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Ayurveda and the Ekadashi Fast – Ayurveda | Honey, Ghee, and Tea

Leafy
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Ayurveda and the Ekadashi Fast – Ayurveda | Honey, Ghee, and Tea

I’ve tried everything from the Juice Fast to the Master Lemonade Cleanse to regulate my gastrointestinal system and combat the effects of my ongoing Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

After beginning my Ayurveda studies, I learned that to fast in an Ayurvedic way is to choose what I want to take into my body and what I don’t– whether it is food, breath, sensory desires, or thoughts. It is to avoid taking in that which is harmful so that I can take in what is beneficial for my mind, body, and soul. So in regards to food, fasting doesn’t necessarily have to mean starving myself and going without any food for long periods of time. It means doing whatever makes my body happy.

How do I know what makes my body happier you may ask? Take my Dosha quiz to find out your unique mind-body constitution and keep reading!

Back in the day, food wasn’t as readily available as it is today. The human body was meant to starve until food was found. But today, we find ourselves snacking throughout the day. We never give our Agni (digestive fire) the chance to become strong because we are eating every couple of hours. This wreaks havoc on our digestion and leads to the number one imbalance in the United States- the “Vata-Imbalance” – gas, bloating, constipation, anxiety, headaches, dry skin, difficulty focusing, brain fog – the list goes on.

Fasting can be beneficial for most people but just as with everything, Ayurveda does not believe in the “one size fits all” approach. What makes my body healthier doesn’t necessarily make your body healthier. Fasting can be cleansing and have a detoxing effect on the body for most people, but it all depends on one’s constitution.

Based on Ayurveda, a true fast is to go without food for 36 hours. You start at sunset and break your fast at sunrise after the 36 hours. This type of fast is not ideal for every person.

Fasting for Your Dosha

The Vata-type individual already has a variable Agni. Vata-type individuals do not tolerate fasting as well as the other constitutions as they need to maintain a consistent eating schedule. It is recommended that Vata-types eat fruit or drink milk during the times they would normally eat their meals. This way they can maintain the same consistency in their schedule.

The Pitta-type individual has a very strong Agni and appetite. In order to prevent irritability and ailments associated with excessive heat, Pitta-types should avoid doing a water fast and instead eat sweet fruit or drink bitter/astringent juices to calm their digestive fire. They can also drink cooling teas like fennel throughout the day during their fast.

The Kapha-type individual usually benefits the most from consistent fasting. Due to their steady digestive fire, they can usually fast without eating anything for the full 36 hours. They should, however, continue drinking warm beverages.

Now, there is one fast that is great for everyone. This fast is well known to Hindus but is not deeply understood. At least half on my extended family does this fast however most of them are unable to tell me the reason why. This fast is known as the Ekadashi fast.

The Ekadashi Fast

The Ekadashi fast correlates to the Lunar Cycle. The term “Ekadashi” translates to eleven. Thus, this fast is done on the 11th day of the Lunar Cycle and so it falls every 15 days, twice a month.

In Ayurveda, it is believed that what you eat today will have an effect on your mind and body in 3-4 days. So if you fast on the 11th day of the Lunar Cycle, what you consumed that day whether it was fruit or milk will have an effect on your body on the 14-15th day of the cycle. This is the day of a full moon or new moon.

There are three Gunas (qualities) in life as described in the Bhagavad Gita:

Satva  – The mode of purity and goodness. This quality keeps us going, gives us energy to perform our karma and carry out our responsibilities. Having foods with “Prana” (vital energy) like fresh fruit, vegetables, milk, and rice increases this quality within us.

Rajas – The mode of passion and energy. Having pungent foods like onions, garlic or red meat increases this quality within us. This quality leads to a feeling of longing, desire, and attachment.

Tamas – The mode of ignorance, dullness, and inactivity. This quality leads to lethargy, laziness, and impurity.  Having processed foods, junk foods, canned, and frozen foods increase this quality within us.

Each food that we consume has an effect on our mind.

Just as the Doshas are to our body, the Gunas are to our mind.

Everything that we see, ingest, and do has an effect on the mind and body. And each of these things has the characteristics of Satva, Rajas, or Tamas. On the days of a full moon or new moon, it is believed that the energies in the environment are governed by the Rajas and Tamas Gunas.

To preserve health, our goal is to maintain Satva (purity and goodness) in our life. By fasting and eating only Satvik foods on the 11th day of the Lunar cycle, the Satvik effect of the fast will be governing our bodies 3-4 days later. This makes us less likely to take on the Rajasic and Tamasic qualities which are present in the environment on the 15th day of the Lunar cycle.

So when Rajas and Tamas qualities may make me feel lazy, greedy, and tired – someone who fasted on Ekadashi by only consuming Satvik foods will likely feel great, energetic, and will be able to go about their normal day without being affected by the energies in the environment.

My husband and I are both in the healthcare field and “it must be a full moon” is a common phrase used in our workplaces because we always seem to get busy with more patients (especially those with psychiatric illnesses) during this time of month. So I truly believe there is some crazy energy that correlates to the Lunar cycle.

Ayurveda is based on the principle of the 5 elements in nature (Panchamahabhutas) – air, water, fire, space, and earth. The same 5 elements that make up nature are found within our bodies as well. So if there is turbulent weather outside, it will inevitably have an effect on the internal functioning of our body as well. The same goes for the qualities of the moon during its different cycles.

If all of this sounds confusing and unconvincing to you, focus on the benefits of fasting rather than dwelling on this.

Benefits of Fasting

In the United States, most of us have plenty to eat but we remain malnourished because our food lacks Prana (vital energy). We eat processed foods and junk food on a daily basis. Even our fresh fruits and vegetables are frozen, canned, or sprayed with pesticides. It’s just hard to find Prana-filled foods here!

Consumption of Prana-less foods leads to toxin formation (Ama) which in turn leads to disease. Fasting acts as a natural way to cleanse and detox from our daily habits. It rekindles the digestive fire which in turn helps to burn away any accumulated toxins. This leads to better absorption of nutrients, increased energy, weight loss, and preservation of health.

The best consistent fast to do is the Ekadashi fast but if you’re not ready to commit just yet, another great time to cleanse is in between seasons. With the changing temperatures outdoors, our bodies are especially sensitive. This is a great time to give our digestive organs some rest and reset for the upcoming season.

With that being said, I’ve had a couple of crazy, busy weeks at work and I haven’t been eating my best. I am thinking of doing a 3 Day Cleanse next weekend now that the weather is cooling down and we’re officially entering into Fall. This will be a great opportunity to reset for me.  As with any fast or cleanse, it is important to prep beforehand and then ease back into your normal eating habits afterwards.  Stay tuned for a detailed guide to my cleanse if you’re interested in joining me!

Namaste.

7 Health Benefits of Ayurvedic Herbs and Spices

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7 Health Benefits of Ayurvedic Herbs and Spices

You can use the powerful healing properties of Ayurvedic herbs and spices to balance your doshas. Some you’ll find already in your own kitchen! Balance from the inside out with these healthy ayurvedic herbs and spices.

So, what is Ayurveda? The ancient Indian practices of Ayurveda heal from the inside out through internal purification. Ayurveda comes from Sanskrit, meaning ayur (life) and veda (science or knowledge).

This knowledge of life provides a blueprint of wellness to support the doshas, energies that make up a person’s system. The doshas fall into three main categories: pitta, kapha, and vata. To balance your doshas, try these healthy ayurvedic herbs.

Ashwagandha

You can trace the use of the ashwagandha plant in India back over 6,000 years, according to an overview published in the African Journal of Traditional, Complementary, and Alternative Medicines. A member of the nightshade family, ashwagandha supports all body types, particularly the vita and kapha doshas because of its warming nature.

