A CUP OF TEA FOR YOUR TROUBLES – AYURVEDIC STYLE

CUMIN, CORIANDER AND FENNEL – HEALTH IN A CUP OF TEA

Hello everyone and Welcome to another What’s on the MENU MONDAY.

Today, we’re going to discuss an element of the Ayurveda tradition, which is a system of medicine that has its roots in India. It’s a tradition of complementary or alternative medicine that’s gaining quite a following in the western world and is, in fact, being integrated into hospitals and medical clinics around the world.

Now, a large part of Ayurvedic medicine includes the use of herbs and spices in drinks and foods. This is how this ancient tradition delivers the medicinal effects of natural substances to the tissues of our bodies.

In today’s blog, we’re going to talk about Ayurvedic tea, which generally consists of a single herb or blend of herbs steeped in hot water.  And, one of the most popular of these teas in known as CCF Tea or Cumin, Coriander and Fennel Tea.

Made from the seeds of these three herbs, the health benefits of this tea are substantial, so let’s get started by exploring each ingredient one at a time. 

CUMIN. Cumin belongs to the plant family Apiaceae or Umbelliferae, which also is known as the celery, carrot and parsley family. Cumin seeds are loaded with iron and dietary fiber. They also provide manganese, copper, calcium, phosphorus, zinc, a plethora of vitamins and are a rich source of beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin. Accordingly, these seeds are a great aid for digestion and for treating bloating, diarrhea and dyspepsia. The antioxidants in cumin seeds help lower cholesterol and inhibit the growth of cancer cells. The seeds also are thought to increase cognitive function and improve memory while treating asthma and osteoporosis and boosting our immune system. 

CORIANDER. This vibrant lemon-like flavored spice is a favorite among foodies of all kinds. The name coriander refers to the seeds of this plant, while the leaves are known as cilantro. This herb is a wonderful source of dietary fiber, manganese, iron, magnesium, vitamins, proteins and nutrients and carotene. The seeds improve digestion and their anti-inflammatory properties can ease bloating, constipation or diarrhea while relieving arthritis. Coriander seeds can calm allergic reactions, itchiness and swelling and they control diabetes as they maintain insulin activity and reduce the glucose level in our blood. These seeds are good for our eyes, good for treating Alzheimer’s disease and great for lowering bad cholesterol LDL levels. What’s more, coriander seeds are very effective at increasing our metabolism and aiding weight loss.

FENNEL. Now, we come to fennel. With its bright licorice flavor, fennel seeds – widely known as saunt – are packed with copper, potassium, calcium, zinc, iron, selenium and vitamin A and C. Fennel seeds increase the nitrite content in saliva, which in turn help regulate blood pressure. They are an effective diuretic that help flush out excess body fluids and ease indigestion, bloating and constipation. The phytonutrients in these seeds help clear sinuses and treat bronchitis and congestion. The vitamin A improves the symptoms of glaucoma and the zinc, calcium and selenium help treat acne and gives the skin a healthy glow. The seeds also have anti-cancer properties which decrease oxidative stress, fight free radicals and help protect us from skin, stomach and breast cancer.

Now, each of these ingredients alone is a powerhouse of healthy benefits for our minds and bodies. But, when we put them together we have an amazing formula that the ancient practitioners of Ayurvedic medicine believed could “transform” our health in a completely natural way.

Of course, one of the easiest ways to take advantage of these seeds is to steep them all together and make a vibrant, tasty tea.

And, THIS IS HOW YOU DO IT:

1. Boil 1 ½ cups of water.
2. Add ¼ teaspoon cumin seeds.
3. Add ¼ teaspoon coriander seeds.
4. Add ¼ teaspoon fennel seeds.
5. Steep for 5 minutes.
6. Strain and serve.

It really couldn’t be easier! You also can sweeten the pot a bit by adding a little honey or a natural sweetener like Stevia. And, if you really want the full effect of this tea’s healthy benefits, drink one cup with every meal for at least two weeks. After that, one cup a day just may keep the doctor away 😊

So, try it this week. Get your metabolism fired up. Get your digestion in perfect working order. Calm your mind. Clear up your skin. And, enjoy a nice hot cup of tea — Ayurvedic style!

Thanks again for joining me everyone. Until next time, stay in GOOD HEALTH and . . .

TAKE THE COURSE AND TAKE CHARGE!