Tim Makes An Ayurvedic Hot Toddy
Published: Thu, 02/03/22
It's been a wonderful week here on the mountain, sunny days, starry nights and low enough temperatures for Ayurvedic hot toddies. Not to mention the highly inspiring New Moon that we had early Tuesday morning in Aquarius, the constellation of communities.
But let's start from the beginning, first things first. Tim and I had been working outside in the cold and the wind, a lot more than usual, trying to make the yard look less trashy. At the end of the day we wanted something that involved hot water, tasted good and helped with deep hydration. So Tim in all his creative culinary wisdom made us hot toddies! Where had this elixir been all my life? Why didn't I know about it all this time? Come to find out, the hot toddy originated in India! It's an Ayurvedic recipe for colds, sore throats and any such Vata symptoms! Of course it is! Charaka was very particular about the medicinal properties of fermented liquors.
After doing extensive research, Tim's fermented liquor of choice for our hot toddies is Maker's Mark bourbon. I never actually liked bourbon. But in a hot toddy, it's a whole different story. Its overwhelmingly sweet and pungent tastes become very balanced by the sour taste of the lemon juice and smoothing and softening properties of the honey. Honey is regarded very highly in Ayurveda; it is considered scraping, as in scraping toxins and viruses. This is one of the reasons that most of the Ayurvedic "medications" use honey as a "carrier". Enough talking, time for toddy. :-)
Tim's Ayurvedic Hot Toddy Recipe
For best results, put hot water in the cup and let it sit for a couple of minutes to warm it up. When you are ready to start making the drink pour the water out. Below is a rough estimate, always adjust to taste.
- half a shot of lemon juice (lemon pacifies the Vata bio-energy)
- half a teaspoon of good honey (preferably local, raw, unfiltered, honey pacifies Vata as well)
- a shot and a half of Maker's Mark bourbon (satisfies Charaka's requirements for fermented liquor in terms of the soft red winter wheat, quality of water, heirloom yeast strain and attention to taste)
- fill the rest of the cup with hot water (the ultimate Ayurvedic Vata pacifying practice)
- add cinnamon or nutmeg (nutmeg in Ayurveda is considered a sleep aid)
Planet Speak
As we mentioned earlier, this past Tuesday we had a New Moon in Aquarius. Aquarius is ruled by Saturn, the planet of discipline, personal duty and responsibility. The New Moon in Aquarius was also conjunct Saturn which makes the Aquarius influence even stronger. Tomorrow Friday February 4th, Mercury is coming out of retrograde. This Saturday February 5th, the Sun becomes conjunct Saturn in Aquarius. Fun fact: Saturday is named after Saturn. :)
What does this mean to you?
This is a once in a year chance to commit yourself to a challenging new endeavor that involves the greater good of your community. When we say community, it can be family, friends, church, neighborhood, any group of people you feel strongly connected to in terms of values and principles.
Think of Saturn as your root chakra, your foundation, your unwavering faith in something bigger than yourself, what keeps you grounded no matter what. Think of Mercury as your listening ability and your ability to understand what your community needs and wants. Think of Sun as your crown chakra, the realm of infinite possibilities. When Saturn is conjunct Sun in Aquarius, right after Mercury goes direct, it means that if you pay attention to what your community needs and wants, and if you stick to your principles and values while applying them for the greater good, the sky is the limit.
Until next time... Listen to The Root Chakra & Your Mind
Much much love from both of us!
Na’maste Kala! (Which in Greek means, may we all be well!)
-Tim and Vie | Ayurveda Outlaws