Health benefits: Helps relieve stress and anxiety, may reduce inflammation, boosts brain function

How to use it: Ashwagandha is commonly used as a churna, a finely sieved powder that mixes with water, ghee (clarified butter), and honey. The paste of the roots mixed with water reduces inflammation on joints or bites. You can also take it as a supplement to enjoy its healing benefits.

Brahmi

Want a brain boost? Ancient Vedic scholars took brahmi when they needed to memorize lengthy sacred scriptures. Reach for brahmi, or bacopa, a nootropic herb used in ayurveda to improve cognition, learning, and memory. It may also protect brain cells from Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, according to a study published in Rejuvenation Research.

Health benefits: Enhances cognitive function, helps alleviates anxiety, and may prevent brain disease

How to use it: Ayurvedic practitioners use the entire plant medicinally. You can take the herbal extract as a supplement, in an oral capsule or serum

Cardamom

Piney, fruity cardamom is a key ingredient in India’s famous masala chai. This warming spice supports all doshas, but those with a pitta imbalance should use it in moderation. Cardamom helps remove ama (toxins) from the body, great for relieving congestion and soothing coughs according to Lotus Blooming Herbs.

Health benefits: Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, soothes coughs, relieves congestion

How to use it: Cardamom makes a great Ayurvedic skin treatment. Mix cardamom powder with raw organic honey and apply all over your face for a clear, glowing complexion. Or, add it to your tea mix for a spicy, invigorating blend. “The Queen of Spices” is pricey, but you can often save by purchasing it with a spice mix or tea.

Cumin

This earthy spice not only adds a pungent flavor to any meal, it also has many health benefits! In Ayurveda, cumin supports digestion, relaxes the muscles, and purifies the skin and blood, according to Joyful Belly. Because the warming spice has a drying effect (like a hot, cedar sauna), it pacifies kapha and vata while increasing fiery pity.

Health benefits: Relaxes the muscles, helps to purify blood and skin, aids digestion

How to use it: Cumin adds a rustic, earthy flavor to rice, meats, beans, and soups. Grind the seed pods or keep cumin powder in your pantry.

Cinnamon

Money might not grow on trees, but cinnamon does. This popular spice comes from the inner bark of tree species called Cinnamomum. In Ayurveda, cinnamon treats colds and provides an expectorant for the lungs by soothing mucus congestion (particularly important for kapha dosha), according to Joyful Belly.

Health benefits: helps treat colds and mucus in the lungs, freshens breath, ,may regulate blood sugar

How to use it: You’ve probably had cinnamon already in gingerbread cookies, applesauce, or beloved cinnamon rolls. You can also add cinnamon to spice up a chicken dish, or add it to your coffee or tea.

Amalaki

The Ancient Ayurvedic text, Charaka Samhita, states: “Of all the rasayanas (elixirs), Amalaki is revered as one of the most potent and nourishing; Amalaki is the best among rejuvenative herbs.” Amalaki, or Indian gooseberry, is the mother of herbs, because it takes care of the body so well. Unlike most fruits, amalaki contains five of the six ayurvedic tastes: sweet, sour, bitter, astringent, and pungent. This mix gives it a holistic, balancing effect on the doshas, which very few fruits have

Health benefits: Boosts immune system, promotes organ function in brain, heart, liver, and lungs

How to use it: When eaten as a fruit, amalaki leaves a sour taste in the mouth. You can also enjoy it as an elixir or tablet supplement.

Fenugreek

As one of the oldest medicinal plants, fenugreek seeds have been used for thousands of years and were even found in the tomb of Tutankhamen, according to Tour Egypt. In Ayurveda, fenugreek feeds your internal fire, driving out the cold and damp. This hot, bitter herb warms the lower half of the body, such as the kidneys, pelvis, lower back, and legs, according to Joyful Belly.

Health benefits: Removes phlegm, cools inflammation, warms lower body

How to use it: Best eaten in the spring, add fenugreek to teas mixed with mint, holy basil, cinnamon, lemon juice, and honey.

Ushapan Drinking Water in the Morning According to Ayurveda

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Ushapan Drinking Water in the Morning According to Ayurveda

Drinking a specific amount of water in dawn in the early morning is called Ushapan in ayurveda. Ushapan is a Rasayana Therapy in ayurveda, which plays a very important role in preventive ayurveda.

Drinking water in the morning can prevent and help to manage abdominal disorders including constipation, malabsorption and piles. It also helps with urinary disorders and blood disorders. It is also beneficial in diseases of upper parts of the body including head, nose, ear and throat. It is highly useful in the prevention and treatment of skin diseases.

Ushapan Vessel

There are mainly three
types of vessels are used for keeping water overnight for Ushapan.

  1. Golden
    Vessel.
  2. Earthen Pot.
  3. Copper Pot.

Thin people and people
with Vata
body type and Pitta
body type should drink water kept in a golden
vessel. If you cannot afford a golden
vessel, then you can drink water kept in the earthen
pot overnight.

Overweight or obese
people or people with Kapha
body type should drink water kept in a copper
vessel overnight.

Alternatively, you can
drink warm water. Warm water and water kept in a copper vessel also help to reduce weight in addition to other
benefits.

How much water should I drink in Ushapan?

The amount of water varies
person-to-person. It depends on how much water you can hold in 8 Anjali.

Anjali is a Sanskrit word, which means concavity formed
by adjoining both hands. 8 Anjali means the amount of water that you can measure 8 times in the concavity
formed by adjoining both hands. For example, if you can hold 100 ml water in 1 Anjali,
then your drinkable water recommendation is 800 ml.

So, you have to measure the
water quantity suitable for your body
yourself. The water that you can hold in 8 Anjali, you should drink in
the morning.

Right Time for Ushapan

When should I drink
water in the morning?

Ushapaan consists of two
words – Usha and Paan. Usha means dawn and Paan
means taking or drinking. It occurs just a few minutes before sunrise when
light becomes visible all around, but the sun
does not appear in the sky yet. This is a
perfect time.

Ayurveda recommends
waking up in Brahma Muhurta, which is around 96 minutes before sunrise. Usha
means dawn, which is nearly just before sunrise. So, there is around 60 minutes
gap between the time of Brahma Muhurta
and Dawn.

There is no specification
mentioned in ayurveda literature that you should drink water before or after
cleaning teeth and tongue. Morning saliva has some healing properties if it is
applied externally on the skin lesion.

The flow of saliva reduces significantly during sleep, which allows microbial growth in the mouth. This process also results in bad breath in the morning. However, lysozyme, an enzyme, present in saliva prevents microbial overgrowth. But bacterial growth due to the diminished flow of saliva during sleep still causes bad breath in the morning. (Ref)

When you follow Dinacharya, you can see, most of the morning
activities get completed until dawn if you wake up in Brahma Muhurta. So, if we follow the definition of Ushapan, then you
should drink water after all morning cleaning activities. So, my opinion is you should drink water after cleaning
your teeth and tongue.

Still, it’s your personal
decision when you want to drink water in the morning. You can also drink water
before bowel evacuation or after cleaning your teeth and tongue. I personally
drink water after cleaning my teeth.

Ushapan Benefits

Drinking water in the
morning prevents and cures almost all diseases. Especially, it is helpful in
piles, Grahani disease (irritable bowel syndrome), fever, obesity, diseases of
organs located in the upper part of the
body (above the neck). It helps in
diseases of the ear. It improves
longevity. It is also useful in urinary disorders and blood disorders.

Cleanses Stomach and Intestine

Ushapan cleanses the
stomach and intestine. Water enema cleans
the colon and large intestine. Enema has no reach to the stomach and small intestine. For detoxifying
stomach and small intestine, Ushapan is the best
technique. It removes the undigested or poorly digested food particles from the
walls of the small intestine and improves
nutrients absorption and digestion of food that you eat in the following meal.

