Ayurvedic Herbs and Spices
Spice up your tea! Bring some zing to it!!
The humble cup of tea has been an integral part of people’s lives, around which many a heart-to-heart conversations and get togethers are woven. It helps break ice with new people while deepens bonds of friendships among old acquaintances by triggering trips of nostalgia.
While savouring a cup of tea is one of daily life’s quintessential pleasures, but how to make it even more delicious? There is a whole variety of herbs and spices, which if added to your tea, will not only help give a kick to your day but also gift you immense health benefits.
The most favoured spices for blending with tea are cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, black pepper and cardamom. Dense on antioxidants, these spices have been linked to fighting inflammation, digestive problems as well as even cancer and diabetes.
Further, teas fortified with herbs and spices help in maintaining balance in body as the chemicals help in alleviating mood disorders, induce sleep, lower stress, and also boost energy.
Here are some of the spices which make a great combination when infused with tea leaves:
Ginger
An essential ingredient in Indian cooking, ginger has been subject of extensive research, which vouches for its contribution to health and healing. It contains compounds and metabolites, which have long been recognized as a time-tested antidote for reducing nausea, pain and inflammation, and improves digestion and metabolism. When taken in tea, it brings relief in common cold and cough because of its warm properties.
Cinnamon
Aromatic and refreshing, cinnamon is a popular blend for teas. The woody spice is believed to have numerous health benefits, besides adding a delighting warming taste to tea. Research reveals that cinnamon helps reduce insulin resistance, gives relief from common cold, indigestion, diarrhoea, poor blood circulation, and menstrual cramps and also helps in weight management.
Mint
Refreshing and zingy, a dash of mint in tea makes the mood delightful with every sip. Fresh mint leaves are a special concoction in iced teas, relished during summer months. It has powerful antioxidant properties and is believed to manage blood sugar levels and treat skin-related problems. It is also found to aid in digestion and breathing disorders.
Cardamom
The refreshing and fragrant condiment is often used with tea to give it a refreshing flavour. Cardamom is believed to be packed with health benefits and has been part of traditional medicines since centuries. A potent mouth freshener, evidence suggests that the herb is bestowed with antioxidant properties, boosts mood and also produces compounds that may help fight cancer cells. So next time you want to feel warm and exotic, just spice up your tea with an aromatic clove of cardamom!
Cumin
The oblong dark brown seeds are relished for their strong aroma and bitter warm flavour. A rich source of iron, cumin has always been an important ingredient in traditional medicine. It has antioxidants and exhibits anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties. Research studies have demonstrated how cumin helps in digestion and treating food-borne infections. Besides it is also found to aid in weight loss.
Cloves
The tangy and aromatic clove pods add a sweet spicy zing to teas. Known for their warming properties, clove is believed to help deal with nausea and give comfort in toothaches as it contains anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.
Turmeric
A quintessential part of Ayurveda system of medicine, basil is considered to be a tonic for healing body, mind and spirit. Useful from the leaves to the seed, holy basil According to the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, holy basil has antidepressant and anti-anxiety properties comparable to diazepam and antidepressant drugs.
In fact, Ayurveda believes the act of drinking tea fortified with holy basil can be as calming as yoga as it clears mind, induce relaxation and well-being.
Moringa
In addition to calcium, iron and potassium, moringa leaves contain several important vitamins: Vitamin A which helps maintain healthy vision, immunity, and fetal growth. Vitamin C which protects the body from pollutants and toxins. Vitamin E which acts as an antioxidant. It is also used as a dietary supplement for treating cholesterol, liver and gut problems.
Amla (Indian Gooseberry)
Amla berries are rich in antioxidants, which reduce the risk of chronic health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Amla berries are also an excellent source of: Vitamin C. Vitamin E.
Ashwagandha
Known as Indian ginseng or winter cherry, ashwagandha is imbued with properties which help heal seasonal flu, boost immunity, and improve mental and physical wellbeing. A study in the Indian Journal of Medical Research found the herb to have the potential to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Further studies have revealed multiple benefits in the form of increasing insulin secretion, reducing anxiety levels, increase fertility, and regulate thyroid hormone and helps with anaemia.
Nettle
Nettle is a herb that is known for its medicinal properties. It is mostly consumed in its tea form to improve several health aspects like heart issues, gut health, immunity development, kidney function enhancement, allergy reduction, UTI treatment and arthritis pain. It is a powerful blood purifier that drives out toxins from the body, making it the perfect addition to your daily routine to stay healthy.
So why not kick-start your day with some delicious Ayurvedic Teas?
Author
Nidhi Jakhar
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