by Lisa LeCuyer, MH, NBC-HWC

This article is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Herbs can interact with medications and aren’t right for everyone. Check with your healthcare provider before starting, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking prescription medication.

A daily herbal ritual can be one of the simplest ways to support calm, clarity, and connection in your everyday life. By combining

• nourishing herbal tea
• aromatherapy
• intentional time in nature

you can create a wellness practice that supports both your nervous system and overall well-being.

As an Herbalist and Wellness Coach, I’ve found that small, consistent practices often have the greatest impact. Rather than adding another complicated routine to your day, a daily herbal ritual invites you to slow down, reconnect with yourself, and cultivate greater presence.

In this article, I’ll share three simple practices that you can begin today

• a nourishing herbal tea blend
• an aromatherapy ritual for focus and clarity
• and a nature-based mindfulness practice inspired by the wisdom of plants

What Is a Daily Herbal Ritual?

A daily herbal ritual is a simple practice that incorporates herbs into your everyday life with intention and consistency.

While herbs can support physical wellness, the ritual itself also creates space for mindfulness, reflection, and self-care.

Your daily herbal ritual doesn’t need to be complicated. In fact, the most effective rituals are often the ones that are easy to maintain.

A cup of tea, a few deep breaths with essential oils, or a mindful walk outdoors can become powerful tools for nervous system support.

Step 1: Brew a Nervous System Tea (Lemon Balm, Oat Straw + Holy Basil)

The simplest daily herbal ritual is a calming cup of tea. A blend of lemon balm, oat straw, and holy basil gently supports the nervous system and helps the body settle out of “go mode.”

Tea offers more than hydration. The simple act of preparing and sipping a warm cup invites us to slow down, breathe, and become present.

One of my favorite blends for supporting the nervous system combines three herbal allies

• Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)
• Oat straw (Avena sativa)
• Holy Basil [Tulsi] (Ocimum tenuiflorum)

Together, they create a deeply nourishing infusion that helps calm the mind, support resilience, and restore balance.

Lemon balm: The Gentle Calmer

True to its name, Lemon balm offers a bright lemony-mint flavor and a soothing effect on both body and mind. Traditionally used to ease stress, anxiety, and sleeplessness, it is one of my favorite herbs for people who feel overwhelmed or emotionally depleted.

Lemon balm supports

• healthy digestion
• helps relax tension in the body
• may encourage more restful sleep

It contains compounds that help preserve GABA, an important neurotransmitter involved in relaxation and emotional regulation.

I often recommend Lemon balm for those who feel like their nervous system is stuck in “go mode” and needs a reminder that it’s safe to rest.

Oat Straw: Deep Nourishment for the Nervous System

Oat straw is one of the most supportive herbs I have worked with over the years. Rich in minerals, B vitamins, silica, and other nutrients, it provides nourishment that many modern nervous systems desperately need.

Unlike herbs that create an immediate effect, oat straw works gradually, helping replenish depleted reserves over time.

Herbalists have long valued oat straw for supporting mental clarity, emotional resilience, and overall vitality.

Whenever life feels demanding, I often turn to Oat as a steady, nourishing companion.

Holy Basil (Tulsi): The Stress Balancer

No discussion about stress support would be complete without Holy Basil.

Known in India as Tulsi, this revered herb is considered sacred in Ayurvedic tradition.

Holy Basil is classified as an adaptogen, meaning it helps the body adapt to stress and maintain balance.

I’ve seen Holy Basil work wonders for individuals who feel constantly “on” and unable to relax. It seems to gently remind the body that it doesn’t need to stay in a perpetual state of alertness.

After incorporating Tulsi into their daily routine, many people find its benefits in

• improved sleep
• better stress resilience
• a greater sense of calm

Happy Nervous System Tea

Ingredients

• ½ cup Oat straw
• ¼ cup Holy Basil
• ¼ cup Lemon balm

Method

• Mix all ingredients together in a 4-cup container with a lid
• Bring 4 cups of water to a boil and allow it to cool slightly
• Pour the water over the herbs
• Cover and steep overnight or for at least 8 hours
• Strain into another container and refrigerate
• Consume within five days

I recommend drinking one cup in the afternoon and another about two hours before bedtime.

