Herbal Teas: Ayurvedic Benefits and Recipes

In Ayurveda, herbal teas are not just comforting drinks. They also offer many health benefits.   The herbs and spices used in these teas are specifically chosen for their medicinal properties and, their capacity to balance the Doshas.     Benefits of Herbal Tea     Herbal teas offer an array of health benefits. They include:   Stress Reduction: The body can better handle stress because of the adaptogenic qualities of herbs, like Aparajita.   Better Digestion:  Pepper and asafoiteda, among other ingredients, not only promote healthy digestion but also reduce gas and discomfort.   Detoxification:   Herbs like neem and turmeric, for instance, help the body rid itself of toxins and, moreover, purify the blood.   Improved Immunity: The infection-fighting properties of herbs, such as Ajwain, not only help boost immunity, but also enhance overall health.   But, before you consume any of these herbs, make sure that they are suitable for you.  You can, therefore, seek the help of a qualified Ayurvedic doctor to guide you.     Ayurvedic Herbal Tea Recipes     Here are some recipes of herbal teas that serve different purposes. Furthermore, they can provide various health benefits and enhance your overall well-being.     Anti-anxiety herbal tea     This tea is cooling in nature; moreover, it helps with better sleep, reduces anxiety, calms and relaxes the mind, and, in addition, improves memory.   It also works great for people with hypertension (high blood pressure) and hypothyroidism.      Ingredients:   Fresh blue pea flowers  Ajwain leaves  Water      How to prepare:  Take fresh blue pea flowers and remove the stalks.  Add them to boiling (hot) water and let them steep.   Add ajwain leaves for flavour and digestion.  Drink after dinner.       You can also prepare the tea by adding the flowers and ajwain leaves in water and boiling it.     As an Ayurvedic doctor, this tea, therefore, is part of my daily night time routine.  It helps me relax after a hectic day!     Herbal tea for digestion     Bharittha tea, on the other hand, is perfect to drink after having a heavy meal.   It alleviates gas, bloating and indigestion.    The tea also improves the digestive fire or Agni, scrapes off (Lekhana) the excess fat from food and subsides Vata and Kapha Doshas.    This Bharittha tea recipe is from the Ayurvedic text  – Yogaratnakara. Moreover, it highlights the importance of holistic health.     Ingredients:  Water  Lemon  Pepper  Himalayan Pink Salt  Asafoetida      How to Prepare:  Boil a glass of water  Add a squeeze of lemon to the water.  Add some pepper, asafoetida and Himalayan pink salt.   And your tea is ready!      Do not have this tea if, for instance, you suffer from acidity, acid reflux, or, in addition, heartburn     Licorice Tea     This tea is my absolute favourite.     It has helped me a lot; moreover, it is a great replacement for morning coffee.   This is the best thing to drink every morning (in all seasons) for your skin, hair, digestion and overall health.      Ingredients:   Licorice root  Water      How to Prepare:   Add 1 inch piece of licorice root to 2 glasses of water and reduce to 1 glass.           Licorice is not recommended for you if you suffer from hypertension; moreover, if you have a family history of the condition, it is also advised to avoid it.   Also, take it for a maximum period of 3 months and stop for a while.    Which herbal tea is your favourite?  Let me know in the comments!   If you are struggling with any health issues, you can either book a consultation with us or send us a message via WhatsApp to +91 79074 89839. We have the best Ayurvedic doctors in Trivandrum who are always glad to help you. If you have any queries, contact us.  You can also visit us at our hospital.

