AYURVEDA
Ayucare
for
W inter
By Dr. Arindham Chatterjee
T
alking about Tea & Yoga, I have found green tea a
very common preparation in Yoga studios. Green
tea is very light and healthy. But I’d suggest one
thing – the gap between a yoga session and any
sort of consumption must be at least 1 hour. There are some
other great variations of tea, particularly herbal tea, that have
become quite famous of late. I have tried ginseng tea and
found it extremely refreshing. In fact, if any tea has given me
the maximum energy and vitality, I’d be unhesitant in naming
ginseng tea. It is without doubt my favourite.
Having said that, I must confess here that while I have been
able to prepare tulsi tea, ginger tea, and gur gur chai (butter
tea) at home with the raw ingredients, I have been relying on
packaged ginseng tea for its preparation. Ginseng roots
required to make this kind of tea have stayed out of my reach
till date. But the availability of good quality herbal tea in the
market these days has made the task of tea passionistas
easier. Particularly those who look at tea as a healer rather
than as a feeler. In fact, herbal teas are good alternatives to
regular tea, simply because they are caffeine-free and have
numerous health benefits. They have been imbibed nearly as
long as written history extends.
There is nothing more satisfying and enjoyable than the fresh
taste of herbal tea. This delicious and nourishing beverage
makes a lovely compliment to your morning, revered
companion in the afternoon and helps us relax (which we all
deserve) in the evening.
HOW TO PREPARE
Herbal Tea is an herbal infusion made from dried flowers,
leaves, seeds or root. Generally it is made by pouring boiling
water over the plant parts and letting them steam for a few
minutes. The seeds and roots can also be boiled on a stove.
These are then filtered and sweetened if desired and served.
This kind of chai has many health benefits and is often
consumed for its physical or medicinal effects especially for
their stimulant, relaxant and seductive properties.
68 www.yogicherald.com Jan. 2020