Because some people find this blend deeply relaxing, it’s wise to try it first on a day when you don’t need to be highly productive.

Step 2: Use Aromatherapy for Focus and Mental Clarity

Our sense of smell has a direct connection to the brain’s emotional and memory centers, making aromatherapy a simple yet powerful daily ritual.

One essential oil I never travel without is Rosemary. While preparing for my herbalism and coaching certification exams, I frequently reached for a bottle of Rosemary essential oil whenever I felt mentally fatigued or overwhelmed by information.

Research has shown that Rosemary contains compounds such as rosmarinic acid and carnosic acid, which support cognitive function.

Studies have also found that exposure to Rosemary aroma may improve memory recall and concentration.

When your mind feels scattered, a few intentional breaths with Rosemary essential oil can provide a surprising sense of clarity.

Focus Blend

Ingredients

• 8 drops Peppermint essential oil
• 8 drops Rosemary essential oil
• 6 drops Basil essential oil
• 2 drops Cardamom essential oil
• 1 ounce carrier oil (Almond, Jojoba, Apricot kernel)

Method

• Combine all ingredients in a glass bottle and mix well.
• Apply a small amount to the temples, back of the neck, or wrists. You can also diffuse the blend while working, studying, journaling, or practicing yoga.

Even a brief moment of inhaling these aromatic plants can become a powerful mindfulness practice.

Step 3: Practice Forest Bathing and Nature Connection

Forest bathing is the practice of slowing down and connecting with nature through your senses — not hiking for exercise, but simply being present. It’s one of the most grounding parts of a daily herbal ritual.

Nature offers something modern life often cannot: an invitation to simply be.

Whether you live in the countryside or a busy city, spending intentional time outdoors can

• help regulate the nervous system
• improve mood
• restore a sense of connection.

Practices such as forest bathing and plant meditation encourage us to move beyond observing nature and begin participating in a relationship with it.

One of my favorite quotes comes from Herbalist Stephen Buhner:

“Plants will, if genuinely asked, respond to you. They will teach you their medicine, as plants have always taught human beings. And though human beings may lose the knowledge of the medicinal uses of a plant, the plant always remembers what its medicine is. And they will tell you…if you ask.”

Plant meditation is a beautiful way to cultivate this relationship.

• Find a plant, tree, or wildflower that draws your attention.
• Sit quietly beside it.
• Observe its shape, texture, color, and presence.
• Notice how you feel in its company.
• Instead of analyzing, simply listen.

You may be surprised by the insights that emerge when you slow down enough to receive them.

A Simple Forest Bathing Exercise

Explore Tree Bark with Open and Closed Eyes

First, stand at arm’s length from a tree and reach one hand toward a palm-sized area of bark. Close your eyes.

Second, slowly move your fingertips across the bark, noticing differences in texture, temperature, ridges, and patterns. Continue exploring for five to ten minutes, or as long as feels comfortable.

Third, take several deep breaths and slowly open your eyes. Observe the area you were exploring.

Is it similar to what you imagined with your eyes closed? Different? What details stand out now?

This simple exercise encourages presence, curiosity, and sensory awareness—all qualities that support a calmer, more connected state of being.

Want to keep these recipes? I put the Nervous System Tea and Focus Blend on a simple, printable card you can keep by your kettle. Download the free Herbal Ritual recipe card below

How to Start Your Daily Herbal Ritual Today

Creating a daily herbal ritual doesn’t require hours of free time or extensive herbal knowledge. Instead, it begins with small, intentional actions that can be repeated consistently.

Whether you start by brewing a cup of tea, inhaling the aroma of Rosemary before a busy day, or spending a few mindful moments with a tree, each practice offers an opportunity to slow down and reconnect.

Over time, a daily herbal ritual can become an anchor that supports

• calm,
• clarity,
• and connection.

These simple practices remind us that wellness doesn’t always come from doing more, it often comes from returning to the wisdom of nature and the healing power of presence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a daily herbal ritual?