Because the undigested
food particles are the main cause of constipation, indigestion and acid peptic
disorders. So, Ushapan benefits in the prevention
and treatment of these diseases.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

In ayurveda, Ushapan is
recommended for Grahani Rog, which is correlated
with irritable bowel syndrome. In Grahani Rog, Ama Dosha is the main cause. Ama dosha is formed
due to undigested or poorly digested food particles. As we discussed earlier,
it removes undigested food particles from the walls of the small intestine, so it ultimately eliminates
the cause of irritable bowel syndrome. Thus, it helps in the management and
treatment of irritable bowel syndrome.

Reduces Weight

During Ushapan, if you
drink water kept in a copper pot, it aids
in reducing weight. Copper charged water has additional properties that reduce Kapha Dosha in the body,
which induces fat loss.

Cleanses Kidneys and Urinary Bladder

Ushapan benefits in
cleansing the kidneys and urinary bladder. If you suffer from kidney stone
or debris in the urinary bladder, its cleansing effects are very beneficial for removing
the stone from the kidney and debris from
the urinary bladder. It also prevents frequent urinary infections (UTIs).

Ushapan Contraindications

Ushapan is not suitable
for all people. It has a few contraindications.

When should I not drink
water in the morning?

  1. A person who undergoes for Oleation Therapy should not drink water in the morning.
  2. You should not drink water after eating oily and fatty foods.
  3. If you have any chest injuries, you should avoid drinking water in large amount in the morning.
  4. During Panchakarma: while undergoing any of panchakarma procedure, drinking water in the morning is contraindicated.
  5. Excessive Hiccup: if you are suffering from excessive hiccup, you should not drink water in the morning.
  6. Loss of appetite due to any Kapha and Vata Disorders.
  7. If you suffer from abdominal heaviness or stiffness in the abdomen or distension of the abdomen, then you should also not drink water in the morning.
Reference
  1. Nighantu Ratnakar, Chapter: Rasayana

9 Herbal Tea Benefits and Best Types of Herbal Tea to Drink

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9 Herbal Tea Benefits and Best Types of Herbal Tea to Drink

Herbal tea is a popular and beloved drink thanks to its soothing nature, natural taste, and promised health benefits. Most people drink it warm as they start or finish their busy day, while others have it cold in between meals. Many think of it as one of the healthiest teas and best teas around. However, you’ll soon discover more about herbal tea that’s sure to surprise and excite both regular and casual consumers alike.

In this article, we’ll look into all there is to know about herbal teas! What are they, how do you make one, what are the types, and what are its benefits. We’ll also share with you some of the best herbal tea recipes you can try, depending on your need. Now, get your mugs and kettles ready, and let’s get right into it.

What Is Herbal Tea?

Herbal tea, or tisane, are drinks made from leaves, roots, bark, berries, seeds, and spices of various plants, from dried flowers to fruits. Because of this variety, there are many kinds of tisane or herbal tea flavors you can choose from! The most popular types of tisane include chamomile tea, peppermint tea, hibiscus tea, and ginger tea.

Nowadays, tisane is drunk and enjoyed all over the world. A lot of people enjoy it paired with dishes like sweet  Vanilla Bean Crepes or some savory Zucchini Pork Dumplings! However, you may have seen people drink tisane when they’re not feeling well, have a cold, or sore throat.

Brief History of Tisane

This isn’t surprising since the origins of drinking herbal tea were partly medicinal in purpose. In fact, tisanes have been around for hundreds (if not thousands) of years, with origins dating back to Ancient Egypt and China. Traces of peppermint tea were found in many Egyptian pyramids, while records of medicinal herbal tea from China exist until today.

In these historic societies, tisanes were drunk to help treat illnesses or alleviate their symptoms. Peppermint can help provide relief for headache, stress, irritable bowel syndrome, and even prostate cancer.

Meanwhile, Chinese herbal tea called “leung cha” was said to help address all kinds of health problems. Some of its staple ingredients were the round leaf holly, thin evodia, heal-all herbs, bittermelon, and dandelion. All these ingredients worked together to help relieve sore throat and mouth ulcers, boost immunity, improve digestion, and lower blood pressure.

Tisane vs Tea

tisane herbal tea versus tea difference

Now, you may be wondering why the Chinese herbal tea leung cha doesn’t contain any tea leaves. That’s because despite its name, tisanes are not tea! There are many different types of teas out there, but tisanes or herbal teas are not one of them.

Real tea drinks all come from one plant: the Camellia Sinensis. The Camellia Sinensis (also known as tea plant) is an evergreen shrub or small tree which is native to Asia. It’s the tea plant’s leaves and buds that are used to make drinks like Earl Grey, Oolong, and Chai tea.

All the different types of tea come from the same source. However, it’s the processing of the tea leaves that sets to give each type its distinct flavor. To get chai and Classic Milk Tea’s black tea, the leaves are oxidized to achieve a rich, dark color. White tea, on the other hand, is left to dry out. Meanwhile, tea leaves used for oolong are shaken in bamboo baskets until lightly bruised and dried.

Tisanes aren’t made from the Camellia Sinensis’ tea leaves. Instead, they are made from “infusing” various plant materials with hot water. That’s where the word tisane comes from, which is French for the phrase “herbal infusion”.

Does Herbal Tea Have Caffeine?

No, tisanes do not have caffeine. Tea leaves’ caffeine content ranges from green tea’s 35 milligrams to black tea’s whopping 90 milligrams. But since herbal teas don’t use such leaves, they generally have zero caffeine. Ergo, they’re like caffeine free tea, making tisanes safe for drinking before bed! This also makes them a great alternative for those who want a warm drink, but don’t want to ingest any caffeine.

How To Make Herbal Tea

how to make herbal tea tisane infusion decoction

There are two ways to make herbal tea: through infusion or decoction.

We’ve previously mentioned how tisanes are made by way of infusion. Infusion, or steeping, involves pouring boiling water over plant material. This method is the most common way of making organic herbal teas.

Decoction, on the other hand, involves placing the plant material in boiling water to release more flavor and essential oils.

Whether you do infusion or decoction depends on which kind of plant material you’re using. Seeds, leaves, and flowers are usually made into herbal tea by way of infusion. Meanwhile, bark, roots, and berries一which have tougher and smaller surfaces一go through the decoction method.

Brewing time will also depend on the type of material used for making your drink. Some herbal tea recipes like this Lavender Herb Tea have a short brewing time of around 2 to 5 minutes. Others have it longer, like this Hot Cranberry Citrus Drink which needs to be steeped for up to 20 minutes. Although generally, medicinal herbal tea requires a longer steeping time of around 15 minutes to get the fullest brew.

Instructions on how to make tisane will differ based on the ingredients used. However, be careful when making any herbal tea using aluminum pots! This material can react negatively with herbs and other plant materials, resulting in a toxic drink. So, steer clear of them when brewing.

Lastly, if you’re making tisane for medicinal purposes, it’s best to brew the plant materials while covered with a lid. While you could still steep without covering, you won’t get the most potent herbal drink. Doing so allows all the important essential oils containing medicinal properties to remain inside the brew.

Types Of Herbal Tea

types of herbal tea

The types of tisane are categorized depending on which part of the plant it comes from. Some major types of herbal tea include the flower, leaf, root, bark, seed or spice, and fruit or berry tisanes.

Some examples of leaf tisanes are mint tea, tulsi tea, and Lemongrass Tea. The popular chamomile, lavender, and hibiscus tea are flower tisanes. Meanwhile, the well-loved cinnamon and black cherry are examples of bark tisanes.

Ginger tea, Valerian Root Tea, and Licorice Root Tea are a few types of root tisanes. Any fruit, from blueberries, raspberries, peach, apple, and kiwifruits, made into herbal drinks are fruit (or berry) tisanes. Lastly, cardamom, caraway, and fennel tea are seed and spice tisanes.

Sometimes, some herbal tea blends contain two or more plant parts. Take, for example, this Ginger Cinnamon Tea Recipe which uses both the ginger root and cinnamon bark. Other tisane can also be made with stems, moss, and other similar plant material. In fact, kombucha is often thought of as tisane, although it is technically closer to yeast and bacteria.

