Tea & Yoga: A Perfect Pairing

June 21 is International Yoga Day, which got us thinking about one of yoga’s BFFs: tea. Right up there with stretchy pants and comfy mats, tea is integral to many people as part of their yoga experience.

It’s no surprise, since both tea and yoga go way back. Yoga is an ancient practice developed in India; tea has likewise been around for thousands of years. (Neither would divulge their exact age.) Tea and yoga are both steeped in ritual. Ancient tea ceremonies require centering your attention, adhering to certain disciplines and mindfulness. The word “yoga,” from the Sanskrit word “yuj,” means to yoke or bind or bring about a union of disciplines. The union of tea and yoga is certainly a strong one for a number of reasons. 

Using Tea to Transition In…and Out

Have a morning yoga class or home workout? Get energized and focused with a black tea like a sweet and spicy  Chai with Indian spices like cardamom along with cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and vanilla—very similar to a traditional “yogi tea” that includes traditional Ayurvedic spices like those listed as well as black pepper and ginger and is sweetened with milk and honey. A traditional green tea like  Chun Mee or  Jasmine are good choices, as well as  Ginger’s Oolong, a delicious and different way to get ready to downward dog!

Post-workout, tea is an important part of transitioning from the zen-like experience your mind and body has achieved and back to reality. It’s a helpful segue from that place of peace and center to daily life. Many yoga studios have created tea lounges for their clients to enjoy a cuppa and gradually prepare to get on with their day. If you’re looking for caffeine, a black tea like  Paris with its vanilla, caramel and bergamot is a great transition tea. Want something decaf to keep you in the zen zone?  Vanilla Comoro or  Peppermint Herbal could be just the ticket.

A fan of hot yoga? If so, you’ll certainly need a fan… and a nice iced tea to hydrate and cool off. Our  Tropical Mango,  Blood Orange and  Indigo Punch fresh brew iced tea pouches are the perfect way to finish off a sweaty workout.

Whether you practice yoga in a studio or gym or at home, incorporating tea into your pre- and/or post-workout could add to the already great benefits of your yoga routine. If you’re practicing yoga at home, try to create a space for your post-tea ritual that is quiet and uncluttered, allowing you to slowly work your way back to whatever that loud noise and crash you heard upstairs a few minutes ago was. It’ll wait. Maybe one more child’s pose before you see what the kids are up to.

Health & Wellness for the Win

While yoga encourages the health and wellbeing of body, mind and spirit, tea has those traits in common as well. Known for a myriad of healing properties, tea’s medicinal attributes are well-known. And the practice of making a pot or cup of tea has a similar effect to yoga: slowing down, being mindful, inhaling with intention. It’s no stretch to see how the two go hand in hand!

We’ve developed a line of  Wellness teas that are perfect companions to the yogi/yogini lifestyle. From our  Chopra Center line – how much more yoga can you get? – to our unique teas like  Avocado Sunrise,  Soba Tea Roasted Buckwheat and  Chaga Wonder to amazing  Golden Milk Powder with turmeric, ginger, coconut, black pepper and chicory root powder as well as our  Hemp Division products… we’ve got your wellness game covered.

Another great option to work into your yoga workout routine is one of our Athleteas. These sugar-free herbal & fruit performance teas provide a boost of electrolytes and antioxidants for improved endurance, hydration and recovery. Find the balance, energy, and focus you need without the jitters or sudden crash, definitely not feelings you want to experience while achieving some of those more difficult yoga poses. 

Go Be a Twisted Pigeon

No matter where or what type of yoga you prefer, adding tea to the routine is something we hope you’ll find to be a perfect companion. Namastea!