A daily herbal ritual is a simple, repeatable practice that brings herbs into your everyday life with intention — usually through tea, aromatherapy, or time in nature. It’s less about adding another task and more about creating small, consistent moments to slow down and support your nervous system.

What herbs are best for calming the nervous system?

Lemon balm, oat straw, and holy basil (tulsi) are three of the most widely used herbs for calming the nervous system. Lemon balm is traditionally used to ease stress and tension, oat straw gently nourishes depleted reserves over time, and holy basil is an adaptogen that helps the body adapt to stress.

Does lemon balm help with stress and sleep?

Lemon balm has traditionally been used to ease stress, anxiety, and occasional sleeplessness, and it’s known for its gentle, calming effect. It contains compounds thought to support GABA, a neurotransmitter involved in relaxation. As with any herb, effects vary from person to person.

What is holy basil (tulsi) good for?

Holy basil, known as tulsi, is an adaptogen — an herb that helps the body adapt to stress and maintain balance. In Ayurvedic tradition it’s considered sacred, and many people use it to support a greater sense of calm, steadier energy, and more restful sleep.

How does aromatherapy help with focus and clarity?

Aromatherapy supports focus because the sense of smell connects directly to the brain’s emotional and memory centers. Rosemary in particular contains compounds studied for cognitive support, and a few intentional breaths of an essential oil blend can be a quick way to feel more clear-headed.

What is forest bathing and how do you do it?

Forest bathing is the practice of spending slow, intentional, sensory time in nature — not hiking for exercise, but simply being present with it. You can start by standing with a tree, noticing its bark and textures with your eyes closed, then breathing slowly and observing what you feel.

How long does it take for a daily herbal ritual to work?

A daily herbal ritual works gradually, not instantly. Some effects, like the calm after a cup of tea or a few breaths of essential oil, are immediate, while deeper nervous system support from herbs like oat straw builds over weeks of consistent practice. Consistency matters more than intensity.

Are these herbs safe to take every day?

These herbs are generally well tolerated and have a long history of traditional use, but herbs can interact with medications and aren’t right for everyone. Check with your healthcare provider before starting, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking prescription medication.

A Gentle Invitation

If this way of practicing speaks to you…

I’d love to invite you to join me with Ambuja Yoga for our very first 4-day Herbalism & Yoga Retreat: Rewilding the Sacred in Oregon in July.

This is a space to slow down. To reconnect with the natural rhythms of your body and the wisdom of the plants. To explore yoga not just as movement — but as ritual, presence, and relationship.

Together, we’ll weave herbalism, nervous system support, and intentional practice into something that feels deeply nourishing and real. Not just the poses. But the spaces in between them.

Learn more and join us →

Reset your nervous system. Reconnect with your body. Remember the Earth’s wisdom.

With love,
Lisa

Sources:

• Lisa LeCuyer’s Herbal Materia Medica
• Corinna Wood, “Corinna’s Online Guide to Wise Woman Herbal Medicine,” corinnawood.com
• The Secret Teachings of Plants by Stephen Harrod Buhner — https://www.stephenharrodbuhner.com/
• Food Therapy: Conscious Eating to Navigate Anxiety, Stress and Trauma by Luis Mojica (Hay House, 2026)
• Forest Bathing Guidebook by Olga Terebenina and Gary Evans (Leaping Hare Press 2025)
• WVU Today, “Aromatherapy May Reduce Nurses’ Stress, WVU Researcher Suggests,” May 1, 2020, wvutoday.wvu.edu
• The Complete Book of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy by Valerie Ann Worwood (New World Library, 1991)

The post Daily Herbal Ritual for Calm and Clarity appeared first on Ambuja Yoga.

Soups are one of my “go-to” meals year round. They’re one-pot wonders. And now that we have upgraded our blender to a Vitamix, I love making soups even more… lol. This spinach and broccoli soup is particularly vitamin packed with all kinds of goodies. According to Healtheating.org, “A cup of cooked broccoli contains as much vitamin C as an orange and is a good source of beta-carotene. Broccoli contains vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, iron, magnesium, potassium, and zinc too. It also provides fiber and is low in calories.” And according to the Vegetarian Times, “When you eat spinach that has been heated, you will absorb higher levels of vitamins A and E, protein, fiber, zinc, thiamin, calcium, and iron.”

