In a world full of pizzas, burgers and fries, there is also a huge population who is moving towards good health concept and is adopting healthy lifestyle. It’s not just about the edibles, but drinks as well. People prefer to add taste along with health benefits to their drinks like Tea. Herbal teas are in trend and for good reasons.
Dr. S Yasmin, MD in Ayurveda and Assistant Professor in SASSAS Ayurveda Medical College, Andhra Pradesh says, “We don’t like monotony in cuisine. We seek new tastes in food and beverages. There are umpteen numbers of flavors in tea and coffee. Such beverages are not new to Ayurveda. Ancient India has discovered several such beverages and named them Phanta. Ayurveda’s Phanta is nothing but tea. Tea with different herbs. Flowers, roots, bark, buds, seeds, fruit or any part of some medicinal plants are used to make tea.
“Herbal teas have aroma, taste and healing properties. They heal and prevent diseases”. She recommends following herbal teas with health benefits:
(Recipes for 100ml water)
Rose Tea
Take 4 to 5 fresh or dried rose petals, add 2 gm of coriander seeds + pinch of saffron + ½ gm of fennel seeds and boil for 5 minutes. Strain it and drink.
This tea enhances complexion, digestion and is a good laxative
Cumin Tea
Take cumin 1 gm + liquorice ½ gm + ginger 1 gm + coriander seeds 1 gm + 1 clove + jaggery and boil for 5 to 6 minutes. Add milk to it (optional). Remove it from the stove and then add cardamom to it.
This tea is an appetizer, carminative, calms the mind, enhances memory and helps fight constipation.
Clove Tea
Boil 2 to 3 cloves for 5 minutes and filter it in a cup and consume it
It is good for digestion, prevents cancer, herpes viral infections, respiratory problems and irritable bowel syndrome
Cinnamon Tea
Take 1 gm of cinnamon + 1 gm of dry ginger and boil for 5 or 6 minutes. Strain it and drink.
It is useful in rhinitis, cough with sputum, throat pain, respiratory allergies and related headache. It is also a preventive method for Covid 19.
Coriander Tea
Boil 2 gm of Coriander + 2 gm of cumin seeds + 2 gm of dry ginger for 5 to 6 minutes. Filter and consume it.
This is good for gout, digestion and respiratory problems.
Asparagus Tea
Take 5 gm of Shatavari (Asparagus) + 2 gm of Coriander seeds soaked in hot water for some time. Boil them and then filter.
This is useful in fever, pains, burning sensation, heavy bleeding (menorrhagia) in women
Moringa Tea / Drumstick Tea
Take a cup of water and boil fresh leaves of moringa / drumstick tree for 5 minutes. After turning off flame, add 1 tbsp of honey or sugar and consume it.
It helps in obesity, gives energy, rich source of vitamins, reduces blood pressure, cholesterol and even fights cancer.
Triphala Tea / Myrobalan Tea
Take 5 gm of Triphala powder soak for 5 hours, filter and keep aside. Now take hot water, boil cinnamon and add triphala in it. Turn off the flame and add 1 tbsp honey.
It is beneficial in enhancing immunity, reduces breathlessness and gastric problems. It is good to prevent viral infections and reduce body weight. It is anti-fungal, high in antioxidants, reduces inflammation and fights cancer. It’s a rejuvenator.
“Herbal teas balance metabolism, boosts immunity, helps in detoxification and are rich source of vitamins and minerals. They also have anti-aging properties. However, side effects may occur on excessive consumption like headache, nausea, dizziness, soreness in mouth, heartburn, vomiting, hormonal imbalance. Limit the intake of such teas just once a day”, says Dr. Yasmin. Therefore, why not prefer a cup of herbal tea over diet coke or sweetened coffee that may be harmful for your health?