Another way of categorizing tisanes can depend on their purpose. Medicinal herbal drinks like Chinese herbal tea or leung cha are more of a remedy than a beverage for pleasure. Not all of these necessarily have the best taste, with leung cha’s flavors being bitter and medicinal-tasting. However, some herbal drinks, like Chamomile tea, have both a great taste and potential health benefits!

What Is Herbal Tea Good For? Here’s 9 Benefits Of Herbal Tea

9 health benefits of herbal tea tisane

There are many reasons to drink herbal tea. It’s relatively easy to make and has a refreshing natural taste. It also doesn’t have caffeine, so you can drink it even at night. However, one of the main reasons for loving tisane tea would be for its promised health benefits. So, what does herbal tea do? As said before, many herbal drinks were originally drunk for medicinal purposes. But what are some of these? We’ll now list the top 9 benefits of drinking tisane!

Calming and Relaxing Effect

After drinking a warm cup of tisane, it’s almost automatic to suddenly feel more relaxed and calm. Many point to this effect as one major reason for why they drink them after a long and tiring day.

Indeed, tisanes’ calming and relaxing effect is already a well-known selling point. In this way, they’re also known to be helpful to those who have sleeping issues. If you have insomnia or have been feeling restless lately, drinking tisane can help calm you, making it easier for you to fall asleep.

Helps Boost the Immune System

Many credited tisanes in helping boost one’s immune system. Certain herbal teas’ ingredients have antioxidants, vitamins, as well as antifungal and antibacterial properties that can help strengthen a person’s immune system. This is partly the reason why those who feel like they’ll get a fever or a cold drink tisanes.

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Helps Lessen Pain

Some tisanes’ ingredients also have anti-inflammatory properties that can help lessen the feeling of pain brought on by certain illnesses. In particular, they could help lessen pain experienced in the joint or muscle areas.

Can Help Prevent Development of Certain Diseases

In addition to helping boost the immune system, some herbal tea ingredients’ antioxidants can also help prevent chronic diseases. That’s because antioxidants can target and remove “free radicals” that damage cells and cause illnesses. Certain herbs, like the heal-all herb from China, could also help lower blood pressure. It’s one of the reasons why they included herbs in making medicinal herbal drinks.

Improves Digestion

Herbal teas are also known to help improve digestion! They do these by helping to eliminate free radicals in the stomach, strengthening stomach muscles, and lessening acid reflux. Tisane can also help improve the digestive tract’s blood flow.

It’s Calorie-Free

Those who are on a herbal tea diet will be happy to know that, like water, tisanes have zero calories! On its own, herbal teas are calorie-free. They’re a suitable alternative drink for people who are looking after their caloric intake. Of course, while tisanes are calorie-free, usual sweeteners, like sugar and honey, aren’t. So, if you’re drinking herbal tea for its zero-calorie content, it’s better to skip the sweeteners.

Has Anti-Aging Properties

The antioxidants present in herbal tea ingredients also have anti-aging properties. These antioxidants not only eliminate free radicals that damage cells. By eliminating free radicals, they also prevent the body’s cells from being damaged and from aging. This gives its consumers a healthier and younger look and feel.

Good for Skin Health

Many used herbal teas as an alternative treatment for acne. Certain teas, like chamomile and rooibos, helped treat skin diseases because of their antioxidants and antibacterial properties. And because of tisanes’ anti-aging properties, your skin health will get vastly improved as well.

Promotes Brain Function

Last but not least is tisanes’ ability to boost brain function. Drinking herbal teas does this by increasing blood flow to the brain. This allows your brain to get a sufficient amount of nutrients and oxygen to help you think properly. So, those who need help focusing and attaining clarity of mind can definitely benefit from drinking tisane!

Best Types of Herbal Teas to Drink

best types of herbal tea tisane to drink

Now you know the major benefits of drinking herbal teas. This time, we’ll share with you which ones you should try depending on your need.

Herbal Tea For Anxiety

Feeling stressed and anxious lately? Chamomile, lemon balm, and passionflower tea are just some of the tisanes that can help. These teas have calming and relaxing effects that can reduce your feelings of stress and anxiety.

If you’re having trouble falling asleep, valerian tea also has properties that are naturally sedative. This can help you sleep faster, and can improve your quality of sleep.

Herbal Tea For Weight Loss

South Africa’s rooibos tea, or redbush tea, has been hinted to help promote weight loss. One study done on obese rats showed that rooibos tea was able to increase their fat metabolism. This means that it was able to speed up the breakdown of fats. It also blocked the rat subjects’ fat cells from even forming!

They may seem impressive. However, it’s important to note that these experiments used animal subjects and not humans. Still, it won’t hurt to try some rooibos tea while you’re on your weight loss journey.

Herbal Tea For Constipation

Senna, peppermint, ginger, dandelion, licorice root, and parsley tea are great tisanes for helping relieve symptoms of constipation. Senna is already well-known for having laxative properties. Meanwhile, peppermint may help soothe upset stomachs by helping to move stool through the intestines.

Ginger root can calm irritated digestive systems, while dandelion can boost the gut to make bile that helps relieve constipation. Licorice root has an anti-inflammatory property that may also help with digestive issues. And lastly, both anectodal and scientific evidence shows that parsley herb can help relieve mild cases of constipation.

Herbal Tea For Cough

Those who have coughs can have some honey, marshmallow root, and thyme tea to help soothe their irritated throats. Honey tea can not only soothe throats sore from coughing, they could also help alleviate cold symptoms.

For centuries, people have used marshmallow root tea to ease coughs. It can help loosen mucus and stop any bacteria from developing! Lastly, the herb thyme has antimicrobial activities that can be useful in treating coughs.

Word of Caution

While herbal teas can help relieve mild symptoms and illnesses, remember that they are not proper cures or treatments for said health problems. Drinking tisanes should never replace seeing a doctor for any health issues you’re experiencing.

Also, don’t forget to take extra care when drinking herbal teas! Some herbal tea are not safe to consume during pregnancy. Other tisane are also not safe for the elderly and for children.

Last Thoughts

Herbal teas are wonderful beverages for their natural taste and promised health benefits. Tisanes can help make you calm and relaxed, and can lessen certain illnesses’ symptoms. However, do be careful when taking these herbal teas as they are by no means a replacement for proper medical care. Tisanes are simply healthy drinks that you can enjoy with food or as is, hot or cold.

Panchakarma: The Complete Mind-Body-Spirit Healing and Detoxification

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Panchakarma: The Complete Mind-Body-Spirit Healing and Detoxification
Panchakarma: The Complete Mind-Body-Spirit Cleanse
The “5 Treatments” for the Ultimate Healing Experience

Panchakarma is a Sanskrit word that basically translates to “five treatments.” It is a process that cleanses and detoxifies the body on all levels, leading to stronger immunity and overall health. It’s considered one of the most famous and effective healing processes in Ayurveda. It’s recommended seasonally for some individuals, as well as when someone is experiencing illness.

Panchakarma is a Rejuvenating Detox

The ultimate goal of the process of Panchakarma is to remove toxins, ama, from the body left by any sicknesses and poor diet. In a completely natural state, the human body would rid itself of any toxins on its own and balance the Doshas. But over time, after repeated dietary indiscretions, not enough or too much exercise and an unhealthy lifestyle, the hormones and agni of the body become out of balance. This is what leads to the accumulation and the spread of toxins throughout the body, creating disease on all levels.

But fortunately, the treatments of Panchakarma remove the excess Doshas and balance them, and remove ama from the body at a very deep level through the body’s own channels: the colon, sweat glands, lungs, bladder, urinary tract, stomach, intestines, just to name a few.

