You have just finished your flow class. You can still feel the warm stretch in your muscles, the spaciousness the deliberate and flowing movements created in your body, your rib cage is rising and falling with your even breath as you lay in Savasana, giving the opportunity to integrate, physically and mentally, the beautiful yet strong sequence of asanas you just put it through.
Yoga is an incredible vehicle for developing a healthy body and healthy mind. The way it stretches your physical body and gives you mental flexibility and strength at the same time is unique. Laying in Savasana at the end of your practice is a necessary finish to let you assimilate all this goodness.
Ayurveda also has it’s ways to help you integrate body and mind and let’s you recover and rejuvenate when you feel depleted or even just pleasantly tired after a yoga class or other form of exercise.
After an energizing Yoga class, or an all out workout at the gym, an Ayurvedic recovery drink can seal in your life force, Prana, and essential vitality, Ojas.
Traditionally this drink is served warm or hot. You can have it any time of the day but it tastes particularly good as a before bed treat. It’s properties include calming the mind, allowing for restful sleep, recovery of body and mind, and it helps build muscle and tissue.
Ayurvedic Rejuvenation Drink
Simmer the following ingredients for 5 minutes. Blend. Add 1/2-1 tsp of Raw Honey (unpasteurized). Enjoy two hours after dinner or before you go to bed.
1 Date without pit
Raw Almonds 7-10
A couple of threads of saffron
1 tsp of Ghee
A pinch of ground Cardamom
1 pinch freshly ground Black Pepper
1 cup of Milk or Milk substitute like Almond-, Rice,- or Soy-milk
I personally enjoy this recovery drink after my workout. In this case I don’t drink it hot but blend all the ingredients in cold water. Depending on the time of day I may add an additional serving of vegan protein powder which makes it a perfect after workout or after exercise recovery shake!
Post-Workout Recovery Drink
For the after Yoga- or after-workout version of this drink use cold milk or milk-substitute instead of simmering your drink. To the above listed ingredients I like to add
1 serving of protein powder of your choice
½ tsp Turmeric powder
½ tsp Ginger powder
1 tsp L-Glutamine Powder
The ginger and turmeric powder along with the L-glutamine are for their anti-inflammatory benefits and faster muscle recovery. I also find that this combination helps with mental alertness.
This drink is not just delicious; it also holds great benefits for your body and mind. It’s a delicious treat to look forward to when you would normally reach for snack.
This is one of the many ways to include and adept ancient Ayurvedic principles and make them part of your everyday routine, use them in a way that works for you!
First published on MyYogaOnline.com
I would love to hear about your favourite recovery drink, shake, smoothie, please share below!
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Claudia Richey
Claudia Richey is a Victoria, B.C. based Personal Trainer and Ayurvedic Practitioner. She is passionate about sharing her unique approach of training and eating according to ones Body-Mind Constitution with other health professionals as well as using it on an ongoing basis with her own clients to help them reach their goals!
