Ayurveda in Sanskrit means “Science of Life,” it is a 4,000-year-old Indian medicinal and lifestyle practice that instructs a practitioner to balance their natural energy constitutions within the body for optimal health. Constitutions are categorized as, Vata, Kapha, and Pitta.
Vata is the subtle energy associated with the movement. Pitta expresses the metabolic system and Kapha is the energy that forms the body’s structure. To determine a constitution, one must take an assessment test that looks at body type, the shape of nail beds, hair type and sleeping patterns for example.
For those who know me well, they know that I love all kinds of herbal teas, also known as tisanes, used for medicinal healing. While further developing my knowledge of Ayurveda, I began dabbling in making tisanes for calming and tonifying (rebuild/support) of the digestive system.
A favorite blend that I’ve made features clove, fennel, cumin, and coriander which makes for an invigorating jumpstart to help flush the digestive system while supporting it with immunity and the anti-inflammatory boosting combination of turmeric and black pepper.
Morning Tisane
- 1/2 tsp Fennel Seeds
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
- 1/2 tsp Cumin Seeds
- 1 tbsp Fresh Turmeric
- 1/2 tsp Coriander Seeds
- 4 Cloves
- Raw Honey
- 24 oz Hot Water
- Lemon to Taste
Place all ingredients into a pot or kettle of hot water. Allow herbs to steep for 3-5 minutes. Pour tisane blend into a cup and enjoy.
Photographer Credit: jchizhe