Digestive Tea

Long before we had modern medicine we discovered how different plants could alleviate certain ailments. Many of these folk remedies’ power to cure may simply be a placebo effect- studies have shown that when people take something they think will cure them, it surprisingly can, even if it is just a simple substance without any curative properties. However, there are some items in nature that have been proven to have positive effects that come from their vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients. The spices used in this tea- cumin, coriander and fennel- are spices we have used for thousands of years to strengthen digestion and they are commonly and traditionally used in hard to digest, spicy and rich Indian cuisine.
According to Ayurveda, a dietary system over 2,000 years old from India that works in tandem with yoga, these three spices are all highly beneficial to the digestive process. In Ayurveda there is a great focus on optimizing digestion because being out of balance is believed to affect everything from body composition to energy levels to sleep to mental sharpness to mood. For a person to be their best self, to be energetic, to sleep well, to have a positive outlook and to be in sync mind, body and soul their digestion must be efficient. Poor quality food, excessively large portions, eating too fast and not chewing enough are all some of the biggest factors that can lead to impaired digestion. Some obvious symptoms are gas, bloating, indigestion, cramping, constipation and diarrhea. Different seasons and people’s natural dispositions come largely into play, so to follow the principles of Ayurveda the diet is constantly evolving according to present circumstances- but there are some “short cuts” that work quickly like this tea. Its soothing effect can even be beneficial for those suffering from PMS, morning sickness or nausea. Under normal circumstances it is especially ideal in the winter but can be effective year round.
What makes these spices so beneficial is that they actually help the body in its normal processes instead of masking symptoms. They can boost the body’s production of bile and digestive enzymes, which means that our bodies are better able to completely digest what we eat then quickly eliminate what we cannot use. These are small scale improvements but they are impactful.
According to Ayurveda, each of these spices has their own distinct abilities:
Cumin- dispels gas, is a mild laxative, is anti-inflammatory, supports the pancreas
Coriander (cilantro seeds)- treats indigestion, constipation, menstrual disorders, diarrhea and flatulence
Fennel- assists with digestion, relieves intestinal gas and cramping, prevents nausea
For herbs to work their best they should be as fresh as possible, therefore I like to make this from scratch version and get herbs from grocers that have a high turnover so it is at least very fresh when I first bring it home. While there are several pre-made blends on the market, many of them taste kind of gross, aren’t that fresh, are way overpriced and/or have some lower quality ingredients as fillers. The best way to know what an unfamiliar spice tastes like without actually tasting it is smelling it. If it is unappealing then you might not find the taste very palatable. Two additional digestive promoting spices that can be swapped or added in are ginger and cardamom. A bit of raw honey or maple syrup can be added to sweeten it.