9 Essential Ayurvedic Herbs

Ayurvedic herbs and Panchakarma are the most popular Ayurveda stereotypes. There are many treatment methods in Ayurveda beyond Panchakarma. However, the role of ayurvedic herbs in healing is undeniable. The Samhitas have mentions of a wide variety of herbs that help cure different health conditions. Each of them has their own medicinal qualities and healing potential.    In this blog, let us look into the top 10 essential Ayurvedic herbs.       Top 9 Ayurvedic Herbs     Here are some of the best herbs that Ayurveda recommends:     Turmeric     Turmeric is known as the golden spice due to the presence of the active component, Curcumin that gives it the yellow colour. The presence of Curcumin makes turmeric a great remedy for long-term health issues, despite like arthritis and diabetes. The strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of turmeric provides relief from joint pain, improves digestion and boosts immunity.      Tulsi     Known as “Queen of Herbs,” Tulsi has immune-modulating, adaptogenic and antibacterial properties. This herb helps boost your energy, lower stress and indeed  promote respiratory health.  Despite its benefits, it is not safe to overconsume Tulsi, especially if you have bleeding problems or low blood sugar levels.    Triphala     Triphala is a popular Ayurvedic formulation with three fruits (Amalaki, Bhibitaki and Haritaki) as its ingredients. It is majorly used externally, especially in Ayurvedic products, like shampoos.   Brahmi     Brahmi is popular as a brain booster herb. In Addition, It has cognitive-enhancing properties and is known to promote mental clarity and memory.   However, consult with a  qualified doctor before having this herb, especially if you have hypothyroidism or mental health issues.    Neem     Neem is referred to as “village pharmacy” for its antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties. The herb serves an array of purposes from helping to maintain general well-being to supporting immunity and even improving dental and skin health.   It is best to avoid using neem during pregnancy. Also, make sure to get medical advice before applying neem oil topically as it may cause irritation to some.    Ginger     Ginger is a powerful ingredient in cooking as well as a medicinal herb. It is great for digestion and also, reduces nausea and inflammation. Having ginger helps relax tense muscles, promotes cardiovascular health and reduces menstrual cramps.   However, it is safe to have it in moderation as high dosages may irritate the stomach.    Also Read: Medicinal Plants in Ayurveda for Balancing Kapha   Licorice     Licorice is my absolute favourite. The herb tastes sweet and has calming properties. It also helps balance adrenal glands, provides relief from throat discomfort and improves respiratory health. Also, it helps reduce menopausal symptoms, and is great for gastrointestinal healing and managing stress.   It is safe to use licorice under a doctor’s supervision because of  prolonged usage or excessive dosages may cause hypertension or electrolyte imbalances.      Guduchi     Guduchi or Giloy helps in detoxification, improves immunity and offers longevity. It also helps reduce inflammation and infections, and improves overall well-being.   However, avoid having Guduchi during pregnancy.     Amla     Amla is rich in antioxidants and vitamin C that makes it a great immunity booster. It also helps to regenerate the body, encourages healthy, glowing skin and hair and enhances digestion.  Including the above-mentioned Ayurvedic herbs in your daily routine helps improve your general health. However, it is always safe to consult an Ayurvedic doctor before having any new herb.     If you are struggling with any health issues, you can either book a consultation with us or send us a message via WhatsApp to +91 79074 89839. We have the best Ayurvedic doctors in Trivandrum who are always glad to help you. If you have any queries, contact us.  You can also visit us at our hospital.

Licorice aka mulethi – Why do I like to talk about it ?

Licorice, the remarkable herb holds such a special place in my heart, and that’s why it is a topic I can’t stop talking about.   I’ve been starting my mornings with herbal teas that I make myself for the past five years. I enjoy licorice tea the most, and it has been extremely beneficial to me. It is also an excellent substitute for coffee in the morning.   The herb licorice has a history that stretches back through the ages, celebrated in cultures worldwide for its medicinal powers and cultural significance.   Delving into the scientific aspects of licorice, furthermore, enhances my appreciation for this wonder herb. Glycyrrhizin, the active compound in the herb, holds the key to many of its health benefits.   Licorice helps to..   Improve digestion Improve vitality (Ojus) Slow down aging Great for skin and hair   Whole roots are always preferable to licorice root powder when making this drink!   Reduce 2 glasses of water to 1 glass by adding 1 inch of licorice root. This is the best thing to drink first thing in the morning (in any season) for your skin, hair, digestion, and overall health.   However, do not take it if you have high blood pressure or a family history of high blood pressure. Also, only take it for a maximum of three months at a time. The next time you hear me talking about licorice, know that it’s not just about the flavour—it’s a tale of nature’s magic, wellness, and the joy of embracing nature’s sweetest gift!   If you are struggling with any health issues, you can either book a consultation with us or send us a message via WhatsApp to +91 79074 89839. We have the best Ayurvedic doctors in Trivandrum who are always glad to help you. If you have any queries, contact us.  You can also visit us at our hospital.