Panchakarma is highly individualized based on the unique needs of the individual, their age, constitution, current imbalances, and digestive strength. Once they are evaluated, an Ayurvedic practitioner will decide whether all or only some of the treatments will be used. It’s important that these treatments are done under the supervision and/or guidance of an experienced Ayurvedic professional! All five of the treatments must be administered in a specific sequence for a set amount of time.

For the most part, Panchakarma is a wonderful process of healing and rejuvenation. But there can be periods of discomfort, especially when large amounts of toxins are being released. This is another reason why it’s so important a knowledgable expert is involved in the process and can recognize the signs of properly and improperly administered Panchakarma. Fortunately, these signs were recorded in detail by the ancient vaidyas.

The Process

Like any medical procedure, Panchakarma starts with an initial consultation where the patient’s Prakriti is determined, the nature of any illnesses is described and the appropriate therapies are prescribed. As your Panchakarma treatment progresses, you will be given a special diet combined with certain herbs and essential oils to use at home.

The Treatments

If you complete Panchakarma at an Ayurvedic hospital or center, there will likely be two therapists working at the same time or day to help with the treatments. Two, three or four of these treatments might be done in one day. The following practices are some of the most common and popular healing treatments, but there are many more.

Abhyanga

Abhyanga is an herbal-oil massage that is specially designed to penetrate deep into the skin, relax the mind and body, and greatly stimulate both arterial and lymphatic circulation. It increases the ability of the body to utilize nutrients and remove toxins. The result of abhyanga is both internal and external healing.

Shirodhara 

Shirodhara is a slow and methodical pouring of warm herbal oil over the forehead. It synchronizes brain waves and profoundly calms the mind, body, and spirit.

Garshana

Garshana is a dry lymphatic skin brushing with either wool or silk. The brushing enhances circulation and cleanses the skin so that the following oil treatments can penetrate into the cleansed and opened skin pores.

Swedana

Swedana is an herbal steam bath. The head and heart areas are kept cool while the body is heated to remove mental, emotional, and physical toxins lodged in the tissues. Keeping the head and heart cool provides a sense of calm and openness while the therapeutic steam over the entire body penetrates and cleanses deeply without the body becoming overheated and stressed.

Pizichili

Pizichili is a continuous stream of warm herbal oil poured over the body by two Ayurvedic therapists as they massage the body in unison. The warmth of the oil and synchronicity of the massage deeply cleanse the tissues and promote a heightened state of awareness.

Udvartana

Udvartana is a lymphatic massage with an herbal paste. This exfoliating treatment conditions the skin while removing stagnant lymphatic toxins from the body.

Basti

Basti is an herbal enema that pulls toxins out of the colon. This is the final stage of each daily Panchakarma treatment. The freshly loosened impurities from each day of treatment are flushed out of the body with the use of basti. It is considered one of the most important and powerful aspects of Panchakarma treatment.

Nasya

When practicing Nasya, herbal oil drops are inhaled through the nose, which clears the sinuses of excessive mucus. It’s calming and healing for the central nervous system. This treatment nourishes the deep dryness that exists at the root of many respiratory and allergic conditions.

Shiro-Abhyanga-Nasya

This treatment is a head, neck, shoulder and facial lymphatic massage followed by deep inhalation of therapeutic aromatic steam and a nasal and sinus nasya with herbal nose drops. This popular treatment balances and greatly supports the healing of most head, neck, and respiratory disorders.

Pinda Swedana

During Pinda Swedana, rice boiled in milk and specific herbs is massaged deeply into the tissues and joints. The treatment is deeply relaxing and rejuvenating as well as powerfully detoxifying.

Panchakarma Kottakkal Ayurveda

Panchakarma As A Foundation for Health & Wellbeing

When ama accumulates in the body it blocks the flow of healing energy and nourishment throughout the system. Ayurveda considers this build-up of toxins, ama, the underlying cause of all disease. A common example of this that can be understood in modern terms is the accumulation of saturated fat and cholesterol that is beyond the body’s capacity to metabolize. Over time, this accumulation leads to the blockage of the blood vessels and arteries and possibly to heart attacks.

While it’s easy to understand agni and ama and how what you eat affects it, it’s also incredibly important to remember that your mind and heart are continually digesting energy and information too. You have mental digestive powers that are working almost constantly as well to break down these ideas into smaller parts that your intellect can digest. Your emotional agni is responsible for processing your experiences and emotions, from the smile of a friend to unexpected criticism at work.

If your emotional agni is strong, you are able to extract from your experience what is positive and nourishing and remove the rest. The inability to “digest” emotions produces just as much toxic residue as undigested food. Pent-up anger, long-held sadness, and guilt are incredibly debilitating and greatly impact physical digestion as well.

Why You Should Consider Doing Panchakarma Therapy

Panchakarma reverses negative mental, emotional, and physical effects, even when they are strong and long-lasting. Panchakarma uses a combination of massage, herbal saunas, special foods, and nutritional directives, mild fasting, and colon therapies to rid the body of accumulated toxins.

What To Expect During Your Panchakarma Process

Panchakarma can induce a “healing crisis.” This is part of the process and is expected. A healing crisis occurs when a significant quantity of toxins that have been locked in the body are released into the outer levels of the system for elimination. As these toxins are expelled you may experience insomnia, exhaustion, aching or flu-like symptoms. You may also develop a feverish feeling, which is simply your body’s way of burning up toxic waste or mood swings and intense emotions. Visit or speak with your Ayurvedic professional on a daily basis while undergoing Panchakarma treatments so they can support you mentally, emotionally, and physically.

Tips for Doing Panchakarma At Home

During the first stages of your Panchakarma therapy when you are undergoing daily massage and steam baths there are several things you should do to help improve the cleanse.

  • Drink plenty of pure water, soothing herbal teas (be sure they are caffeine-free) and fresh, organic fruit and vegetable juices.
  • Eat light foods in moderate amounts, and increase your daily rest.
  • Be gentle and nurturing to yourself.
  • Completing the PK Cycle

When you are done with your Panchakarma treatment, you will be amazed at your increased energy and renewed vitality! Periodic Panchakarma treatments, in addition to sustaining a healthy diet and exercise routine, will help you to stay happy, energetic, and disease-free!

3 Mantras for Healing Your Mind, Body & Soul in Harmony

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3 Mantras for Healing Your Mind, Body & Soul in Harmony

Wellness means taking care of your life because you love being alive, not because you don’t want to be sick. If you want to do more than survive, use these mantras for healing. They’ll help you take care of yourself because you love how that feels.

Use these three mantras for healing your mind, body, and soul, all together. You might start or stick with one if it feels like a better entry point for you right now.

Whichever mantra is your favorite, use it every day, like you’re telling yourself what you most need to hear. So you can feel, and heal, better.

1. “I forgive you.”

This is a mantra for the mind…

My mind is a space where thoughts come and go. I let them come and go without holding too tightly. I can have beliefs and desires and know that, ultimately, I’m more than anything I could ever imagine.

I say, “I forgive you” to the thoughts themselves for having ever made me feel anything less than loved and loving. I forgive myself for holding on to what hurts and for believing in what denies my own worth.

To forgive is to believe that the future can be better than the past, and that the present is where it all starts.

2. “I am grateful.”

This is a mantra for the body…

My being here is the greatest miracle of all. The fact that I’m alive right now, on earth as I am, with people I love around me… this is a gift. And I am grateful for it.

My cells respond to everything I tell them. Today I tell them loving thoughts, helpful thoughts, grateful thoughts. My body responds with healing.

“The rhythm of the body, the melody of the mind and the harmony of the soul create the symphony of life.” – B.K.S. Iyengar

3. “I am healing.”

This is a mantra for the soul…

Not only am I in the process of healing, but I AM the healing. I visualize the healing that’s happening inside of me. I embrace it. I embody it. I become it, and I clear the path ahead for more healing, from the inside out.

Chamomile Tea Health Benefits & Side Effects

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Chamomile Tea Health Benefits & Side Effects

Chamomile is a daisy-like flower, which is dried and used to make herb infusion serving medicinal purpose. Chamomile tea is a popular herbal tea loaded with ample health benefits. This fragrant brew is a perfect inclusion in daily routine to stay fit and healthy.