Vegan Spinach Broccoli Soup Ingredients

• 2-3 heads of broccoli, thick stalks removed, cut the heads into small-medium size pieces
• 4 large handfuls of spinach
• 3-4 cups of vegetable broth
• 1 leek, sliced, whites and light green parts only (if you don’t have any leeks substitute 1/2 of a medium yellow onion)
• 1 stalk of celery, sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• splash of extra virgin olive oil
• microgreens

Spinach and Broccoli Soup Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, over medium heat, add a splash of oil and leeks. Saute leeks for 2-3 minutes, add celery and garlic and saute another 3-4 minutes.
2. Add your vegetable broth and broccoli. Bring to a boil and then drop down to low heat and simmer until the broccoli is tender.
3. When your broccoli is tender add your spinach and stir.
4. Transfer the soup to your blender and blend until desired consistency. Add more broth or warm water if it is too thick.
5. Garnish with the micro greens.

This soup is ready to eat in under a half an hour… from prep to finished product, so it’s perfect for a nourishing weeknight dinner.

The post Delicious Spinach and Broccoli Soup appeared first on Ambuja Yoga.

I love fresh peas but I don’t care for shelling them. So much work for so few peas! I recommend using the Trader Joes fresh English peas… the only bummer is they’re not organic. Obviously organic is preferred, so feel free to swap out fresh for frozen. Peas are a great source of vitamins and minerals. According to the WHfoods, “Green peas are a very good source of vitamin K, manganese, dietary fiber, vitamin B1, copper, vitamin C, phosphorus and folate. They are also a good source of vitamin B6, niacin, vitamin B2, molybdenum, zinc, protein, magnesium, iron, potassium, and choline.” Also, just one cup of peas has 8 grams of protein! So many reasons to eat your peas. I guess mom was right. LOL.

Ingredients for Fresh Vegan Pea Soup

• 1 10 oz. package of fresh English Peas from Trader Joes (you could also use frozen peas– but IMO fresh is best)
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 2 medium-sized shallots, sliced
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• salt and pepper to taste
• micro greens (optional)
• croutons (optional)

Vegan Pea Soup Cooking Instructions

1. In a medium sized pot, over medium heat, add your oil and shallots. Saute the shallots until soft.
2. Add vegetable broth and peas. Bring to a boil and then drop back down to a simmer. Cook until peas are just soft, but not mushy.
3. Transfer to a blender and blend away. Transfer back to your pot and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Top your soup with your favorite toppings. I like to add microgreens and croutons… my husband likes to add pancetta.

The post Simple and Nutritious Vegan Pea Soup appeared first on Ambuja Yoga.

Did you know that one cup of cauliflower provides over 70% of your daily vitamin C requirement? Yep, it’s true. Cauliflower is also a good source of Vitamin K, Vitamin B6, Folate and Potassium. It even has a little bit of protein (2 grams in one cup). Who knew?

Quick and Easy Cauliflower Fried Rice

Serves 2.

Ingredients

• 1/2 head of cauliflower
• 1 large carrot, chopped up into smallish pieces
• 1 big handful of snow peas, chopped into 1/2 inch pieces
• 1 shallot, diced
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 2 eggs, whisked
• 1- 1 1/2 tablespoons of sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon tamari (or regular soy sauce)
• white pepper, to taste
• sea salt, to taste
• chili pepper flakes, to taste
• toasted sesame seeds to garnish
• diced green onions to garnish
• cilantro sprigs

