Ayurvedic medicine has been a part of holistic herbal medicine in the East for thousands of years. Based on the principles of maintaining health rather than treating disease, there are many herbs used in Ayurvedic tea that can help protect the mind and body.
Ayurvedic teas are a variety of teas that are designed to help accentuate the three major Ayurvedic types – Vata Dosha, Pitta Dosha, and Kapha Dosha. Each of these Ayurvedic types requires a different type of herbal tea for optimal health according to Ayurvedic medicine.
To get the most out of Ayurvedic tea, you have to know which tea is best for which Ayurvedic type. Keep reading to learn more about Ayurvedic teas and what herbs are blended in them.
What Is Ayurvedic Tea?
Ayurvedic tea is an herbal cure from India that depends on Ayurvedic principles to promote good health. Herbal teas are only one aspect of Ayurvedic medicine. Ayurvedic medicine also dictates the best food and drink for different body types and personalities.
What Is Ayurvedic Medicine?
Ayurvedic medicine is based on ancient health-related writings known as the Ayurveda. Rather than depending on medicines and the treatment of disease, the Ayurveda recommends a more natural, holistic approach to physical health.
Ayurvedic medicine breaks people down into different Ayurvedic types based on their personality and behaviors. These Ayurvedic types are as follows :
- Vata dosha: People with a vata dosha type tend to be slender and restless, with little need for sleep and a constant agitated energy. Vata dosha can easily suffer from constipation, poor circulation, and poor sleeping habits.
- Pitta dosha: Known as a warm-spirited and friendly personality type, pitta dosha tend to enjoy good health and a moderate level of athleticism. Pitta dosha personalities are sociable, but may be prone to a quick temper.
- Kapha dosha: Kapha dosha personalities are placid, patient, and nurturing. Prone to materialism, kapha dosha may also gain weight easily. Kapha dosha types are deep sleepers and may suffer from grogginess.
For each of the Ayurvedic dosha types, different herbal tea blends are recommended. These teas are designed to bring each dosha’s personal qualities into balance.
Ayurvedic Flavors in Tea
Along with the different Ayurvedic dosha types, Ayurvedic also takes different flavors into account. The six flavors according to the Ayurveda are as follows:
- Sweet
- Salty
- Sour
- Pungent
- Bitter
- Astringent
For a balanced diet, a meal adhering to Ayurvedic principles should have each of the Ayurvedic flavors present, with the meal leaning more towards serving one dosha type or another. Ayurvedic teas follow this same concept, with each herbal blend geared towards vata dosha, pitta dosha, or kapha dosha.
Health Benefits of Ayurvedic Tea
Drinking Ayurvedic tea can provide many health benefits if you drink it regularly and choose an herbal blend that matches your dosha type. Here are just a few of the health benefits of drinking Ayurvedic tea:
- Weight loss: Drinking Ayurvedic tea can have a positive impact on a person’s metabolism. Kapha dosha can use Ayurvedic teas to help prevent unnecessary weight gain since they are particularly prone to it.
- Improved cognitive function: Drinking Ayurvedic tea can help stave off fatigue and depression. The botanical chemicals in herbal teas can be consumed to increase concentration, boost mood, and drive off mental fatigue.
- Improved digestion: Poor digestion is a common symptom of an unbalanced dosha. Regular consumption of an appropriate Ayurvedic tea can help bring a person’s dosha back into balance and correct these digestive issues.
The type of Ayurvedic tea determines the specific health benefits it can provide. For example, Ayurvedic teas which include fennel can aid with digestion, while those with cinnamon and pepper can speed the metabolism.
Herbs Used in Ayurvedic Tea
The spices used in Ayurvedic tea are scientifically studied for their positive effects on physical health. While Ayurvedic medicine may attribute these positive effects to balanced humors, the science behind the spices shows that these botanical compounds have measurable benefits for health. These are a few of the major spices used in Ayurvedic medicine:
- Cloves: Cloves have been associated with antibacterial properties and blood sugar stability. Cloves are also full of cancer-fighting antioxidants and manganese, an essential vitamin responsible for bone growth and cognitive function.
- Fennel: Fennel is a source of several important vitamins such as vitamin C, manganese, magnesium, potassium, and calcium. Fennel tea is also beneficial for weight loss since it is an appetite suppressant. Fennel is also used in CFF tea, which is a powerhouse for your digestive system.
- Cinnamon: Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties and can reduce the effects of eating rich, fatty foods. This spice also prevents heart disease and can be used as an antibacterial compound.
- Black pepper: Black pepper is full of antioxidants that can help prevent cancer and fight off degenerative diseases. Pepper is also associated with increasing metabolism and lowering blood cholesterol levels.
Even if there isn’t much scientific proof of the health benefits of Ayurvedic medicine as a concept, the herbs and spices used in it are proven to help improve mind and body.
What Do Ayurvedic Teas Taste Like?
Like their health benefits, the taste of Ayurvedic teas is completely dependent on which herbs and spices are included in them. Some spices included in Ayurvedic teas include fennel, cloves, cinnamon, ginger, and black pepper. These strongly-scented spices give Ayurvedic teas a pungent, aromatic flavor.
Do Ayurvedic Teas Have Caffeine?
Since most Ayurvedic teas don’t include actual tea and are actually herbal tisanes, they don’t usually have caffeine in them. This quality makes Ayurvedic tea a good option for people who are avoiding caffeine or those who are sensitive to its effects.
Ayurvedic Teas Can Boost Your Health
Finding out which dosha type you are is a big part of getting the most out of Ayurvedic teas. However, no matter which Ayurvedic tea you consume, you’ll be guaranteed a healthy drink that can help improve your body’s functions over time.
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