Spice tea for Christmas

Spicy tea during the festive feast is a great way to help digest heavy foods.

My top 5 spice teas are:

1) ginger 

2) black pepper

3) clove

4) cardamon

5) lemon

All these spices are great as a tisane or blended with Assam tea leaves making a great spice chai.

    

Masala Chai

 

I love my masala chai : fresh with whole spices with an organic Assam black tea leaves.

What's up with Tulsi? 7 reasons why you should take Tulsi.

1. Healing Power: Next to Lotus, Holy Basil or Tulsi is the most sacred plant in India. The tulsi plant has many medicinal properties.

2. Stress: Tulsi leaves are regarded as an 'adaptogen' or anti-stress agent.  It is recommended  that one should chew 7 to 10 leaves daily to prevent stress.

3. Pure : Tulsi has the quality of Sattva( purity) opening the heart and mind, bestowing the energy of love and devotion. 

4. Holy: Tulsi known as holy basil - gives the protection of the divine by clearing auras and strengthening the immune system. The stem of tulsi plants are worn as rosaries.

5: Cleansing the home: it absorbs positive ions, and energizes negative ions.

6: Coughs: Tulsi is an important constituent of many Ayurvedic cough syrups and expectorants. It helps to mobilize mucus in bronchitis and asthma.  Drinking tulsi tea relieves cold and flu. It removes excess kapha from the lungs.

7: For all you Vatas: Tulsi removes high vata from colon, improves absorption and strengthens the nerve tissue....increasing memory. 

As an Ayurvedic Teaologist my best selling tisane has been Rumi's Blend. Base notes organic tulsi and peppermint combined rose, Australian lemon myrtle and blue cornflower petal.  It's now been prescribed by Ayurvedic Practitioners as a support tea for stress, adrenal fatigue, skin disorders and overall balance. 

www.teacoup.com

Ayurveda says, pickles and chutneys are good for you!

Why pickles and chutneys are good for you.

- great way to get antioxidants in meals

- a good pickle can give you all six taste in just a spoonful.

- it aids digestion

- adds colour to your meal, brings balance to mild dishes. 

- suitable for vata, and kapha.  Pittas can enjoy occasionally as it may be too spicy and heating.

Recipe

I used about 7 carrots which I shaved with a peeler instead of chopping them up.

- heated a large pan with 3 tsp of ricebran oil, traditionally mustard oil is used.

- added black mustard seeds, cumin seeds and black whole peppercorns.

- to the whole spices I added  fresh grated ginger. When the spices started popping I added my carrots.

- allow to cook for few minutes then add pickle mix,  little more turmeric, and salt.

- cook for a few more minutes, take it off the heat, let it cool and store a glass jar.

Pickle mix contains- red chilli, fenugreek, hing, mustard, turmeric. ( mother in law's recipe) 

Benefits of Almonds in Ayurveda

When I was pregnant with my first child my grandmother told me to soak 10 raw almonds every night, peel them in the morning and eat them with my breakfast.  This would nourish my nervous system, balance my vata, strengthen my memory and make my baby healthy and intelligent. It was through my formal studies in Ayurveda did I realise how true this knowledge was. For the elders in most Asian families these rituals weren't great science, it was just simple living to maintain health and wellbeing that was passed from generation to generation. 

When consumed in moderation, up to ten nuts a day, almonds provide essential proteins and Vitamin E for the body. They are rich in magnesium, calcium, iron, phosphorus, potassium, zinc and manganese. 

What does an almond do?

Sweet almonds which possess a mild sweet taste and hot potency are the best for pacifying Vata dosha (Air-element) in the human body. As per the science of Ayurveda, almonds lubricate the skin and support all the seven dhatus (tissues), especially Shukra dhatu(reproductive tissues) and the Ojas (the overall vitality). However due to their heavy nature, one needs a strong jataara agni (digestive fire), to metabolize them. 