Instructions

1. Prep your cauliflower. Cut the heads of the cauliflower off and feed the heads and top of the stem through the grater on your food processor. You might also be able to use a blender on pulse or hand grate using a cheese grater (but who has time for that). (1-2 minutes)
2. In a 10-12 inch saute pan, add about 2 teaspoons of your oil (not two tablespoons!) and heat the oil over medium heat. Add the garlic, shallot and carrots to your pan. Saute until the shallots are transparent and the carrots have softened just a bit. (~ 5 minutes)
3. Add the remaining sesame oil, cauliflower rice, and snow peas to the pan. Turn the heat up to medium-high and saute another 7-9 minutes until the cauliflower is cooked, but not mushy. (7-9 minutes)
4. Create a well in the center of your pan by pushing all of the cauliflower rice to the side and add your whisk eggs to the well. Allow your eggs to cook a bit and then fold them into the rice. (2 minutes)
5. Add your tamari and adjust to taste. You may also like to add sea salt, white pepper, or chili pepper flakes at this point too.
6. Plate your fried rice and garnish with toasted sesame seeds and green onions.
7. Enjoy your cauliflower fried rice!

Love cauliflower? Craving something to warm you up on a cool fall or winter evening? Check out my Hazelnut and Cauliflower Soup. It’s also delicious and surprisingly healthy.

The post Quick and Easy Cauliflower Fried Rice appeared first on Ambuja Yoga.

Why should you eat pumpkin chia pudding? Pumpkin is an excellent source of vitamins, including Vitamin A, C, E, and K. It is also high in iron, magnesium, potassium, copper, manganese and dietary fiber. Boom! That’s a lot of goodness packed into one veg. Chia seeds are an excellent source of healthy fat and dietary fiber and provide calcium, phosphorus and manganese. Coconut milk, if you’re buying the pre-packaged beverage kind, like Silk Brand, it is fortified with other vitamins and minerals. If you’re going with the natural stuff, perhaps you’re hardcore and make it yourself or are blessed enough to have fresh coconuts at your disposal, your coconut milk won’t be fortified with vitamins and minerals, but it still remains a healthy source of fat. Remember that not all fats are bad for you. Our brains need fat to function.

Ingredients for Spiced Pumpkin Chia Pudding

Serves 2.

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 Tablespoons chia seeds
• 3/4 cup coconut milk beverage (not the canned stuff… it’s way too high in fat)
• 1/2 cup organic canned pumpkin
• 1 1/2 teaspoons maple syrup (or 1 teaspoon maple syrup and one Medjool date pitted and minced)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/2 teaspoon Pumpkin Pie Spice blend or make your own (ground cinnamon, ground ginger, nutmeg and cloves)

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, combine your chia seeds and coconut milk. Allow the chia seeds to soak 5-10 minutes.
2. With an immersion blender, give them a quick spin.
3. Add your pumpkin, maple syrup (and date if you’re using one), vanilla and spices. Spin again.
4. If your impatient, you can eat it now, but it’s best after it has had a chance to set in the fridge for 30+ minutes.

**If you’re kapha, cut your coconut milk with water or extra pumpkin.

The post Spiced Pumpkin Chia Pudding appeared first on Ambuja Yoga.

Moroccan-Spiced Carrot Hummus

Makes a ton! (And will last about a week in a sealed container in the fridge)

Ingredients:

• 1 pound carrots, chopped into 1-inch chunks
• 3-4 whole cloves of garlic, peels left on
• 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
• 1 1/2 cups cooked chickpeas, rinsed and drained if from a can. Note: I like to peel the outer skin off to make a creamier hummus
• 1/4 cup tahini
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup water + more to thin if necessary
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• thumbnail piece of fresh ginger peeled and minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
• Fresh cilantro or parsley to garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F.
2. On a lined baking sheet toss the chopped carrots and whole garlic cloves with half of the olive oil. Roast the carrots in the oven until tender and lightly browned. After about 10 minutes of roasting stir the carrots and garlic and then place back in the oven for another ten minutes.
3. Remove carrots and garlic from the oven and allow to cool. Once cooled enough to handle peel the skins off of the garlic.
4. In your food processor combine carrots, garlic, chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, water and all of the spices. Begin to process your hummus and with the motor running slowly add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Process until smooth. You may want to scrape down the sides at some point. If the hummus is too thick and you still have large chunks of carrot add a little more water or oil and process until the right consistency.
5. Garnish with a cilantro or parsley sprig or two and serve with fresh veggies or crackers.
6. Impress your friends with this tasty snack!

