For the Banff Yoga Festival this year, I created three different elixirs whose colours correspond to the Muladhara, the Manipura and Anahata chakras! All are made from the same base of Chaga Chai tea. Brew up a large batch of the base to heat daily, adding whichever add ons that you like. If you aren’t a fan of chai, simply brew up the chaga on its own. All three are dairy free and made creamy with coconut butter. I make my own in a stone grinder however it is easily found in most natural foods stores. I always add a tsp. of Divine Feminine which is a blend of herbs specifically for women to my elixirs. It is available through Harmonic Arts. They also have a Sacred Masculine Blend for men! Beet root powder is available at natural food stores or online at Organic Matters out of Nelson B.C.
The Chaga Chai Base:
- 1/4 cup of coarsely chopped chaga
- 6 cups of water
- 1/4 cup of yogi chai spice (This is generally a caffeine free mixture of cardamom, cinnamon, star anise, fennel, cloves and ginger) Your local tea store or supermarket will most likely carry it.
Combine the chaga, chai tea and water in a medium sized saucepan. (enamel or glass is best) Simmer on low (just below boiling) for 2 hours. Bringing the brew to a full boil may destroy some of the beneficial nutrients. The tea should develop a rich dark colour similar to coffee. Extra can be stored in the fridge and freezes well.
The Muladhara Elixir:
The Muladhara or Root Chakra corresponds with the colour red. This elixir contains a grounding dehydrated beetroot powder which contains nitrates and pigments that help to lower blood pressure and enhance athletic performance. It is also rich in Folate and vitamin C. and harmonizes perfectly with the chai tea!
Ingredients:
makes one 12 oz. serving
- 12 oz. of hot chaga chai base
- 1 heaping tbsp. of coconut butter
- 1 tsp. of dehydrated beet root powder
- A few drops of Vanilla liquid stevia or a good Tbsp. of raw honey to taste
Blend well in a high speed blender until smooth and frothy. Serve with a sprinkling of true cinnamon and a little beet root powder.
The Manipura Elixir:
The Manipura or second chakra corresponds with the colour yellow. This elixir is spiked with the wise and famous anti-inflammatory and antioxidant rich turmeric along with a little black pepper. The black pepper along with the fat from the coconut butter makes the turmeric more available to your body. This elixir is best with the chaga and chai brew as opposed to just chaga. If you like it spicy a pinch of cayenne will kick it up a notch!
Ingredients:
makes one 12 oz. serving
- 12 oz. of hot chaga chai base
- 1/4 tsp. of organic powdered turmeric or a slice of fresh turmeric
- a pinch of black pepper
- a good pinch of true cinnamon
- 1 tbsp. of coconut butter
- a few drops of vanilla liquid stevia or a good tbsp. of raw honey to taste
Blend on high until frothy. Serve with a sprinkling of true cinnamon.
The Anahata Elixir:
The Anahata or heart chakra corresponds with the colour green. This joyful antioxidant rich elixir is blended with matcha, moringa, lions mane and green tea pollen. You can buy this blend called “Matcha Mind” from Harmonic Arts on line or you can simply add matcha powder. I highly recommend ordering the blend, it has become my favourite! The lions mane adds to the brain boosting power of the matcha and moringa boosts antioxidant and anti inflammatory levels. This is the only one of the 3 elixirs that I don’t add the chai spice to. I love the earthiness of the matcha on it’s own.
Ingredients:
makes one 12 oz. serving:
- 12 oz. of hot chaga tea base
- 1 tbsp. of coconut butter
- 1 tsp. of Matcha Mind by Harmonic Arts or 1/2 tsp. of matcha
- 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract (omit if using vanilla stevia)
- a few drops of liquid vanilla stevia to taste or a good Tbsp. of raw honey
Combine all ingredients in a high speed blender until frothy. Serve with a sprinkling of Matcha Mind or Matcha powder.