The best way to eat almonds.

Buy whole almonds, blanch and peel. Soaking also helps their digestibility. If eaten without soaking, they can aggravate Pitta in the blood. The best way to prepare them is to soak them overnight and peel the skin off in the morning. 

Morning Almond smoothie :  blend soaked peeled almond with dates and raisins.  Energy and nourishment in cup. Awesome for children. 

Tea Ritual - Ayurvedic way

Tea Ritual

My daily tea ritual involves:

- choosing a great loose leaf tea or tisane

- using fresh water for my base

- going through my teapot /cup collection and making a choice

- preparing the tea blend

- silently waiting till the my tea has brewed. For herbal infusions normally 4/5 minutes, black tea 3 minutes, green tea less then 3 minutes. 

- pouring my tea and consciously awaking my senses.

- lastly taking my time and sipping my tea.

For organic hand blended  Ayurvedic inspired teas and tisane visit me on www.teacoup.com

Dharma - life purpose

Ayurvedic Chai.

A spicy Chai tea is a great way to start day.

This recipe involves -Assam black tea leaves, cardamon,cinnomon, clove, black pepper, ginger, licorice, and a little nutmeg.  Boil one cup water, one cup milk, add chai mix and sweeten as taste preferences.

www.teacoup.com

Tea Coup

These are some of my blends.

Introducing Lu Yu—China's Sage of Tea

Love the life you Love

As a child I loved listening to Mr Bob Marley! I love his quote "love the life you live. Live the life you love.”
Funny thing is that some of us are lucky enough to do just that..

From a young age, I started reading on  Ayurveda and Tea.   Ayurveda, because I loved all things holistic, and I love tea as it was a ritual for me..

After years of studying and researching on both topics, I recently started a creative venture....TEA COUP by jajute ....It's about me,, an "Ayurvedic Teaologist" sharing my ayurvedic inspired organic hand-blended tea/tisane with you..

 I believe Ayurvedic science is like an umbrella, it has many section to it- diet, body treatments,herbal medicines, meditation , yoga..etc.....I find that my passion is with creating ....creating teas, lotions, potions and then educating people about them..

 
For several years now, I have been sharing my knowledge of ayurveda through recipes and rituals. Since then the awareness of ayurveda has increased ..more and more people are getting interested in this ancient art of healing.

For the next phase of this blog I am going to take you on a mystical journey.
Where I will share you my knowledge of teas, tisanes, herbs, chai, lotions, potions, and other healing rituals...it is all about getting back to JAJU (mother earth) and creating things that have prana, chi or life force in them.

love and light
Fehreen Ali
Ayurvedic Teaologist.

www.teacoup.com 

Ghee

My mother-in-law has always made ghee for me, however yesterday I decide to have a go myself.  This recipe is from my  ayurvedic teacher . 

• Put 500grams of unsalted organic butter in a heavy pot, turn the heat to medium and heat the butter until  it is melted.

• Turn down the heat, and continue to cook. Do not cover the pot, as it is important for all the water to boil out.

• The butter will foam for a little while and then it settles down. Stir it occasionally with a stainless steel spoon.

• After 12 to 14 minutes your ghee will smell like popcorn and will turn a lovely golden colour. 
•  Whitish curds will form and separate from clear ghee.  When these curds turn a light tan colour and the boiling quietens down, your ghee is ready.  
• Take it off the heat immediately and pour it in a wide bowl for the cooling process.  The solid curd will have settled to the bottom of the bowl.
•  Decant the clear ghee into a glass jar and discard the curd left on the bottom of your bowl.

Ghee does not need refrigeration. I keep my jar in the pantry where it is dark and a little cool. It's medicinal properties will improve with age.


Glorious Ghee improves absorption, assimilation and increases digestive fire.
It nourishes ojas( subtle essence)  of all the body's tissue. It strengthens the brain and nervous system , also lubricating the connective tissues hence making you more flexible.  It pacifies pitta and vata. However people with high cholesterol or suffering from obesity should limit the use of ghee.

