Step into the aromatic world of Indian chai with Mira Manek, author of The Book of Chai and founder of Chai by Mira. In this episode, we trace the surprising history of how tea became India’s most beloved beverage - through colonial trade routes, opium, and clever British marketing.

Mira shares chai-making secrets passed down through generations: from the Ayurvedic ritual of boiling milk three times, to unlocking spice potency with proper preparation (spoiler: whole ginger slices won’t cut it). You’ll learn why different Indian regions brew chai in unique ways, and how spices like cardamom and saffron offer profound medicinal benefits.

This is more than a conversation about tea, it’s a journey through heritage, healing, and the unseen wisdom in everyday rituals. Whether you're a lifelong chai lover or simply curious about the deeper stories steeped in your cup, this episode will enrich your connection to this timeless tradition.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:

☕️ How British marketing and the opium trade shaped Indian chai culture
☕️ Family chai rituals and spice secrets passed down through generations
☕️ The Ayurvedic approach to chai
☕️ Medicinal benefits of chai spices like cardamom, ginger, clove, and saffron
☕️ Regional chai variations across India and the logic behind them (yes, even salty Kashmiri chai)
☕️ How to make chai a deeper, more mindful ritual in your day

ABOUT OUR GUEST: Mira Manek

Mira Manek is an author, wellness coach and expert, and has her own chai brand. Her third book, The Book of Chai, follows on from the success of her first two books, bestselling cookbook Saffron Soul and a book on Ayurveda and happiness called Prajna. Mira was born and raised in London, where she grew up in a large joint family with her grandparents, strongly rooted in their Indian heritage. She grew up speaking Gujarati, learned Sanskrit at school and has travelled extensively in India, inspiring her passion for Indian philosophy and spirituality, chai and chaiwalas, Indian food and spices, and especially Ayurveda.

RESOURCES:

Mira Manek’s Website: miramanek.com

Chai by Mira (chai blends & products): chaibymira.com

Books by Mira Manek:

• The Book of Chai
• Saffron Soul
• Prajna: Ayurvedic Rituals for Happiness

Mira Manek’s Instagram: @miramanek

Vital Veda Podcast Episode: "The Ancient and Stimulating Spice Industry" with Ian 'Herbie' Hemphill

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For millennia, honey has been treasured across cultures as a symbol of nourishment and healing, particularly for infants. Yet in 1978, Western medicine abruptly deemed it unsafe for babies under one year old due to concerns about botulism. But was this ban truly justified, or did precaution overshadow ancient wisdom and emerging scientific insights?

While infant botulism is an extremely rare condition, modern research reveals that most cases stem from environmental spores, not honey consumption. Meanwhile, traditions spanning Egypt, Africa, and Ayurveda have safely incorporated honey into infant care for thousands of years. Ayurvedic texts even describe Swarna Prashana—a revered practice of giving gold-infused honey to newborns to enhance immunity, intellect, and vitality.

In this episode, we challenge the stigma around honey in paediatric care, exploring its rich history, scientific evidence, and time-tested applications. Whether you're a parent or health practitioner, this conversation will empower you to navigate infant nutrition with confidence and clarity.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:

🍯 The Honey Ban: How a Nutritional Staple Became "Forbidden"
🍯 Infant Botulism: Separating Myth from Science
🍯 Ancient Cultures & Honey in Infant Care
🍯 Ayurveda’s Perspective on Honey for Babies
🍯 The Science Behind Raw, High-Quality Honey
🍯 Debunking Common Concerns: Sugar, Allergies & Choking Hazards
🍯 Swarna Prashana: Ayurveda’s Time-Tested Immunisation Ritual
🍯 The Importance of Responsibly Sourced Honey
🍯 Reintroducing Honey with Confidence and Wisdom

RESOURCES:

Further Reading & Related Articles:

• Ayurvedic Immunisation Over Vaccination For Babies
• Honey – Nectar or Poison?

Related Podcast Episodes:

• Natural Immunisations for Babies & Children: Building Resilience with Ayurveda
• Bees: Crucial Beeings for Health on Earth | Simon Mulvany #031
• Immunising your Baby Naturally | Dr. A.V. Raju #006
• Homeopathic Immunisation for Babies & Children | Dr Isaac Golden, World Authority on Homeopathic Immunisation #092
• Heavy Metals, Minerals and Bhasma in Ayurvedic Herbology and Herbal Products (3rd Biggest Myth in Ayurveda) | Dylan Smith #084

Ayurvedic Products & Herbal Formulations:

• Swarna Prashana (Ayurvedic Herbal Immunisation for Babies)
  • Pushya Nakshatra Dates for Swarna Prashana – Check Here
    
    

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Human adaptation has shaped an extraordinary immune system in your child over millions of years—yet modern interventions often overlook this innate intelligence instead of strengthening it.

In this episode, Dylan explores how to nurture your child’s immunity using time-tested Ayurvedic wisdom and holistic parenting approaches that work in harmony with the body’s natural defenses.

He also addresses key parental concerns around vaccines, vitamin K injections, and the honey “ban” for infants, offering insights that empower parents to make confident, well-informed decisions. Tune in to discover how to honour your child’s natural resilience while navigating today’s health landscape with clarity and trust.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:

🌿 The Innate Evolutionary Intelligence Of A Baby’s Immune System
🌿 The First Steps In Building Immunity At Birth
🌿 Breast Milk And It's Role In Enhancing Immunisation
🌿 Ancient Ayurveda Approaches To Enhancing Immunity
🌿 Conventional Immunisation Programs: Navigating Vaccines, Vitamin K Injections & Alternative Perspectives.
🌿 The Honey Controversy: Understanding The Role Of Honey In Infant Care
🌿 The Role Of Digestion In Immunity
🌿 The Importance of Parental Confidence: Learning To Trust Your Instincts

OTHER RESOURCES:

Related Blog Articles:

• Ayurvedic Postnatal Care Plan

Related Podcast Episodes:

• Immunising your Baby Effectively and Naturally | Dr. A.V. Raju #006
• Homeopathic Immunisation for Babies & Children | Dr Isaac Golden, World Authority on Homeopathic Immunisation #092

Related Courses:

• Baby Abhyanga Massage: Postnatal Course & Community

Ayurvedic Herbs & Products for Immunity:

• Swarna Prasa Pusya – Ayurvedic herbal immunisation for infants & children
• Pushya Drops – A more affordable alternative for immune support
• Swasakasantak Yog – Ayurvedic respiratory formula for babies
• Swasananda Leham – Strengthens the lungs & respiratory system
• Anand Sid Yog – A potent immune-boosting Ayurvedic blend
• Baby Agni – Digestive support for newborns
• Swagni – Advanced digestive tonic for infants with digestive concerns

Support the show

🌿 Follow us on Instagram (@vitalveda)
🌿 Our Courses
🌿 Our Treatments
🌿 Our Online Shop
🌿 Vital Veda Website