When it comes to your digestive system, this tea is a game changer. A combination of three classic culinary spices—cumin, coriander, and fennel—this tea aids in the absorption of nutrients and stimulates the lymphatic system.
Let’s look at the merits of each of these herbs to further understand the magic of this tea.
Benefits of Cumin
- Stimulates agni (digestive fire)
- Decreases gas
- Helps with indigestion
- Flushes out ama (toxic waste)
- Relieves congestion
- Contains antioxidants and iron
- Soothes inflamed mucous membranes
- Improves elimination
According to Ayurveda, cumin is pacifying to both vata dosha (air and ether qualities) and kapha dosha (water and earth). Due to its slightly heating nature, pittas (fire and water) may find that, in excess, cumin will increase the fire element. However, the coriander and fennel work to balance the heat.
Benefits of Coriander
- Improves digestion
- Relieves gas
- Helps with many pitta disorders, especially urinary or digestive
- Increases digestion and absorption
- Treats intestinal disorders
- Aids indigestion
- Calms muscle spasms
- Reduces inflammation—even shown to help with rheumatoid arthritis
Ayurvedic Spice Blends for Health and Wellness
Ayurveda describes the preventive and curative properties of hundreds of herbs and spices, and prescribes particular spices for each season.
Benefits of Fennel
- One of the best herbs for strengthening agni without aggravating pitta
- Stops cramping
- Increases mental alertness
- Promotes breast milk flow
- Helps with IBS
- Relaxes the digestive tract
- Alleviates gas and indigestion
- Increases the burning of fat
- Moves lymph.
Good stuff, right? No more gas, stronger digestion, increased fat burning, fewer toxins.
Here’s how to make it:
CCF Tea
½ teaspoon cumin seeds
½ teaspoon coriander seeds
½ teaspoon fennel seeds
4–5 cups water
Heat the water in a stainless steel pot over high heat. Add the seeds. Allow the tea to boil for 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the preferred strength. Strain out the seeds, place in an insulated thermos, and sip throughout the day.
If you get into the habit of making this tea daily, here are two CCF life hacks:
- Scoop half a teaspoon of each seed into each compartment of a seven-day pill organizer, so your seeds are premixed for the week.
- Add half a cup of cumin, half a cup of coriander, and half a cup of fennel to a glass jar and shake well to mix. Each morning, simply add 1 ½ teaspoons of the blend to the hot water.
This may seem like a no-brainer, but this tea should be consumed hot. Cold creates constriction, while heat opens up the blood vessels. The ultimate goal is to increase blood circulation in the digestive system, so that everything is working at full capacity.