Preparing and drinking a warm cup of tea is a ritual that transcends borders, language and religion. Tea was allegedly invented by Chinese Emperor Shen Nung in 2737 BC, who brewed herbs and hot water together for medicinal purposes.
Tea is also a major part of Ayurvedic medicine. But forget your PG Tips – these herbal teas are brewed with powerful Ayurvedic herbs that improve your mental, physical and spiritual health by restoring balance to your Doshas.
NB: Everything should be used in moderation, including Ayurvedic tea! Even herbs as innocuous as ginger and turmeric can adversely affect your health if consumed in excess.
In this article, we’ll cover:
- What is Ayurveda?
- The 3 Doshas
- Vata-balancing Ayurvedic tea
- Pitta-balancing Ayurvedic tea
- Kapha-balancing Ayurvedic tea
- Ayurvedic tea for digestion
- Ayurvedic tea for sleep
- Ayurvedic tea for immunity
- Ayurvedic tea for detoxing
- Ayurvedic tea for weight loss
- Ayurvedic tea for skin conditions
Buckle up!
What is Ayurveda?
Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine originating in India almost 5000 years ago. It combines the Sanskrit words ‘Ayu’ (meaning Life) and ‘Veda’ (meaning Knowledge). When put together, it translates as ‘the Science of Life’.
Ayurveda is an alternative approach to health that emphasizes bringing balance to the mind and body and holistic wellness.
A key component of this ancient practice is the belief that disease begins in the digestive tract and that food should act as the primary source of medicine.
The 3 Dosha
Let’s start off with tea designed to restore balance to the 3 Ayurvedic Doshas.
According to ancient Ayurvedic texts, the universe is made up of 5 elements:
1. Akasha (space/ether)
2. Vayu (air)3.Tteja (fire)
4. Jala (water)
5. Prithvi (earth)
Different combinations of these elements form 3 fundamental forces known as ‘Doshas‘ – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. These Doshas make up our life energies, metabolic patterns, and body types.
When balanced, we experience positive mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing. When the Doshas become unbalanced, we experience disease, illness, and unfulfillment.
To find out what your dominant Dosha is, check out The 3 Ayurveda Body Types Explained: Vata Pitta And Kapha.
Vata-balancing Ayurvedic tea
If Vata is unbalanced in your body, you may experience the following symptoms:
- Constipation
- Bloating
- Dermatological issues such as dry skin
- Arthritis
- Hypertension
- Anxiety
- Poor blood circulation
- Fear
Vata balancing herbs and spices:
- Ajwain
- Cumin
- Star Anise
- Black Pepper
- Green Cardamom
- Clove
- Fenugreek
- Cinnamon
- Ginger
- Asafoetida
- Rosemary
- Thyme
- Coriander
- Fennel
- Mint
- Saffron
- Turmeric
- Vanilla
- Bay Leaf
- Kalonji
Medicinal Vata-pacifying herbs:
- Guduchi
- Triphala
- Shatavari
- Pippali
- Ashwagandha
Check out the ideal Vata diet for more information.
We suggest: Vata balancing ginger tea
How to: Add 1/4 tsp of fresh grated ginger, 1/4 tsp of cardamon, 1/4 tsp of cinnamon and 1/4 tsp of liqourice to a mug of boiling water. Leave to steep for 5-10 minutes before straining.
Kapha-balancing Ayurvedic tea
If Kapha is unbalanced in your body, you may experience the following symptoms:
- Asthma
- Diabetes
- Slow digestion
- Metabolic issues
- Greed
- Grudge holding
Kapha balancing herbs and spices:
- Black pepper
- Black cardamom
- Clove
- Dry ginger powder
- Asafoetida
- Turmeric
- Bay Leaf
- Star Anise
- Fennel
- Ajwai
- Cumi
- Green Cardamom
- Fenugreek
- Cinnamon
- Coriander
- Mint
- Kalonji
- Saffron
Medicinal Kapha-pacifying herbs:
- Turmeric
- Haritaki
- Pippali
- Triphala
- Guduchi
Check out the ideal Kapha diet for more information.
We suggest: Spicy Kapha-balancing tea
How to: Add 1/4 tsp of grated ginger, 1/8 tsp of cardamon, 1/8 tsp turmeric, 1/8 tsp black pepper and 1 clove to a mug of boiling water. Cover and leave to brew for 5-10 minutes before straining. Add raw honey to taste.
Pitta-Balancing Ayurvedic Tea
If Pitta is unbalanced in your body, you may experience the following symptoms:
- Early greying of hairs
- Acid reflux
- High temperatures or fever
- Skin rashes or irritation
- Ulcers
- Excess of anger
- Intense thirst
Pitta balancing herbs and spices:
- Tulsi
- Green Cardamom
- Cinnamon
- Coriander
- Cumin
- Dill
- Fennel
- Mint
- Neem Leaves
- Saffron
- Turmeric
- Vanilla
- Ajwain
- Anise
- Bay Leaf
- Kalonji
- Cloves
- Fenugreek
Medicinal Pitta-pacifying herbs:
- Brahmi
- Shankhapushpi
- Bhringraj
- Guduchi
- Ashwagandha
- Shatavari
- Chamomile
- Hibiscus
Check out the ideal Pitta diet for more information.