What is Noni?

Noni - Morinda citrifolia, its sanskrit name is Aashyuka. Common name Indian Mulberry.

Why Noni Juice?
"It is a well-know fact that the body absorbs liquids faster and more effectively than solids. Absorption is a very important thing to consider when taking natural supplements."

Reasons to Drink Noni Juice by Dr. Neil Solomon M.D. Ph.D.

1. Prevent and Protect Against Cancer -- Morinda citrifolia might exert a preventative and protective action against cancer during the initiation stage, which is the first phase of the formation of the cancer. Many feel antioxidant activity is an important function of Noni juice and one of the reasons so many people have reported success with cancer while using the juice.

2. Alleviates Symptoms of Arthritis -- There are several ways in which Noni may alleviate the undesirable symptoms of arthritis. Pain is the number one complaint with arthritis. Because Noni has analgesic qualities, it can help relieve this pain. Morinda citrifolia has also been shown to contain scopoletin, which has anti-inflammatory and histamine-inhibiting effects, both of which are excellent for the promotion of smooth joint movement. The cellular-enhancing qualities of Noni may also minimize damage to the joints and other involved tissues.

3. Fights Heart Disease -- Noni juice can help with high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke. Some scientists believe that Xeronine can help promote a healthy cell structure within the circulatory system. Noni juice can also lessen the symptoms of heart disease.

4. Lowers High Blood Pressure -- In my research, 85 percent of Noni juice drinkers reported decreased blood pressure while drinking Noni juice.

5. Strengthens the Immune System -- Noni juice boosts the overall immune system of the body and helps to maintain optimal health. Noni may help modulate a healthy immune system by either enhancing an already functioning system, by stimulating the components of a sluggish one, or by decreasing an overactive immune system. The mechanism by which Noni can do these different functions is called Adatogenisis.

6. Reduces Symptoms of Fibromyalgia -- Many people who suffer from fibromyalgia experience loss of energy. An increase in energy from Noni is a very positive side effect from the juice. Seventy0seven percent of people with fibromyalgia reported lessened symptoms after they began drinking Noni juice.

7. Fortifies Cell Structure -- Noni is believed to fortify and maintain cell structure. This can be accomplished by Noni helping the body heal itself and because Noni can aid "sick" cells in repairing themselves.

8. Helps Control Diabetes -- Noni can aid in the regulation of insulin secretion by the pancreas, helping control diabetes. Drinking Noni may also help relieve diabetic symptoms through its ability to stimulate the body's production of nitric oxide. Both may also be important factors in decreasing symptoms such as poor circulation and vision problems.

9. Reduces Symptoms of Asthma -- Noni may help in reducing the severity of the symptoms of asthma by boosting and modulating the immune system and enhancing the cellular structure of the bronchioles.

10. Fights Depression -- Noni's ability to modulate natural bio-chemicals such as brain hormones might be why many people have felt less depress after drinking Noni juice.

11. Offers Pain Relief -- Some scientists believe that Noni is associated with the body's production of a very important biochemical known as serotonin, which may involve the xeronine system that is believed to promote the body's ability to ward off pain.

12. Helps Promote Weight Loss -- Noni may help you lose weight by promoting better sleep, aiding in the regulation of blood sugar levels, and by boosting the number of antioxidants in the body.

13. Helps Control ADHD -- Noni may be helpful for this condition in both children and adults thought its ability to modulate the production of some of he chemicals in the brain as well as increase overall cellular health in the brain.

14. Helps Treat Migraines -- Preliminary results show that there is a non/serotonin relationship. Studies suggest that Noni juice was clinically helpful in the treatment of migraines.

15. Successful in the Treatment of Addictions -- Noni juice has been said to be successful in the treatment of addictions to heroine, cocaine, marijuana, nicotine, alcohol, prescription drug use and caffeine.