The post Healthy Moroccan Spiced Carrot Hummus appeared first on Ambuja Yoga.

Toasted Hazelnut and Cauliflower Soup Ingredients

• 1 head of cauliflower, florets only
• 3-4 large shallots, sliced into 1/4 inch ribbons
• 2/3 cup toasted hazelnuts
• 4 roasted garlic cloves, minced
• 7-8 cups of veggie broth
• 2 T. olive oil
• salt and pepper to taste

Easy Instructions for Your Hazelnut and Cauliflower Soup

1. Toast the hazelnuts in the toaster oven or regular oven. Our toaster oven gets nice and hot and it took less than 8 minutes to get them a nice golden color. Be careful not to burn the hazelnuts. Once the hazelnuts are toasted remove the skins by rolling them between your hands. Discard the skins.

2. Heat oil on medium in a large soup pot. Add shallots and saute until soft and then add garlic being careful not to burn the garlic.

3. Add the cauliflower florets to the pot and saute for a few minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

4. Now it’s time to add the veggie broth. Start with 5-6 cups. Bring it to a boil, then let it simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes. Depending on how much liquid cooks off you may want to add another cup or two of broth, so your soup won’t turn out like baby food.

5. Once the cauliflower is tender and the broth has simmered down let it cool slightly, then add it to your blender or food processor with the toasted hazelnuts. Blend until the soup reaches your desired consistency. I was able to put the entire batch into our blender, but it might be necessary to blend in batches. (Note: sometimes I like to pre-blend/process the toasted hazelnuts, it seems to give the soup a creamier texture)

The post Healthy Cauliflower Soup Recipe appeared first on Ambuja Yoga.

Today for lunch I made a straight up 5 star italian tomato soup. Sounds pretty basic, but there was a flavor explosion going on in my mouth! My kids loved it and slurped up the very last drop. Also the mouth watering tomato herb aroma flowing through the house wasn’t too bad either!

This particular tomato soup is so easy and takes about an hour to make from scratch! Not to mention it’s vegan as well:) Vegan tomato soup… yes please!!!

Vegan Tomato Soup Ingredients:

• 2 lbs of fresh organic tomatoes (different varieties ensures maximum flavor! I used heirloom and your typical on the vine tomatoes.)
• 1-2 organic shallots peeled and cut into chunks
• 2 orgainc garlic cloves peeled and cut into chunks
• 3 springs of organic thyme, leaves picked from stem
• 1-2 tablespoons of organic extra virgin olive oil
• Salt + pepper
• ½ heaping cup of raw cashews (soaked for at least 2-3 hours and drained)
• 1 tablespoon organic tomato paste
• ¼ cup organic basil (fresh)
• 2- 2 ½ cups of vegetable stock
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Steps to Make Your Super Delicious Vegan Tomato Soup:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Slice your tomatoes. For larger tomatoes slice into quarters and for smaller slice into halves, if cherry tomatoes leave as is. Place your sliced tomatoes on baking sheet.
3. Cozy up the garlic and shallots to the sliced tomatoes on the baking sheet.
4. Sprinkle thyme leaves over the tomatoes, garlic, and shallots.
5. Then drizzle the 1-2 tbsps olive oil over the tomatoes, garlic, and shallots. Add salt and pepper to season the tomatoes. Then place baking sheet in oven for about 30-35 minutes.
6. While tomatoes are in the oven blend cashews, tomato paste, basil, vegetable stock together. Set aside.
7. When tomatoes are starting to look wrinkled/roasted and your mouth is watering from the very fragrant tomatoes then go ahead and pull those babies out. Add the tomatoes, garlic, and shallots to the blended cashew mixture and blend on high until your have a smooth puree soup texture. (If you have to blend a few tomatoes at a time due to space in your blender that is perfectly okay!)
8. Once all blended and smooth go ahead and add the soup to a pot and bring to a simmer. Add in the balsamic vinegar and salt and pepper to taste!
9. Enjoy your delicious restaurant style soup:)

The post Super Easy Super Delicious Vegan Tomato Soup appeared first on Ambuja Yoga.

