 |
Tulsi, cinnamon, cardamom, saffron, liquorice from India. Passion fruit, strawberry, orange, pomegranate, chrysanthemum, chamomile and so on… To quote one of the packs, ‘from the zesty tang of Lemon Burst to exotic Orange, Mango and Cinnamon, there’s a choice of tempting flavours to invigorate the senses’. Most of these fruity teas can be had cold too. Delicious and fragrant!
Though called teas, they are in fact infusions or decoctions (in water) made with flowers, leaves, roots, seeds or bark of various plants/herbs, fruits or spices. They are probably referred to as teas because they are had as you would have ‘tea’—a brew in a tea cup. People are now replacing their regular cup of tea with a herbal concoction.
Of course, they are not as popular an aid for socialising as regular tea is! In fact, herbal teas are generally had above the chatter rather than amidst it, so to speak.
These teas can pick you up, soothe you and improve your sense of well-being. Each mix is said to have a different benefit. For instance, anyone who has had chamomile tea (made from chamomile flowers) will vouch for its soothing and calming effect. It is great for insomnia too.
Tulsi, on the other hand, is energising with its restorative properties. It boosts the immune system, relieves stress and improves metabolism and overall health. This is perhaps the reason for its use in Ayurveda as well as Hindu rituals for the past 5000 years.
On the not-so-glamorous side, there is even a tea to be made from corn silk – the golden strands from an ear of corn (1/4 tea cup corn silk: 3/4 tea cup of boiling water poured onto it to brew). It is an excellent diuretic and controls water retention. Also good for gout, prostate, kidney-related problems and any inflammation. It has Vitamin K and so it is good for blood clotting (after injuries or childbirth). But have only one cup per day. This is a 700 year-old recipe!
So, go ahead and buy yourself some interesting and beneficial herbal teas. Buy a couple—from soothing to energising… You are going to be spoilt for choice!
Note: Herbal teas are naturally free of caffeine (unless black or green tea has been included in the blend—see our May issue). Always had without milk, there’s no fat in your herbal cup either. If you have to sweeten it, use honey. For a tangy dimension, use fresh lemon. Cheers!
|