16. Protects Against Strokes -- Noni may help inhibit premature coagulation in the blood, preventing platelets form clumping together into clots associated with strokes.

17. Lowers Cholesterol -- Noni is a potent free radical scavenger that can contribute to lower cholesterol levels and prevents LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol) from oxidizing.

18. Increases Memory -- Noni may be used by the brain to encode long-term memory and enhance blood flow to the brain.

19. Strengthens the Nervous System -- Noni functions as a "messenger molecule" that may allow nerve cells in the body and the brain to communicate effectively.

20. Encourages Detoxification -- Noni can increase the rate of liver detoxification by more than 50 percent.

21. Improves Skin Condition -- Noni can be used topically. Its anti-inflammatory and histamine-inhibiting effects can help fight allergies, skin conditions and inflammation

http://www.worldnoni.org

Fresh Mint Tea

Peppermint is the most stimulating of all the mint varieties.
It is cooling,little pungent and great for colds, sore throat, headaches, nervous agitation and improving digestion.

Fresh Mint tea recipe

1. Rinse the mint leaves well.
2. Roughly tear the leaves with your hands and place them in a teapot.
3. Bring the water to a boil let it rest for 30 seconds .
4. Gently bruise the mint leaves with a wooden spoon, to release oils.
5. Add the hot water to the leaves in the teapot.
6. Cover the teapot and let the leaves steep for at least 5 minutes.
7. Sweeten with honey or sugar to taste if desired.

The Sola Yoga Project in Afghanistan

The Sola Yoga Project is an initiative with the purpose of bringing yoga and meditation to Afghanistan and its surrounding region. By using these ancient methods of peace and wellbeing, Afghanistan's population will be able to create a sustainable model of non-violence for future generations.

Ayurvedic Spice Milk

Milk provides a unique nutritional value that cannot be derived from any other type of food. Milk, when digested properly, nourishes tissues, promotes balanced emotions, and helps to balance all the doshas. It is one of the most important foods to promote ojas.

Ojas been a refined substance the body produces from the most subtle level of proper digestion. Ojas brings strength, strong immunity, happiness, and contentment according to Ayurveda. Therefore milk is a very important food to include regularly in one's diet especially if you follow a vegetarian lifestyle.

In order to digest milk properly, one should avoid drinking cold milk right out of the refrigerator. Milk should be brought to a boil. Allow the milk to foam up and then bring the heat down so the milk is on a slow boil for about 5 to 10 minutes. Heating the milk changes the molecular structure of the milk so it is much easier for human consumption and it reduces kapha, making it lighter to digest. While cooking it you may add a pinch of ground turmeric, a pinch of ground black pepper, a cinnamon stick, or a few pinches of ginger to reduce the heaviness of the milk and reduce any mucous causing side effect.

Vedic Spice Milk Recipe
-whole organic milk
-turmeric
-saffron
-cinnamon
-black pepper
-powered ginger
-green cardamom
-sugar

In the Spring season I would boil 2 cups water with one cup milk ,add saffron as it is your most delicate flavour and then add a pinch of the rest of the ingredients. Slow boil for about 5-8 minutes. Great for kids.

Massage oils for Vata, Pita, Kapha

Medicated Oils for Dosha Type

* Vata (Air)–Carriers: sesame oil, almond oil. Ashwagandha, bala, dashamoola.
* Pitta (Fire)–Carriers: sunflower,sesame,coconut. Bhringaraj, neem,manjistha,white sandalwood.
* Kapha(Earth/Water) – Carriers: sesame, almond. Calamus (vaccha),red sandalwood, tulsi.

Food Medicine

Food is the chief of all material things. It is the medicine for all kinds of disease. From food all things are born.

~ Taittriya Upanishad

Ayurvedic Cooking Retreats - Govinda Valley Sydney

Health Benefits of Masala Chai