Before I dive into tea, let’s journey back roughly 5,000 years. Ayu means ‘life’ and Veda ‘science’, together forming ‘The Science of Life’. Ayurveda, a comprehensive medical system, emphasizes the importance of balance my health and integrating the mind, body, and spirit for overall well-being.
In Ayurveda, the universe is made up of five elements: Air, Fire, Water, Earth and Space. These five elements combine to form the three doshas (or energies) that make up our physical, emotional and spiritual states. While every individual is a combination of all three doshas, we each are a unique combination of the elements which make up the doshas.
The special combination of the three doshas is what truly keeps us in balance, however, fluctuations in the seasons, weather, food choices, lifestyle, time of day, relationships and more can cause stress to our bodies and ultimately cause imbalance. That imbalance if not corrected can lead to disease and 85% of disease starts in the digestive system.
Thus, sipping a digestive tea during your day is a terrific way to promote and maintain digestive health and wellness in your body. The herbs which formulate a digestive tea are called dipanas. Dipanas are metabolism boosting, they stoke your agni, or digestive fire, and help the body to digest, metabolize, absorb and assimilate nutrients from your food.
THE 3 DOSHAS
Let’s explore the 3 doshas and find the tea that best complements your balance my health journey!
Not sure what your dosha is? please take our Dosha Quiz and begin to learn more about who you are.
If you are currently experiencing dry skin, gas, constipation and bloating or excess movement in the mind in the form of anxiety, constant churning of your mind or are feeling overwhelmed then Vata may have increased. You will do better with the Vata Digestive Tea Recipe which will have a calming and grounding effect.
Vata Digestive Tea
- 4 cups water
- ¼ -inch piece fresh ginger root
- ½ teaspoon fennel seeds
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon dry licorice root powder or 2 teaspoons chopped licorice root
In a small saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Place all ingredients in the water and turn the heat down to a simmer. Cook until the water line has been reduced by half, rendering 2 cups of tea. Once the water has reduced by half, turn off the heat and allow the tea to rest for 5-10 minutes before straining. Strain and drink along with your meal to help aid healthy digestion.
If you have problems with indigestion, heartburn, acid reflux, loose stools, smelly gas or diarrhea – then we recommend the Pitta Digestive Tea. You may also be experiencing skin breakouts, skin allergies or sensitivities, headaches, or heated emotions like anger, irritability or frustration. The cooling and calming spices in the Pitta tea will chill out all those heated emotions.
Pitta Digestive Tea
- 4 cups water
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
- 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
- 1 teaspoon dried mint leaves
Bring the water to a boil and then place all the ingredients in the water. Turn the heat down to a simmer. Simmer until the water line has been reduced by half, rendering 2 cups of tea. Once the water has reduced by half, turn off the heat and allow the tea to rest for 5-10 minutes before straining. Strain with a tea strainer and drink just after your meal to help aid healthy digestion.
If you are currently experiencing nausea after eating, bloating and heaviness or a sluggish digestion we recommend the Kapha Digestive Tea Recipe. You may also have had problems with depression, lack of motivation, weight gain and heavy sleeping. The energizing and stimulating spices in this tea will greatly benefit your tendendancy towards stagnancy.
Kapha Digestive Tea
- 4 cups water
- 1 -inch piece fresh ginger root, coarsely chopped
- ½ star anise
- 2-3 cloves
- 2-3 black peppercorns
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon powder
In a small saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Add the ginger, star anise, cloves, peppercorns and cinnamon to the water. Simmer until the water line has been reduced by half, rendering 2 cups of tea. Once the water has reduced by half, turn off the heat and allow the tea to rest for 5-10 minutes before straining. Strain and drink just before your meal to help aid healthy digestion.
So which do you think you sound like? You can find out for sure what your primary Dosha is by taking this 5 minute online quiz here. And I hope you love your tea which will help you stay balanced.
Need more ideas on how to incorporate Ayurveda into your everyday life!
Jump on a call with me – just click on the link below to my online calendar to find a time that works best for you.
In health,