It has been in use for centuries, but many of us are not aware of its miraculous health effects.

How to Make Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea is usually a combination of dried chamomile flowers and hot water. You can also add honey and lemon juice to enhance the taste of chamomile tea. To begin making chamomile tea, following ingredients are required.

Material Required:

  1. A small pot
  2. A teaspoon
  3. A tea strainer
Ingredients Quantity
Hot water 2 cup
Chamomile flowers (dried) 1 to 2 tsp. (for strong tea 3 to 6 tsp.)
Honey 1 to 2 tsp.
Lemon Juice 1 tsp.

Serving: two

Instructions

  1. Add two cups of water to a small pot.
  2. Let it heat for some time until it starts boiling.
  3. Add 1-2 teaspoons of dried chamomile flowers.
  4. Let it boil for some time.
  5. Stir the mixture properly.
  6. Strain out all the solid particles with the help of a tea strainer.
  7. Add honey and lemon juice to the strained liquid for a refreshing taste.

Health Benefits of Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea is packed with health benefits. Ayurveda has acknowledged its advantages since time immemorial. It significantly cures several health problems due to which it has gained popularity in terms of medicinal use. Chamomile tea is not only effective in curing physical disorders, but also has wondrous effect in keeping both mind and spirit healthy. Let us have a look at its enormous benefits and medicinal usages.

Chamomile Tea reduces Stress and Anxiety

Since life has become stressful, there are many who suffer from anxiety and depression. As a cure to this, doctors prescribe anti-depressants, which are expensive as well as prone to induce side effects. Moreover, these pose temporary solution to the problem. On the other hand, chamomile tea is a permanent solution to anxiety disorder, if incorporated in daily schedule. It is a great nerve relaxant and stress reliever. The aroma of chamomile tea also has therapeutic impact on the body. It ensures a refreshing and relaxing effect on the senses when inhaled. Every sip of chamomile tea brings you to a step closer to the joyous world.

Chamomile Tea helps improving immunity

Chamomile tea plays an indispensable role in fighting weak immune system. Regular intake of the brew greatly boosts up immunity and prevents frequently occurring health problems including the dreadful common cold.

Chamomile Tea induces sleep and aids in Insomnia

It is always better to treat sleeping disorder with natural herbal remedy instead of depending on drugs that are meant to put a person to sleep. Chamomile tea has a spectacular effect on insomnia and reduces all signs of it. It re-establishes peaceful and calms the mind. Chamomile tea is also known as nighttime tea for its sedative effects.

Chamomile use in skin diseases

Chamomile tea helps in maintaining healthy and glowing skin devoid of any problem. The antioxidants present in chamomile help in flushing out harmful toxins from the body.

Regular consumption of it can be quite beneficial in terms of providing anti-inflammatory properties. It can soothe chicken pox, bruises, rashes, insect bites, sunburns, acne, itchiness, inflammation, eczema, skin irritations, psoriasis, etc.

Antioxidant action of Chamomile fights against Cancer

Chamomile tea has antioxidant properties that help fight against cancer. It also has a significant role to play in preventing cancer. It slows down the growth and may prevent spread of cancer cells especially in case of breast cancer and leukemia cancer.

Chamomile can reduce blood sugar in Type-2 diabetes

Chamomile tea helps in keeping hyperglycemia under control besides preventing other complications associated with diabetes like vision loss or kidney damage. It also plays a pivotal role in preventing diabetes. `

Protective action of chamomile tea in cardiovascular diseases

Chamomile tea is quite effective in curing ailments associated with heart. It maintains normal blood pressure and drastically acts on bringing down high blood pressure.

The antioxidants in chamomile tea potentially fight against the abnormalities. The chemicals in chamomile tea has blood-thinning effect due to which blood vessels remain healthy, blood circulation improves and heart is provided with long term protection against cardiovascular diseases.

Analgesic effect of chamomile in Rheumatoid arthritis

You can manage rheumatoid arthritis with the help of daily intake of chamomile tea. It gradually reduces the intensity of pain and restores normal life, which is otherwise disrupted by arthritis.

Chamomile tea can help in Dental problems

Common dental problems like painful gums, canker sores, gingivitis and toothaches can be treated with the help of chamomile tea. One cup of chamomile tea daily can prove to be very soothing and relieving for people facing frequent dental issues.

Chamomile tea alleviates stomach pain

Chamomile tea works wonders on tummy troubles and digestive issues. It relieves stomach of pain, gassiness and nausea.

Chamomile reduces menstrual cramps

Chamomile tea soothes the muscles of uterus and relieves disastrous cramps that occur during menstrual days.

Dosage of chamomile tea

You can drink 2 cups of chamomile tea a day. You should not consume of chamomile tea more than four cups a day to avoids its side effects.

Chamomile Tea Side Effects

You should figure out if you are allergic to any plant belonging to Asteraceae (Compositae) family then you might be allergic to chamomile as well. Chamomile tea causes skin reactions and respiratory disorders in people who are allergic to it.

Consult a doctor on consuming chamomile tea before undergoing any surgery. It has blood-thinning effect.

Chamomile tea should be avoided while driving. It has sedative effect (mild though).

Too much consumption of chamomile tea should be avoided within a short span of time. It has effects of nausea.

Chamomile in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

You should AVOID Chamomile tea during pregnancy because it works as a uterine stimulant. Therefore, it has great chances of causing miscarriage.

There is no information available regarding its intake during breastfeeding. It is better to consult a doctor about it for safer implications.

Contraindications

Since, chamomile tea has mild sedative effect, so you should not take it with any other prescribed or over-the-counter drugs. The safest option is to consult a healthcare provider about it.

Drug Interactions

Chamomile tea can interact with blood thinners. It increases the blood thinning effect of anti-platelets and anti-coagulants.

It also interacts with diabetes medications and emergency contraceptives. Therefore, you should always consult your healthcare provider if you are on a plan of including chamomile tea in daily schedule.

CCF: Ayurveda’s Miracle Tea

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CCF: Ayurveda’s Miracle Tea

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.

Hibiscus Tea Benefits & Side Effects

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Hibiscus Tea Benefits & Side Effects

Hibiscus Tea has a great therapeutic value due to its cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, cholesterol lowering, and metabolism stimulating properties. It also has a gentle laxative and mild antitussive action.

Hibiscus tea is an herbal tea made from the sepals of the Hibiscus Sabdariffa (Roselle) flower. The hibiscus delicious herbal tea is great for you and has several health benefits.

About: Hibiscus is a bushy annual plant. Hibiscus plant grows in tropical areas and produces orange red flowers.  These flowers have been used for centuries for various medicinal purposes.  It is also called (CHINA ROSE).Its flowers are harvested, dried and can be steeped as a hibiscus tea.

Nutritional Value

AMOUNT PER 100 GRAMS
Calories 37
Fats 0.6 grams
Cholesterol 0 mg
Sodium 3 mg
Potassium 9 mg
Total Carbohydrate 7 mg
Protein 9 mg

Hibiscus tea is also a rich source of Vitamin C and iron. Vitamin A is also present but in small amount.

Vitamins & Minerals % Daily Value
Vitamin A 5 %
Vitamin B 6 0 %
Vitamin B 12 0 %
Calcium 0 %
Iron 47 %
Vitamin C 30 %
Vitamin D 0 %
Magnesium 0 %

Those who are trying to find natural and ayurvedic methods of healing illness and diseases, hibiscus tea is a good solution for them. This hibiscus tea has been gaining the popularity over the past few years due its benefits. The tea can be enjoyed hot or cold with different ingredients for different and unique taste.