We suggest: Pitta-balancing CCF tea
How to: Add 1/4 tsp of cumin seeds, coriander seeds, and fennel seeds to a cup of boiling water. We suggest adding a pitta-pacifying chamomile tea bag as well. Leave to steep for 5-10 minutes before straining.
However, if you’re not sure what your Dosha is and you’re looking for a more specific health benefit – such as detoxing the body, brightening the skin, improving digestion or aiding weight loss – keep reading!
1. Ayurvedic tea for Digestion
Whether you’re looking for relief from persistent conditions such as IBS or IBD or simply looking to get rid of some uncomfortable bloating, the answer might just lie in your kitchen cupboards.
Also, be aware that coffee and caffeinated drinks can cause more harm than good. Although caffeine stimulates bowel movement, it can cause diarrhoea, dehydration, acid reflux and even constipation. Try switching to matcha!
Ginger tea is one of Ayurveda’s most popular teas. Ginger ignites your digestive fire by stimulating the enzymes that break down food in your stomach.
Ginger is an anti-inflammatory linked to reducing intestinal cramping and preventing dyspepsia, flatulence, and bloating. Recent work has also linked the spice to nausea relief. Fennel has a similar effect on bloating to ginger.
If you’re looking for relief from constipation, you’ll want to try an Ayurvedic tea consisting of hot water, ghee and salt. This will help to lubricate and remove bacteria from your digestive tract.
We suggest: Ginger and tulsi tea
How to: Add 2cm of minced fresh ginger, 4 tbs of dried tulsi leaf, 1 tbs of coriander, 1 tbs of fennel seeds and 2 sticks of cinnamon to a pan of boiling water. Simmer for 20 minutes before straining. Add honey to taste.
2. Ayurvedic Tea For Sleep
If you’re struggling to get a good night’s sleep – and it’s not just a case of revenge bedtime procrastination – you might want to look for an Ayurvedic tea to drink before bed that reduces stress, anxiety, and restlessness.
A key herb for remedying insomnia is Ashwagandha. Ashwagandha is often used in Ayurveda as medicine for treating anxiety or depression. The powerful and ancient plant helps balance the adrenal glands responsible for releasing stress hormones such as cortisol.
Other beneficial herbs include chamomile and its sedative effect, as well as ginger’s relaxing and anti-inflammatory properties.
We suggest: Chamomile tea with ginger, cardamom and ashwagandha
How to: Add 2cm of fresh ginger, 1 tsp of cardamom and 1/4 tsp of ashwagandha powder to a cup of hot water and add a standard chamomile tea bag. Leave for 5 minutes before straining.
3. Ayurvedic Tea For Detoxing
If you’re in need of a detox after a big night out or an indulgent festive period, one of the easiest and most effective things you can do is drink a tea containing cumin, fennel, star anise, lemongrass, and coriander. These Ayurvedic herbs help detoxify the body and liver.
We suggest: Fennel, cumin and coriander tea
How to: Add half a tsp of fennel seeds, cumin seeds and coriander seeds to a cup of hot water. Leave for 5-10 minutes before straining. Add honey to taste.
4. Ayurvedic Tea For Immunity
If you have a cold or flu symptoms, you’re best off drinking Kadha – a traditional Indian drink that works as a home remedy. It is prepared with specific Ayurvedic herbs and spices such as black pepper, cardamom, ginger, and cinnamon.
We suggest: Ayurvedic Kadha
How to: Boil 3 cups of water in a pan. Add 2cm of fresh ginger and 1 tsp of cardamom, cinnamon and black pepper to the pan and boil until the water has reduced by 2 thirds. Strain the Kadha into a mug and add honey to taste.
5. Ayurvedic Tea For Weight loss
In contrast to dangerous diets or laxitive ‘skinny teas’, Ayurvedic teas can safely encourage weight loss by boosting your metabolism.
Herbs such as basil, star anise, lemongrass, ginger, cloves and liquorice are linked to weight loss.
We suggest: A concoction of ginger, cloves, and licorice
How to: Add 2cm of ginger, a small piece of licorice, and 3 cloves to a cup of boiling water. Leave for 5-10 minutes before straining, depending on how strong you like it.
6. Ayurvedic Tea For Skin conditions
For skin conditions such as acne, redness, you’ll want to look at Ayurvedic brightening herbs known as Varnya herbs.
These include:
- Liquorice
- Manjistha
- Padmaka
- Nagkesar
- Vetiver
With antioxidizing, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, and purifying properties, turmeric is particularly beneficial for your skin.
Some studies link turmeric to improving more serious skin conditions like eczema, alopecia, and lichen planus, but more research is needed to provide conclusive evidence.
Consistent use of liquorice is also linked to helping reduce the appearance of blemishes and dark spots.
We suggest: Turmeric tea with ginger, lemon and honey
How to: Add one tsp of ground turmeric and 2cm of fresh ginger to a cup of boiling water. Leave for 5 minutes before straining. Add 1 tsp of lemon juice and 1 tbsp of honey and a pinch of black pepper to taste.
Conclusion
Ayurvedic teas are simple but powerful concoctions of natural Ayurvedic herbs that protect your mental, physical and spiritual health.
Dosha Quiz | Discover My Ayurvedic Body Type
Knowing your dosha can provide a window into your inner world.
Whether Vata, Pitta, or Kapha, or a combination of all three, you'll receive tailored information on your unique dosha composition at the end of the quiz.
Answer each question instinctively, try not to overthink!
