I wrote this article to pair with a challenge I'm sharing beginning today which is 7 Days of Digestion Tips with Ayurveda Invitation! To skip right to Day 1's tip just click here. It's actually such a massive topic. In this article I touch on how amazing it is.
Why is tea time prevalent in so many cultures?
For me and from what I can tell from cultures around the World it is many things including a time to connect with Self, sometimes it's to connect with others, sometimes it's to recharge, sometimes it's for purely health benefits. Tea time offers a valuable break in the day, providing both physical and mental rejuvenation. It serves as a moment to pause, relax, and recharge, helping to reduce stress and improve focus for the rest of the day.
Tea time is a Universal ritual that so many people enjoy and report physical and mental health benefits from as well as innumerable other benefits such as a reset in the day or a recognizing of time, or bonding with others or Self. Tea, often accompanied by light snacks, can support digestion, especially when consumed after meals. For many people it is all about the social connection which enhances relationships and community. People have that sense of security of having a place to meet and they have the clarity that it is for a certain amount of time each day. I have seen the positive effects in retirees. For me at this point in my life it is very much about the calming properties of herbal teas can help with relaxation however after many talks about this today with my philosophy students I am going to include it more into my personal life and play with it.
In England, afternoon tea is a social event, while in Japan, tea ceremonies are a meditative practice deeply rooted in Zen principles. In India, chai stalls serve as bustling hubs for conversation and community. Ayurveda often uses therapeutic ritual, emphasizing the doshic balance and mindfulness in every sip. Wherever you are, tea time can be a moment to slow down, connect, and nurture yourself. You can also make it whatever feels right to you. Today the focus is just to introduce some great tea ideas to support people through simple, natural Ayurvedic practices!
Tea time ~ Why it's a wonderful practice!
Let's talk a little bit about Ayurveda and how having a nice tea with ingredients that support you can be a great addition to any daily routine. Ayurveda translates to “the science of life” in Sanskrit. It is an ancient system of natural medicine originating in India over 5,000 years ago. Ayurveda combines herbal remedies, personalized diets, meditation, yoga, massage, and medicinal oils to achieve spiritual and physiological balance. According to Ayurveda, each individual has a unique constitution, and optimal health and functioning, even fulfillment of purpose, lie in balancing the three doshas ~ Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. These doshas represent universal energies and influence our physical and mental states. They each have a bunch of characteristics and the philosophy is that likes increases and opposites decrease. Very simply put and as an very small example only if you are the kind of person who runs hot and want to rid yourself of hot issues like rashes and many other things you would favor cooling foods and actions.. if you feel stagnant or your body is acting stagnant then you would fuel yourself with energizing foods and actions. For more details I recommend checking out Dr. Lad's work. He is one of my teachers and just an all around fabulous fellow.
Tea Recipe Ideas
1. Ashwagandha Adaptogenic Tea
Ingredients: 1 tsp ashwagandha powder, ½ tsp cinnamon, 1 cup almond milk, honey to taste.
Preparation: Warm almond milk on low heat, whisk in ashwagandha and cinnamon, then sweeten with honey.
Doshic Effect: V = P - K - (Balances stress and calms the nervous system.)
Expert Insight: Ashwagandha is known to nourish the nervous system, making this tea ideal for managing stress and cortisol levels I've heard.
2. CCF Tea (Cumin, Coriander, Fennel)
Ingredients: ½ tsp each of cumin, coriander, and fennel seeds, 2 cups of water.
Preparation: Boil seeds in water for 5 minutes, strain, and serve warm.
Doshic Effect: V = P - K - (Gentle digestive aid that detoxifies and balances metabolism.)
Expert Insight: CCF tea is a go-to for stimulating the digestion and supporting our body to operate well.
3. Sleepy Time Herbal Blend
Ingredients: 1 tsp chamomile flowers, ½ tsp lavender buds, 1 tsp holy basil, 2 cups hot water.
Preparation: Steep herbs in hot water for 5-7 minutes, then strain.
Doshic Effect: V + P - K = (Soothing blend to promote restful sleep.)
Expert Insight: Holy basil’s adaptogenic properties calm the mind.
4. Pineapple Peel Detox Tea
Ingredients: Peel of one pineapple (washed), 1 cinnamon stick, 1-inch piece of ginger, 4 cups water.