How to Make Hibiscus Tea

Here we look at the different methods of preparing the hibiscus tea. The tea can be prepared as –

  • Regular Hibiscus tea recipe
  • Jamaican Hibiscus tea recipe
  • Mint hibiscus iced tea

Recipe 1: Regular Hibiscus Tea Recipe

Ingredients: Quantity
Dried hibiscus flowers Three or four
Boiling water One cup
Sugar or honey As per taste

Directions:

  1. Place hibiscus flowers in the cup.
  2. Put boiled water over them.
  3. Allow to steep them for five minutes.
  4. Add sugar or honey according to your taste.

You can also add lemon and mint in it for enhancing the taste of it.

Recipe 2: Jamaican Hibiscus Tea Recipe

Ingredients Quantity
Dried hibiscus flowers One cup
Water 4 cups
Sugar or honey One cup or as per taste
Cinnamon One table spoon
Ginger Just a  pinch

Directions:

  1. Mix sugar, water, cinnamon and ginger in the sauce pan.
  2. Heat the mixture until it mixed well.
  3. Now put the whole mixture in the cup of dried hibiscus flowers and stir well.
  4. Let it to be steep for 20 minutes. Put ice or place it to be chilled.
  5. You can also add lemon and mint as per your taste.

Recipe 3: Mint Hibiscus Iced Tea

Ingredients Quantity
Hibiscus tea bags 4 bags
Boiling water 4 cups
Cold water 2 cups
Apple juice 2 cups
Mint leaves ½ cup

Directions:

  1. Steep the 4 tea bags of hibiscus tea and mint leaves in 4 cups of boiling water for about 10 to 15 minutes.
  2. Add 2 cups of cold water and apple juice in it. Refrigerate it for chilling. Serve it.

Dosage

However, the right and appropriate dose of the hibiscus tea depends on the several factors such as age of the person, health conditions or other factors, but the general dosage is as follows:

Hibiscus Tea Blends Therapeutic Dosage
Regular Hibiscus Tea Recipe A cup – thrice daily
Jamaican Hibiscus Tea Recipe 1/2 to 1 Cup – twice daily
Mint Hibiscus Iced Tea 1/2 to 1 Cup – twice daily

Hibiscus Tea Benefits

Hibiscus Tea is mainly useful due to its antibiotic like action, which helps fighting off bacterial infections. Its antiviral action reduces common cold severity and gives early relief. Scientific research has suggested it reduces blood pressure, abdominal spasms and uterine cramps.

Cough & Cold

The main action of Hibiscus in cough is to dissolve phlegm and reduce its stickiness and thickness. Due to this mucolytic action of Hibiscus tea, it is beneficial in productive cough with excess amount of thick and sticky mucus.

In cold, it is beneficial when one has nasal-congestion, sneezing and thick discharge from the nose. These symptoms appear after 1 to 2 days of common cold attack.

Hibiscus tea is also rich in vitamin C, which has antioxidant action. The essential phyto-nutrients present in the hibiscus tea boost our immune system and helps the body to fight off illness, flu and infections.

Lowers cholesterol levels and maintains cardiac health

The anti-oxidants (bioflavonoid) present in hibiscus tea helps to remove plaque from the walls of the arteries and puts positive effect on the cardiac health. These bioflavonoids reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Lowering cholesterol levels improves cardiac health and decreases the heart related risks.

Tip: Adding a pinch of black pepper in the Hibiscus tea increases anti-cholesterol properties of Hibiscus.

Use of Hibiscus Tea High Blood Pressure

Hibiscus Tea is useful in mild to moderate hypertensive cases. Its antihypertensive action and hypocholesterolemic effect of Hibiscus Tea is attributed to Anthocyanins, polyphenols and hibiscus acid present in Hibiscus. Anthocyanins inhibit LDL-C oxidation, which helps impeding atherosclerosis or narrowing of the blood vessels. Antihypertensive action of Hibiscus Tea or Hibiscus extract is comparable with CAPTROPRIL. Moreover, Hibiscus tea is a diuretic and increases urination, which may also help lowering blood pressure. Patients who have hypertension (high blood pressure) can take hibiscus tea daily.

Cancer

The anti-oxidants present in hibiscus tea helps to reduce free radicals in the body and can prevent pre-cancerous cells from growing. In this way, hibiscus tea reduces the risks of having cancer in the body.

Depression

Hibiscus tea has been used for centuries to treat mental related problems such as stress, depression, anxiety etc. The people having mood swings and depression should take hibiscus tea in their daily life. This will put positive effect on their mind and refreshes the nervous system. It gives calm to the mind and the body. Adding Brahmi (Bacopa Monnieri) leaves in the tea increases its efficacy.

Safety Profile

Hibiscus tea is LIKELY SAFE & WELL TOLERATED within the dosage described in this article. There are no side effects reported with hibiscus tea regular use for 8 weeks.

There is some evidence that hibiscus might start menstruation, and this could cause a miscarriage. There is not enough reliable information about the safety of taking hibiscus if you are breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side, and avoid use.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Hibiscus tea may be unsafe and not recommended for the pregnant women or those who are undergoing fertility treatments. It lowers the level of estrogens in the body and can cause menstruation, which may lead to miscarriage or bleeding. Specifically, pregnant women in first trimester should not take hibiscus tea. Women having hormone treatment or taking birth control pills should not take hibiscus tea.

The safety information about Hibiscus tea use by lactating mothers is not available, so avoid taking it during this period.

Precautions

Drowsiness & Hallucinations: After drinking hibiscus tea, one feels a bit drowsy. However, it is not a side effect, but it helps you to relax and fall asleep because it has mild hallucinogenic effects. So, one should avoid to take this tea if he is planning to drive a vehicle or operate heavy machinery.

Low blood pressure: As taking hibiscus tea lowers the high blood pressure, but the people already have low blood pressure should avoid taking this tea. It can further lower pressure and increases health risks.

Tulsi Tea (Holy Basil Tea) Benefits & Side Effects

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Tulsi Tea (Holy Basil Tea) Benefits & Side Effects

Tulsi Tea (Holy Basil Tea) is rich in antioxidants and natural phytochemicals, which are water-soluble and infuse into the tea during preparation. Mainly Tulsi Tea supports immune system, respiratory system, digestive system and nervous system. It has antimicrobial and immunomodulatory properties, which help prevent common cold, recurrent infections, flu, productive cough and bronchitis. It is also an appetite and digestive stimulant. Therefore, Holy Basil Tea helps in improving the appetite, digestion and overall metabolism in the body. It also has calming effect and stress relieving effect on the brain, so it is helpful for people with stress disorders, depression and anxiety. The antioxidant action of Tulsi tea protects against cancer and other diseases by scavenging free radicals.

About: Tulsi (Holy Basil) is the most sacred herb in India and named “Queen of the herbs”. It is also known as Holy Basil. It is found in southern part of Asia like Thailand, India and Hindu influenced countries. Hindu has been worshipping the Tulsi herb morning and evening since the past 5000 years. Due to its effective benefits, it is not known in India, but also known in all over the world. The meaning of the word Tulsi is “the incomparable Plant”. Tulsi is the Sanskrit name of the Holy Basil plant. The scientific name of the Tulsi herb is Ocimum Tenuiflorum (Ocimum Sanctum). Its leaves are harvested and dried to form organic Tulsi Tea.

Good Points about Tulsi Tea

  1. No sugar
  2. No cholesterol
  3. No saturated fats
  4. Caffeine free
  5. Very high in calcium
  6. Very high in dietary fiber
  7. High in iron

Nutrients in Tulsi Tea

  • EUGENOL
  • TRITERPENOIDS
  • B-CARYOPHYLLENE
  • SESQUITERPENES
  • MONOTERPENES
  • ASCORBIC ACID
  • CAROTENE (VITAMIN A)
  • ROSMARINIC ACID
  • URSOLIC ACID
  • APIGENIN
  • SELENIUM
  • ZINC
  • MANGANESE
  • TRACE ELEMENTS

How to Make Tulsi Tea

Here we look at the different Tulsi Tea Recipes. Generally, Tulsi Tea can have three variants.

