Monday, 15 February 2021

Here's a perfect guide to healthy tea options according to body type and needs

 Most of us are in a habit of enlivening ourselves by sipping our tea. And ever since the pandemic struck last year, our perspectives towards tea did not remain the same. Earlier, we drank a variety of  teas for simple goals such as well-being, enjoyment, suppressing our hunger and restlessness or extended it to the purpose of trying what's new in the market.



However, after Covid-19,  it changed to what's the purpose of having tea? Yes, we defined our purpose for having tea according to our body needs and constitution. We were guided towards different kadhas, herbal teas and drinking of lukewarm water as much as possible. Also, no one can deny the fact that tea prices rose almost to double during the pandemic. The tea which used to cost Rs 80-90 was priced between Rs 125-145 instantly.


All of us tried different kadhas, types of teas, turmeric lattes, using a variety of herbs from our kitchen in our tea. And we all tried our hands at different recipes and played around with different mixes of tea, customised according to the need of our body constitution.




Many people learnt how to identify body constitutions or Dosha Prakriti. Be it you are of Vaat constitution or of  Pitta or Kapha, tea changes amplify your mood, and can help you to heal. Such herbal teas, which are made up of flowers, herbs and spices definitely help in reduction of anxiety, worry, fear, anger, irritation, depression and other emotional imbalances.


But did you know there are different types of teas available in the market according to your need? Yes, the motive specific Ayurvedic and flower teas or the calming “tisane” (the French word for tea) are very helpful.


Well, you need not know rocket science for that, just know what you want around your health and you are good to go. If you are a sickly type, who is constantly felled by stomach upsets, headaches and colds or among those who just wish to detox and relax, you need not worry as there are plenty of tea concoctions available according to your need. Not forgetting that there are people who aim at having good skin and keep their diabetes in check.


Usually, we can have different motives for drinking tea – you may want to lose weight, or just get relieved from stress, many are there who want their skin to glow, or bust the cold, cough or headache.  Luckily, there's always a soothing cup of herbal tea available or even better, most of the herbs can be grown at home in your potted plants. And neither of these teas would require any special equipment to make them. The teas I have mentioned below are usually drunk hot and preferably in the mornings and evenings for at least a month for the effect to be visibly noticed. And since these teas do not have any caffeine in them 

though, they can easily be drunk at night as well. 


I have also mentioned the tentative herbs your motive specific tea may include.


Reduce your blood sugar: If your aim is as the start of this para mentions, do try Hibiscus Flower Tea, it helps in reducing blood sugar.  Hibiscus flower tea contains powerful antioxidants that protect and repair cells; offers a rich source of iron to support strong blood and circulation; helps reduce blood sugar levels by prohibiting the absorption of carbohydrates; supports weight loss and weight management goals; calms the digestive system; and offers gastrointestinal relief.




Acidity relief tea: Yes this blend of herbal tea would include ingredients like Anantmool (Hemidesmus Indicus), Guduchi (Tinospora Cordifolia), Bala (Sida Cordifolia), Rasna (Pluchea Lanceolata), Shatavari (Asparagus Racemosus), Coriander Seed, Licorice Root, Cardamom, Milk Thistle and Ginger etc.




Clear skin tea: Now this is something most women would fall for (pun intended). This type of tea generally consist of flowers and herbs such as Rose Petals, Calendula, Rosemary Leaves, Lavender Flower, Mint (Pudina) Leaves, Sage, Chamomile Flower, Thyme Leaves, Licorice Root, Neem Leaves, Aloe Vera leaves and Green Tea.




Detox tea: I believe this is the latest fad in the market. All the conscious ones are popping in pills but they can switch to the specific Organic Chamomile Tea as Calming Tisane – it helps in improving sleep quality. Chamomile naturally relaxes the nervous system, which not only aids against insomnia, but also improves sleep quality. It calms an upset stomach and boost your immune system.




PCOS relief tea: I find this as the most common condition found in women. Now you girls can integrate the following herbs or tea type for containing this messy ailment. Such type of flower or herb blend tisane helps cure acne, facial hair growth, scalp hair loss related to hormonal imbalance. It consists of Organic Spearmint Leaves (Mentha Spicata), Cinnamon Barks (Cinnamomum Verum), Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera), Vana Tulsi (Ocimum Sanctum), Gokhshura (Tribulus Terrestris), Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza Glabra), St John Wort (Hypericum perforatum), Organic Nettle Leaves (Urtica Dioica), Flax Seed (Linum Usitatissimum), Fenugreek Seed (Trigonella Foenum-Graecum), Chaste Berry (Vitex Agnus-Castus) and Green Tea and the list can be a little different according to the brand you opt for.