Ayurvedic Beverages: Balancing Mind, Body, and Spirit

Ayurveda is an ancient Indian medical system that relies on natural and holistic approaches to ensure the health of your mind, body and spirit. Ayurvedic drinks, therefore, are herbal beverages and concoctions that are designed to promote health and balance in the body. There are many such beverages out there, from herbal and green tea to coriander and coconut water.

Ayurvedic beverages combine the six fundamental tastes of sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter, and astringent to create a diversity of flavors necessary for spiritual and physical health.

Here’s a look at some Ayurvedic beverage recipes and how they balance the mind, body, and spirit of those who consume them.

Ginger Basil Limeaid

This is a refreshing blend of tart lime and spicy-sweet fresh ginger. This chilled beverage will help you feel more rejuvenated, as ginger improves circulation and lime stimulates the whole body. The lime, salt and sugar will restore your strength because they work to replenish electrolytes you may have lost through sweating. Awaken your mind with this ginger basil limeaid mocktail.

You will need:

• ½ cup basil
• 2 inches fresh ginger
• 2 tsp. raw sugar
• 1 whole lime
• 4 cups water

Directions:

1. Using a fine grater, making one teaspoon of lime zest.
2. Juice the lime and then chop the ginger into chunks.
3. Add one cup of water to a blender with lime juice, ginger, lime zest, raw sugar and fresh basil leaves.
4. Blend until smooth, then combine the ginger-lime juice with another three cups of water in a pitcher.
5. Garnish with fresh basil, then chill and serve.
6. Salt the rim of your glasses for an extra kick.

Ayurvedic Gatorade

This healthy drink is meant to hydrate the body and skin, which we all need as we deal with the dry winter air. Aside from fresh coconut water, this is one of the best electrolyte beverages you can have to quench your thirst at the cellular level. The toasted cumin and nutmeg both support absorption while the soma salt adds minerals.

You will need:

• ⅛ teaspoon cumin seeds 
• 2 cups water 
• 1 tbsp. fresh lime juice 
• 2 tsp. chopped fresh mint or basil
• 1 tsp. raw sugar 
• 2 pinches soma salt
• ⅛ tsp. ground nutmeg

Directions:

1. Dry-toast cumin seeds over medium heat in a small skillet for one minute.
2. Remove from heat, then crush them with a mortar and pestle or spice grinder.
3. Blend all ingredients briefly in a blender, then strain through a cheesecloth.
4. Serve at room temperature or refrigerate in a jar for up to three days.

Banana Cristo Smoothie

This dairy-free smoothie is chock full of beneficial nutrients such as almonds, almond milk, and raisins.

You will need:

• 3 tbsp. almonds
• 1 tbsp. raisins
• 1 cup almond milk
• 1 cup banana
• ¼ tsp. cinnamon
• ¼ cup water
• 1 pinch of mineral salt
• 1 pinch of nutmeg

Directions:

1. Chop the dry roast almonds and raisins and add to a pan on medium heat.
2. Soak overnight in ¼ cup water.
3. Puree almond milk, banana, spices, and nut raisin mixture with the water in a blender.
4. Garnish with cinnamon; serve.
   
   

Beverage Universe is Your Ayurvedic Drink Connection

We have all the beverages and ingredients you need to make Ayurvedic concoctions for the health of your mind, body and spirit. Browse our offerings, from coconut water to ginger tea, then contact us to place your order.