Clarifying Herbal Tea

Raise your hand if you’ve got phlegm!

It’s not uncommon to feel at war with a constant siege of sticky, tacky mucus at this particular time of year. As heavy, wet Kapha season hits full stride, our bodies subtly (or not so subtly!) make an effort to release ama (toxic, undigested material) in that special Kapha kind of way. That means excess mucus and phlegm, frequent colds, congestion, and coughs, swelling and water retention, and general stagnation. You feeling me?

For the last 4 weeks, I’ve been putting up with an excessive amount of phlegm in my ears, nose, and throat. I’ve been referring to it as my “second wave cleanse”—I completed a gentle, at home, food based cleanse during March and it seems as though my body is still trying to get gunky toxins out.

That’s why, when I saw the recipe for Clarifying Herbal Tea in our new Breathe Easy guide, I let out a sigh of relief. Here’s something to get my stuck Kapha flowing!

I can quickly put the ingredients together, and after enjoying a few cups, I’m already feeling better. My chest is more open, my throat is feeling soothed and comforted, and can finally breathe deeply in and out of my nose. Not to mention, the herbal blend is spicy, invigorating, and makes my mouth pleasantly tingle.

Clarifying Herbal Tea

Ingredients: Ginger powder (1 tablespoon or 2 parts) Cinnamon powder (1 ½ tablespoons or 3 parts) Cardamom powder (¼ teaspoon or a generous pinch)

Mix the dry herbs ahead of time and store in a small jar. When you are ready to prepare your tea, steep 1 teaspoon of this herbal mixture in a cup of freshly-boiled water for 10–15 minutes, cool slightly, add ½–1 teaspoon honey, and drink.4 This tea helps to warm the body, encourages proper circulation, kindles agni, and bolsters the elimination of natural toxins. It is very supportive of the body’s natural healing process.

Are you dealing with the same phlegmy feelings? Give this recipe a try and let me know how it goes. What other tips are you trying to stay free, flowing, and balanced?