  1. Simple Tulsi Tea
  2. Lemon Tulsi Tea (Hot or Cold)
  3. Ginger Tulsi Tea with Milk (Hot)

Tulsi Tea Recipe-1 – Simple Tulsi Tea

Ingredients Amount
Chopped Tulsi Leaves 2 tablespoons (eq. 5 grams)
Water 1 and 1/2  cup

Method:

  1. Take water in a tea pan and add 2 tbsp. Chopped Tulsi Leaves.
  2. Boil the water with Chopped Tulsi Leaves for 5 to 10 minutes.
  3. Strain the Tulsi Tea and serve it hot.

Tulsi Tea Recipe-2 – Lemon Tulsi Tea

Ingredients Amount
Chopped Tulsi Leaves 2 tablespoons (eq. 5 grams)
Water 1 and 1/2  cup
Sugar or honey As per taste (preferably 1 tsp.)
Lemon Juice One tablespoon

Method – (For serving Hot):

  1. Boil water for five to ten minutes.
  2. Strain and add lemon Juice.
  3. Serve warm and add honey or sugar as per taste.

Method – (For serving cold):

  1. Boil water for five to ten minutes.
  2. Strain and add refrigerate it.
  3. Add lemon juice.
  4. Add honey or sugar as per taste and serve cold.

Tulsi Tea Recipe-3 – Ginger Tulsi Tea with Milk

Ingredients Amount
Chopped Tulsi Leaves 5 leaves
Normal tea powder ½ tsp.
Ginger 3 or 4 slices
Water 1 ½   cup
Milk ¼ cup
Sugar or honey As per taste

Method

  1. Mix Tulsi leaves, normal tea powder, sugar (but not honey, if it is used in place of sugar), ginger slices in water and boil for 10 to 15 minutes.
  2. Add milk and boil for five minutes again
  3. Strain and serve hot.
  4. If you want to add honey in Tulsi Tea, then let it become warm and then mix honey as per your taste.

Additives: You can also add coriander seeds, anise seeds, lemon grass, and cardamom powder while boiling.

Tulsi Tea Benefits

Taking Tulsi tea reduces stress, lowers cholesterol, eliminates toxins from the body, and provides nutrients and antioxidants to the body. That helps the body to get rid of free radicals that are responsible for various chronic diseases. It supports heart, lungs, liver and blood vessels. It also regulates blood sugar levels and blood pressure. Tulsi tea has anti-microbial properties, which makes it a healthy drink. Following are some benefits of taking Tulsi tea in your routine:

Respiratory Benefits

Tulsi tea helps to enhance the immune system. It helps in expelling out the phlegm from throat. The immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties of the Tulsi tea provide relief from the common cold, cough and other respiratory issues like bronchitis and asthma. Tulsi tea also contains CAMPHENE, EUGENOL, and CINEOLE that help in relieving the congestion. This herbal tea is full of antifungal, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which help the body in fighting with infections and allergies of respiratory tract.

Cardiovascular Benefits

Tulsi is a rich source of magnesium, which is good for the health of the heart. The magnesium helps the blood vessels to proper work. However, magnesium content in Tulsi tea is insignificant, but still it prevents the collection of the cholesterol and helps in free flow of the blood. It reduces the risks of having atherosclerosis. The antioxidants present in Tulsi Tea prevent the heart from free radical damage. Regular intake of Tulsi tea helps to reduce cholesterol levels and lower blood pressure.

Reduce Infectious Fevers

Tulsi tea is very helpful in mild fever conditions because it has anti-microbial, antibacterial and mild antipyretic properties. Fever itself is not a disease. It is actually a result of infections caused by microbes, virus or bacteria. Tulsi tea treats the infection caused by the microbes and lowers the temperature or fever. So, Tulsi tea helps in the recovery of the infectious fevers like upper respiratory infections, malaria, dengue etc.

Stress Disorders

Tulsi tea is helpful in maintaining the levels of cortisol hormones (stress hormones) in the body. High levels of cortisol make you more stressed. Therefore, Tulsi tea makes you stress free by lowering cortisol levels. It is a natural anti-stress agent, which also helps in soothing the nerves of the nervous system.

Dental & Oral Health

As it has anti-microbial properties, the Tulsi tea helps in fighting with germs and bacteria in the mouth. It helps the patients with pyorrhea, mouth ulcers and oral cancer. It prevents bad smell and acts as good mouth freshener.

Skin & Hair Benefits

As Tulsi tea is full of antioxidants and phytochemicals, it is beneficial in maintaining the healthy skin. As the age of a person increases, the body’s ability to fight with free radicals decreases and skin issues starts appearing. By taking Tulsi tea one can get ability to fight with free radicals in the body and make your skin healthy by delaying the signs of aging. Apart from that, this tea helps in reducing the itchiness of the skin of the head and cures hair condition.

Headaches

Today, headaches are very common due to stress, long hectic schedule or improper sleep. These are always frustrating or painful. It makes you mentally exhausted. A cup of Tulsi tea can make your senses rejuvenate and relax.

Weight Loss

If you want to lose your weight with a healthy and natural way, then Tulsi tea is the perfect product. Tulsi tea is effective and safe for losing weight. With this tea, your body will burn more and more fats by increasing the metabolism of in the body.

Digestive Health

Tulsi tea helps the individuals who are suffering from the constipation with mucus content. It helps to improve the overall functioning of the liver, bowels and the bladder. It has strong anti-spasmodic effects, which are helpful in painful constipation. It also helps in assimilation of lipids, carbohydrates and proteins.

Dissolve Kidney Stones

Tulsi tea is a diuretic that help to flush more impurities from your Kidneys and increase urination. It reduces the uric acid levels from the body. By removing the impurities, this tea helps in breaking down the stones in the kidneys. It also helps in reducing the pain due to kidney stones.

Diabetes

Drinking Tulsi tea without adding sugar has given a positive feedback to diabetic patients. It lowers the blood sugar levels in the blood. Tulsi Tea may also prevent diabetes in healthy individuals keeping healthy functions of pancreas and preventing insulin resistance.

Cancer

Tulsi tea contains anti-carcinogenic and anti-oxidant properties. These properties help to kill free radicals in the body and can prevent pre-cancerous cells from growing. Taking Tulsi tea daily reduces the risk of having cancer in various parts of body.

Quit Smoking

It is very hard to quit smoking. But if anybody wants to quit this bad habit from heart, he should drink one cup of tea in replace with each time of smoking. Most of the people do smoking because of stress. Tulsi tea has anti-stress compounds that help in quitting smoking.

Arthritis

Tulsi tea contains anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties that helps in reducing the pain and inflammation associated with the joint disorders. It also helps in reducing the swelling near joints and tissues.

Safety Profile

Tulsi Tea is LIKELY SAFE and beneficial for most individuals.

Tulsi Tea Side Effects

The over consumption of Ginger Tulsi Tea can cause heartburn, hyperacidity and burning sensation in the abdomen. However, these effects are not reported with simple Tulsi Tea (Tulsi Tea Recipe-1).

Warnings

  • Tulsi grown in polluted areas is not safe for the human beings. It may contain chromium and other toxins. These toxins can damage liver and kidneys. Therefore, you should purchase the organic Tulsi tea from the market or you can grow Tulsi herb in the healthy soil at your home or garden.
  • Do not use if you are allergic to Tulsi (Holy Basil).

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Excessive amount of Tulsi may cause contractions and menstruation. Specifically women in first trimester should avoid using of it. There is not particular information about the breastfeeding moms, but stay on the safe side. Do not use it.

Children

Tulsi tea is not recommended for the babies younger than two years.

Surgery

Use of Tulsi tea has blood-thinning properties. So, if you are planning a surgery of any body parts, then avoid using of Tulsi tea at least three weeks before a scheduled surgery.

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