of calm and focus. Rich in antioxidants, it offers a gentle energy boost, making it an excellent choice before a morning yoga flow or meditation session.
Recipe:
- Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon matcha powder
- 2 ounces hot water (not boiling)
- 6 ounces steamed milk (or a plant-based alternative)
- Sweetener to taste (optional)
- Instructions:
- Sift the matcha powder into a bowl to remove any clumps.
- Add hot water and whisk vigorously in a zigzag motion until frothy.
- Pour the matcha into a cup and add steamed milk.
- Sweeten if desired, and sip your way into a focused, zen state.
3. Tulsi Tea (India)
Yoga Connection: Known as Holy Basil, Tulsi is revered in Ayurveda for its ability to balance the body and mind. Drinking Tulsi tea can help soothe the nervous system, making it ideal for unwinding after yoga or anytime you need to find your center.
Recipe:
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 1-2 teaspoons dried Tulsi leaves (or 1 Tulsi tea bag)
- Sweetener to taste (honey works well)
- Instructions:
- Bring water to a boil and pour it over the Tulsi leaves or tea bag in a cup.
- Let it steep for 5-7 minutes.
- Strain if using loose leaves, sweeten to taste, and enjoy this calming elixir.
4. Rooibos (South Africa)
Yoga Connection: Rooibos is a naturally caffeine-free tea with a sweet, slightly nutty flavor. Its high antioxidant content and soothing properties make it perfect for an evening yoga session or as a bedtime treat to promote restful sleep.
Recipe:
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 1-2 teaspoons Rooibos leaves (or 1 Rooibos tea bag)
- Milk or lemon slice (optional)
- Sweetener to taste
- Instructions:
- Bring water to a boil and pour it over the Rooibos leaves or tea bag in a cup.
- Let it steep for 5-7 minutes.
- Add milk or lemon if desired, sweeten to taste, and relax with each sip.
5. Yerba Mate (South America)
Yoga Connection: Yerba Mate offers a robust energy boost without the jitteriness of coffee, making it a favorite among yogis looking to power through a vigorous practice. Its earthy flavor and mental clarity benefits are perfect for maintaining focus and stamina.
Recipe:
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 1-2 teaspoons Yerba Mate leaves
- Lemon or mint (optional)
- Sweetener to taste
- Instructions:
- Heat water to just below boiling.
- Place the Yerba Mate leaves in a strainer or Mate gourd.
- Pour hot water over the leaves and let steep for 3-5 minutes.
- Add lemon, mint, or sweetener if desired, and enjoy this energizing brew.
6. Peppermint Tea (Middle East & Europe)
Yoga Connection: Peppermint tea is a refreshing and cooling beverage that clears the mind and invigorates the senses. It’s an excellent choice before meditation or yoga, helping to enhance focus and relieve tension.
Recipe:
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 1-2 teaspoons dried peppermint leaves (or 1 peppermint tea bag)
- Sweetener to taste (optional)
- Instructions:
- Bring water to a boil and pour it over the peppermint leaves or tea bag in a cup.
- Let it steep for 5 minutes.
- Sweeten if desired, and enjoy the crisp, refreshing taste.
7. Oolong Tea (China & Taiwan)
Yoga Connection: Oolong tea strikes a balance between the lightness of green tea and the depth of black tea. Its rich, complex flavor and balanced energy boost make it a wonderful choice for enjoying during a midday yoga break.
Recipe:
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon Oolong tea leaves
- Instructions:
- Heat water to just below boiling.
- Add the Oolong tea leaves to a teapot or cup.
- Pour hot water over the leaves and let steep for 2-3 minutes.
- Strain the tea and savor its delicate complexity.
8. Chamomile Tea (Europe)
Yoga Connection: Chamomile is the go-to tea for relaxation, making it a perfect end to a day filled with yoga. Its floral notes and calming effects soothe the body and mind, preparing you for a restful night’s sleep.
Recipe:
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 1-2 teaspoons dried chamomile flowers (or 1 chamomile tea bag)
- Honey or lemon (optional)
- Instructions:
- Bring water to a boil and pour it over the chamomile flowers or tea bag in a cup.
- Let it steep for 5 minutes.
- Add honey or lemon if desired, and drift into relaxation with each sip.
9. Lemongrass Tea (Southeast Asia)
Yoga Connection: Lemongrass tea is bright and citrusy, perfect for refreshing and detoxifying the body. It’s an excellent choice for a cleansing yoga practice or to rejuvenate your senses on a warm day.
Recipe:
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon fresh or dried lemongrass stalks, chopped
- Sweetener to taste (honey or sugar)
- Instructions:
- Bring water to a boil and pour it over the chopped lemongrass in a cup.
- Let it steep for 5-7 minutes.
- Strain the tea, sweeten to taste, and enjoy the refreshing zing.
10. Pu-erh Tea (China)
Yoga Connection: Pu-erh tea is known for its deep, earthy flavor and powerful detoxifying properties. It’s a grounding tea that pairs beautifully with post-yoga reflection or cleansing practices.
Recipe:
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon Pu-erh tea leaves
- Instructions:
- Bring water to a boil and let it cool slightly.
- Rinse the Pu-erh tea leaves with hot water to awaken their flavor.
- Add the rinsed leaves to a teapot and pour in the hot water.
- Let steep for 2-4 minutes, strain, and experience the rich, earthy taste.
As you explore these teas, remember that each cup is an opportunity to deepen your connection with yourself and your practice. Whether you’re seeking energy, relaxation, or simply a moment of peace, these teas offer something special for every part of your yoga journey. So, brew a cup, roll out your mat, and let the world of tea enhance your practice, one sip at a time.
