Digestive CCF (coriander, cumin and fennel synergy)
CCF is a classic Ayurvedic synergy and one of Hridayam Apothecary's best sellers. Over the year, I've witnessed "small miracles" resulting from varied uses of this simple synergy. My client testimonials range from "almost immediate relief from mild food intoxication" to "supportive in calming undesired effects of chemotherapy" in cancer patients. Fennel is renowned as supportive for the lymph flow, and combined with the cooling properties of coriander and the antiseptic, antioxidant properties of cumin, makes this simple tea one of the best and most simple home remedies. CCF is said to enkindle Agni and to support digestion. Take it before, during, or after meals to support assimilation of nutrients, or sip it throughout the day as an integral part of an Ayurvedic cleanse to stimulate the body in breaking down toxins (Ama).
Ingredients:
5-6 cups of boiling water
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 teaspoon coriander seeds
1 teaspoon fennel seeds
Preparation: Roughly grind the spices with a mortar and pestle, then in a medium pot, bring all ingredients to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. Turn off the heat and allow the spices to infuse the water before straining the tea into a thermos. This tea can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
Refreshing tulsi & lime water
Ingredients:
5-6 cups of boiling water
2 tsp of Tulsi leaves
jaggery (raw cane sugar) or raw honey to taste
the juice of one lime
Preparation: Place the Tulsi leaves in a tea pot and add the boiling water. Let it infuse for 3-5 min. Once cool, add the lime juice and the jaggery (raw cane sugar) or raw honey to taste. Lime juice and honey should not be heated, so keep in mind to allow your tea to cool before adding the lime and honey. Strain and serve. (I like to prepare my teas slightly concentrated, and once the herbs have infused, I add some water at room temperature, then the lime and honey, so you don't need to wait).
Known as the 'queen of herbs', Tulsi support healing in certain respiratory illnesses, including regular colds, cough, bronchitis, and asthma. Immuno-modulatory, decongestant and expectorant Tulsi has also shown efficacy in regulating cortisol levels.
Ama-busting Cardamom, Ginger, and Fennel tea
This ama (toxicity) melting, digestive synergy is perfect for the Spring season. Very useful when you wish to torch morning mucus, shed excess Kapha, improve circulation, and boost digestion. Drink before meals to stimulate digestion or after meals for digestive comfort.
Ingredients:
3-5 green cardamom pods
½ tsp fennel seeds
¼ inch piece of peeled and chopped fresh ginger
8 oz of boiling water
Preparation: Peel and chop the ginger, then grind the cardamom and fennel seeds with a mortar and pestle. Place all the spices into a mug and pour 8 oz of boiling water over it.
Cover, steep for 3 minutes, strain, and drink. You can also make this tea in more quantity in a pan and sip it throughout the day.
Pick me up ginger, lime & honey tea
I've learned this recipe from my dear friend, Gaby, in Argentina back in 2000. Years passed by and every time I prepare this tea I remind of my friend and our conversations about design, sustainability and fair trading. I can't make this tea without catching myself with my heart smiling. This simple synergy is one the best to reverse colds and to warm up the body in colder days. This came out to be one of my daughter's preferred preparations too, so my heart is often smiling! :-)
Ingredients:
1 cup of boiling water
1 teaspoon of fresh grated ginger
the juice of 1/2 lime
honey to taste
Preparation: Add the grated ginger to the boiling water in a cup and let it infuse for 5 min. Add the lime juice, and honey. Drink it warm.
About the author: Carol Jamault is a Certified Health and Life Coach (CHC), Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), and Yoga Instructor (RYT-200) with extensive training in Ayurveda and Herbalism. She focuses on supporting her clients with stress management tools and self-care routines through an integrative approach to wellness. She guides those in a quest for personal growth and better health, by providing curated information and teaching a therapeutic lifestyle that naturally allows to restore balance, improving wellness and fostering longevity. Carol has been studying alternative healing, ethnobotany, circadian medicine, Ayurveda and herbalism since 2001. She is the founder of Hridayam Bodywork & Apothecary and partners with corporations and wellness studios to provide therapeutic bodywork, private coaching, workshops, and lectures.