When Yogi Bhajan served as a military commander in India, an epidemic swept through the troops. As a preventive measure, he ordered every soldier under his command to fill their canteens not with water—but with his signature spiced tea. They drank nothing else. Remarkably, his battalion remained the only unit untouched by illness.
This spiced herbal brew, now famously known as Yogi Tea, is more than a warm beverage—it’s a time-tested Ayurvedic tonic that supports immunity, circulation, digestion, and respiratory health. Its combination of healing spices purifies the blood, cleanses the liver, strengthens the nervous system, and delivers countless unseen benefits that come from daily nourishment of the body and mind.
Traditional Yogi Tea Recipe (Makes 1 Gallon)
Ingredients:
1 gallon fresh water
30 whole cloves
30 green cardamom pods (lightly crushed)
30 black peppercorns
5 cinnamon sticks
1 finger-length piece of fresh ginger, thinly sliced
1 black tea bag (organic if possible)
Optional: milk (dairy or plant-based) and raw honey to taste
Preparation Instructions:
Bring the water to a boil in a large stockpot.
Add all the spices: cloves, cardamom, black pepper, ginger, and cinnamon. Let them simmer gently, uncovered, for 30 to 45 minutes. The longer you simmer, the stronger and more potent the tea becomes.
Add the black tea bag and simmer for an additional 5 minutes. This step is crucial—black tea helps bind the spice blend and aids in the assimilation of their therapeutic properties through the tannins.
Remove from heat and strain the tea into a large jar or thermos.
Serving Suggestions:
You can enjoy Yogi Tea plain, or add a splash of milk (cow’s, almond, oat, or rice milk all work well) to soothe the digestive tract.
Add raw honey only once the tea cools slightly, as high heat destroys its medicinal enzymes.
Store extra tea in the refrigerator and reheat gently as needed.
For all-day sipping, leave a pot on low heat and enjoy throughout the day.
Why These Spices? Ayurvedic Benefits:
Cloves: Antiviral, antibacterial, and great for respiratory health.
Cardamom: A powerful digestive aid that also clears excess mucus.
Black Pepper: Boosts metabolism and enhances nutrient absorption.
Cinnamon: Balances blood sugar and circulates warmth throughout the body.
Ginger: Kindles agni (digestive fire), reduces inflammation, and soothes nausea.
Black Tea: Contains antioxidants and tannins that assist in assimilation.
A Daily Practice for Vitality
Yogi Tea is not just for winter months or when you’re feeling under the weather. Sipping a warm cup each morning—or throughout your day—can become a grounding ritual, reconnecting you to your vitality, breath, and clarity. In the tradition of Kundalini Yoga, it is considered an essential daily tonic for the body, mind, and soul.
Make a pot, inhale deeply, sip slowly, and allow this sacred brew to support your journey of balance and resilience.
Disclaimer: The sole purpose of these articles is to provide information about the tradition of Ayurveda. This information is not intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure or prevention of any disease.