In winter we tend to feel a bit slower, both in body and mind. We can experience emotional and physical stagnation, slower digestion, excess mucous – and overall congestion shows up in body and mind. To relieve this feeling of being stagnant or ‘stuck’, include warming pungent spices like ginger, clove, black pepper, cinnamon and cardamom.
You will need:
6 cups clean water
2 cinnamon sticks
2 tbsp freshly grated ginger (r 1 tbsp dried0
2 tbsp freshly grated turmeric (or 2 tbsp dried)
10 cardamom pods
1 tsp whole cloves
5 black peppercorns
4 star anise pods
½ tsp whole allspice
¼ cup dried tulsi leaves (holy basil)
Method
Bring the water to boil on the stove top. Add the spices and simmer for 20-25 minutes. Reduce heat to low and add the dried tulsi, let steep for 3-5 more minutes. Remove from heat and strain the liquid. To serve, pour the hot concentrate into a mug about ½ to ¾ of the way full, then top your favorite nut or seed milk. Sweeten if desired with a spoonful of raw honey, maple syrup, rice syrup or coconut sugar. Makes 2 cups of concentrate.