So delicious and so easy to make!

Since all fruit sorbet recipes follow the same basic pattern (1. make simple syrup, 2. add fruit, 3. blend and chill), you can get creative with whatever fruit is in season in your area. For this recipe, I used a a pint of delicious organic blackberries fresh from the Bend Farmer’s Market — the hardest part of this recipe was not eating all the juicy berries before the syrup was ready!

Organic Blackberry Sorbet Recipe

Ingredients (4 servings)

• 1 cup water
• 2/3 cup organic sugar
• 1/2 organic lemon
• 1 pint (16oz) organic blackberries

Instructions

1. Make a simple syrup by bringing the sugar and water to a boil, stirring constantly until sugar is dissolved. Remove the simple syrup from the heat and pour in a large mixing bowl.
2. Rinse the blackberries and add to the mixing bowl. Let the blackberries steep in the hot simple syrup for about 10 minutes.
3. Using a hand mixer, blend the berries and simple syrup into a puree. Squeeze the juice of the half lemon and stir into the mix. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for at least one hour.
4. Start up your ice cream maker (I used a Conair Cuisinart 1.5-quart ice cream maker, which is the perfect size for this recipe). Pour the blended mixture into the ice cream maker. After 10-15 minutes of churning, the sorbet should be ready to go; check the consistency as the sorbet solidifies to get the perfect texture.
5. Scoop out the sorbet and serve, or store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 weeks.

The post Organic Blackberry Sorbet appeared first on Ambuja Yoga.

Jamu is a healing Balinese elixir made of turmeric, ginger, lime, tamarind and honey. I drank Jamu religiously during my yoga teacher training at Zuna Yoga, and will likely drink it religiously again this fall at my upcoming yoga retreat in Bali, Indonesia.

The flavor of Jamu, especially when it hasn’t been sweetened much, is an acquired taste for sure. Jamu packs an intense turmeric punch… made even punchier with fresh ginger added to the mix. On top of the basic ingredients you can add other spices for flavor or for Ayurvedic purposes. I like to add black pepper and cayenne to mine, and sometimes cloves. Jamu’s main ingredient, turmeric, is rich in curcumin, a fantastic anti-inflammatory. Combining turmeric with black pepper (which contains piperine) helps our body absorb the curcumin. Want to learn more about the amazing benefits of turmeric? Check out this article at AuthorityNutrition.com.

Just a few ounces of Jamu each day is enough and should be thought of as a natural medicine, so you don’t want to overdo it… although I’ve definitely guzzled it down on more than one occasion and survived.

Here is a simple Jamu recipe to follow:

Ingredients

• 7-10 inches turmeric root, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch chunks
• 3 inches fresh ginger, peeled
• 3 T. tamarind paste
• juice from 2 limes or 1 1/2 lemons
• 1 T. honey or 1 cup of pineapple juice
• 1 liter of water
• Cayenne, to taste
• Black Pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. In a large pot on medium high heat add water and turmeric. Once the water begins to boil turn the heat down to a simmer and cover. Simmer for 18-20 minutes.
2. Add the ginger and tamarind paste and simmer for another 4-5 minutes.
3. Allow mixture to cool. Once mixture has cooled add the turmeric mixture and honey to your blender in batches (just a warning: if your blender is plastic it will be stained yellow afterward). Blend until smooth.
4. Using a fine mesh strainer you will strain the ingredients over a bowl to separate the solids from the liquids. You may need to use a spatula to press some of the moisture out of the solids. Discard the solids.
5. Add citrus juice, cayenne and black pepper to your mixture. Stir, taste and adjust… maybe add more sweetener if you feel like you need it… maybe dilute it with some extra water.
6. Poor mixture into glass jars, seal them up and store in the fridge. Jamu will keep in the fridge for 3-5 days.

The post Jamu Recipe appeared first on Ambuja Yoga.