Brew It Like the Locals: DIY International Tea Recipes to Celebrate Tea Day — The Ayurvedic Way

International Tea Day isn’t just about celebrating a simple cup of tea—it’s about pausing for a moment, brewing your favorite blend, and connecting with centuries of tradition, culture, and healing. Across the globe, tea is cherished not only for its taste but also for its soothing and health-boosting qualities. In Ayurveda, the ancient Indian science of wellness, tea is more than a drink—it’s a way to balance your mind and body.

Let’s take a flavorful trip around the world to discover five popular tea traditions—from India to Japan, Morocco to Tibet, and South Africa. Along the way, you’ll learn how to make each tea even more beneficial using Ayurvedic wisdom to support digestion, immunity, mental clarity, and emotional well-being.

1. India: Masala Chai with an Ayurvedic Twist

Where it’s from: India
What’s in it: Black tea, milk, sugar, and warming spices like ginger, cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon
Who it’s good for: Especially balancing for Vata and Kapha body types

How to make it even better:
Masala chai is already packed with Ayurvedic goodness, thanks to its digestive spices. To make it even more healing:

Try this at home:

• 1 cup water

• 1 cup milk (use almond milk if you have a Pitta constitution)

• 1 tsp black tea leaves (or tulsi leaves for a caffeine-free version)

• ½ inch fresh ginger (grated)

• 2 green cardamom pods (crushed)

• 1 small cinnamon stick

• 2 cloves

• Pinch of black pepper

• Optional: jaggery or honey (add honey only after the tea cools a bit)

Boil the water with spices for 5 minutes, add tea leaves and milk, simmer for 2-3 minutes, then strain.
Benefits: Aids digestion, improves circulation, and helps clear congestion.

2. Japan: Matcha Green Tea with a Calming Touch

Where it’s from: Japan
What’s in it: Powdered green tea whisked into hot water
Who it’s good for: Stimulating for Kapha; can be adjusted for Vata and Pitta

How to make it even better:
Matcha is full of antioxidants and helps you stay alert, but too much can make Vata and Pitta types feel jittery.

Try this at home:

• ½ tsp good-quality matcha powder

• 1 cup warm oat or almond milk (not too hot)

• Pinch of ashwagandha (for calming nerves)

• 1 tsp honey or jaggery

• Optional: a little cardamom or nutmeg for flavor

Whisk matcha in a little warm water until frothy, then add milk and sweetener.
Benefits: Boosts focus, supports your adrenal system, and helps reduce mental fatigue.

3. Morocco: Mint Tea for Digestive Ease

Where it’s from: Morocco
What’s in it: Green tea, fresh mint, and sugar
Who it’s good for: Cooling for Pitta, refreshing for everyone (especially if you skip the sugar)

How to make it even better:
Mint naturally cools the body and helps with digestion. Avoid too much sugar to keep it healthy.

Try this at home:

• 1 tsp dried tulsi or green tea (for Kapha)

• 5-6 fresh mint leaves

• Pinch of fennel seeds

• 1 tsp rock sugar or raw honey

Steep everything in hot water for 5 minutes, strain, and sip slowly.
Benefits: Cools you down, soothes your stomach, and refreshes your senses.

4. Tibet: Butter Tea with Ayurvedic Superfoods

Where it’s from: Tibet
What’s in it: Black tea, yak butter, and salt
Who it’s good for: Especially comforting for Vata types (great for cold, dry climates)

How to make it even better:
This rich, warming tea is perfect for anyone feeling anxious, dry, or chilly. Use ghee instead of butter for an Ayurvedic upgrade.

Try this at home:

• 1 cup strong black or ginger tea

• 1 tsp organic ghee

• Pinch of Himalayan salt

• Optional: ¼ tsp shatavari powder (for extra nourishment)

Blend the tea with ghee and salt until frothy.
Benefits: Strengthens immunity, supports your joints, nourishes your body, and calms your nerves.

5. South Africa: Rooibos Chai for All

Where it’s from: South Africa
What’s in it: Naturally caffeine-free red bush tea
Who it’s good for: Balances all body types (Tridoshic)

How to make it even better:
Rooibos is naturally sweet and earthy. Add Ayurvedic spices for a healing, antioxidant-rich blend.

Try this at home:

• 1 tsp rooibos tea

• 1 small cinnamon stick

• 2 cardamom pods

• Pinch of dry ginger

• Pinch of licorice root

• ½ cup water + ½ cup oat milk

Simmer the spices and rooibos for 5–7 minutes, add milk, strain, and sweeten with jaggery.
Benefits: Balances hormones, soothes digestion, and supports liver health.

Ayurvedic Tips for Drinking Tea

• When to drink:

  • Morning: Ginger or chai-based teas for energy

  • Afternoon: Mint or green teas for digestion

  • Evening: Tulsi, rooibos, or chamomile for calm

• How to drink:

  • Always sip tea warm, not piping hot

  • Avoid drinking tea right with your meals—wait about 30 minutes before or after

  • Add adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha, tulsi, or shatavari for extra benefits

• Choose tea for your body type:

  • Vata: Warm, grounding teas (chai, licorice, ghee tea) with ginger, cinnamon, ashwagandha

  • Pitta: Cooling, calming teas (mint, rooibos, fennel) with rose, cardamom, shatavari

  • Kapha: Stimulating, drying teas (green tea, tulsi) with black pepper, clove, ginger

In Closing: Celebrate International Tea Day with Mindfulness

This International Tea Day, don’t just drink tea—celebrate it! Whether you’re sipping masala chai in Mumbai or matcha in Kyoto, remember that tea connects us all. Through the lens of Ayurveda, tea becomes a ritual for healing, self-care, and finding balance within.

So, brew your next cup with intention. Choose herbs and spices that support your unique body and mind. Sip slowly, breathe deeply, and let the wisdom of ancient traditions fill every cup.

If you are not a tea lover, then nothing to worry about! As we have many more immunity booster drink recipes for you to enjoy.