In Ayurveda, the late fall and winter portion of the year is known as the Vata season as it resembles the characteristics of the Vata dosha: cold, light, clear, flowing, and dry. Vata people are also characterized as energetic and creative; however, the cold, dark winter months can zap any kind of energy! Therefore, support during these cold months is extra essential.

Whether your constitution is made up of Vata or not, you must try these delicious warming and soothing Adaptogenic Lattes to help balance the long Vata season ahead.

Ashwagandha Latte

Recipe by Banyan Botanicals

This one is best enjoyed an hour or two before bed to support restful sleep. A healthy dessert! Ashwagandha is a popular adaptogenic herb as it truly adapts to what the body needs.

Ingredients:

• 1-2 cups boiled purified water
• 2 tablespoons dried chamomile
• 1 tsp ashwagandha powder
• ¼ tsp turmeric powder
• ¼ inch chopped ginger
• ¼ tsp cardamom powder
• ¼ inch cinnamon stick
• 1 cup nut or oat milk
• Maple syrup to taste
• 1 pinch of nutmeg

Directions:

1- Boil water

2- Add chamomile, ashwagandha, turmeric, ginger, cardamom, cinnamon

3- Lower heat and cover 5 minutes before straining herbs and pouring liquid into a mug

4- Boil or froth your milk of choice during step 3

5- Pour milk over the tea and add the maple syrup and pinch of nutmeg

Pro Tip: Use a Bennd Pranayama Pillow behind your head, chest, or lower back for more expansion and support.

 

Ayurvedic Pumpkin Spice Latte

Recipe from The Philosophie

A fall favorite with an Ayurvedic twist! This warming latte will aid in digestion and soothe the nervous system. It’s both anti-inflammatory and warming. Perfect to de-stress both mind and body!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup almond milk
• 2 tbsp pumpkin puree canned or fresh
• 2 tsp maple syrup
• 1 tsp Philosophie's Fall Vibes
• 1 tsp Philosophie's Cacao Magic (optional)
• ½ cup strong brewed coffee or 2 shots of espresso

Directions:
1- Combine almond milk, pumpkin, maple syrup, Fall Vibes and Cacao Magic (optional) in a small saucepan over medium to low heat.

2- Whisk everything together and as soon as the milk begins to simmer, shut off the heat and transfer the milk mixture to a blender.

3- Add a cup of strong brewed coffee to the blender and blend for 10 seconds or until light and frothy. (You can also add the coffee right to the pot and skip the blender but the blender does add a bit of extra froth to the top.)

4- Pour into your favorite mug. Top with fresh cinnamon and enjoy!

Ayurvedic Matcha Latte

Recipe by Jessica Quinna

This one is an excellent option for sustained energy and a warm belly to start the day for those green tea fans or caffeine lovers.

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp Matcha green tea powder 
• 1-2 cups boiled purified water
• 1 tsp raw local honey
• 1 tsp Ghee or coconut oil
• Nut or oat milk to froth

Directions:

1- Boil water.

2- Put matcha, ghee/oil, and honey into a mug.

3- Pour hot water over and froth (try a hand-frother or a blender).

4- Top with steamed or frothed milk of choice.

As an additional self-care tip, we suggest you enjoy your favorite latte right after a morning pranayama session. Also, you can try incorporating one of our Yoga Mats or Pranayama Pillows with Ayurvedic properties to support mental and physical balance. Remember you have until Sunday December 19th to make your order and get $20 off when choosing express shipping. Use the code HOLIDAYSHIPPING at checkout (*offer does not apply to malas).  

We hope you find these simple self-care lattes helpful to soothe any imbalances and support your system through Vata season and beyond. Get social ~ please share your adaptogenic lattes with us using #benndwithintention.

Happy Holidays ~

Love the Bennd team!