Preparation: Boil all ingredients for 20 minutes, strain, and enjoy warm or chilled.
Doshic Effect: V + P = K - (Supports digestion and refreshes the system.)
Expert Insight: Ginger’s heating properties make it a cornerstone for balancing sluggish digestion.
5. Tulsi-Lemongrass Immunity Tea
Ingredients: 1 tsp dried tulsi leaves, 1 tsp lemongrass, 1 cup hot water, honey (optional).
Preparation: Steep tulsi and lemongrass in hot water for 5 minutes, strain, and sweeten if desired.
Doshic Effect: V = P - K - (Calming and immunity-boosting tea.)
Expert Insight: Tulsi, known as the “Elixir of Life,” supports respiratory health and stress management.
6. Golden Turmeric Tea
Ingredients: 1 cup almond or coconut milk, ½ tsp turmeric, ½ tsp ginger powder, pinch of black pepper, honey to taste.
Preparation: Heat milk gently, mix in spices, and sweeten with honey.
Doshic Effect: V - P + K - (Anti-inflammatory and balancing for warmth and immunity.)
Expert Insight: Turmeric is often praised for its detoxifying and anti-inflammatory properties.
Ayurvedic Teas for Specific Benefits
Dosha balancing really depends on the specific ratios of ingredients. This is a rough guideline that must be used with care if there are concerns.
For Digestion
Ingredients: Ginger, cardamom, and fennel.
Doshic Effect: V + P = K - (Soothes digestion while balancing heat and earth elements.)
Expert Insight: Fennel’s cooling nature makes it suitable for soothing digestive imbalances across all doshas.
For Stress Relief
Ingredients: Holy basil, chamomile, and rose petals.
Doshic Effect: V + P - K = (Calms the mind and reduces internal heat.)
Expert Insight: Dr. Lad recommends holy basil for its ability to lower cortisol levels.
For Energy Boost
Ingredients: Black pepper, turmeric, cinnamon.
Doshic Effect: V - P + K - (Heats and invigorates while managing earth elements.)
Expert Insight: Cinnamon’s warming quality is excellent for reigniting Kapha’s energy.
For Detox
Ingredients: Dandelion root, coriander, lemongrass.
Doshic Effect: V = P - K - (Cleanses and detoxifies while balancing metabolism.)
Expert Insight: Dr. Douillard often highlights dandelion root for its liver-supportive properties.
Today's tip to support your gut and overall wellness as part of the week-long challenge to improve your digestion and feel your best. If you want to feel the effects of a smooth running digestion or feel where yours in the spectrum I'd love to have you join this and here is Day 1:
Invitation #1 Sip Warm Water or CCF Tea
Did you know that sipping warm water or CCF (Cumin, Coriander, Fennel) tea at night can do wonders for your digestion? 🌿 Warm drinks calm your system, support digestion, and prepare your body for restful sleep.
Bonus: Eat and drink peacefully, live peacefully, set your intentions and let the rest unfold beautifully.
Ready to dive deeper into Ayurvedic practices? 🌿 Book a Custom Ayurvedic Consultation to create a personalized wellness plan aligned with your body’s unique needs.
Tonight as I write this and drink an evening tea, I hold this mantra in my being:
“Om Asato Maa Sad Gamaya. Tamaso Maa Jyotir Gamaya. Mrityor Maa Amritam Gamaya.”
Translation: “Lead me from untruth to truth, from darkness to light, and from mortality to immortality.”
This powerful mantra reminds us of Ayurveda’s holistic focus on elevating our mind, body, and spirit.
Ayurvedic teas offer a natural way to restore balance and harmony to your being. By understanding your dosha and tailoring teas to your needs, you can embrace the wisdom of Ayurveda in your daily life. Whether you’re seeking better digestion, restful sleep, or stress relief, there’s an Ayurvedic tea for you. Hope you enjoyed the article, and enjoy a nice tea time. Join us for day 2
Would you like to explore these practices and wisdom with us more?🌱 Book a Custom Ayurvedic Consultation to create a personalized wellness plan aligned with your unique needs.
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✨ We are the magic and the medicine ✨
Your partner on the Path,
Karla
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