I’ve recently delved into herbal medicine, a vastly broad topic that is both overwhelming and gloriously exciting. I’ve yet to find an herbal medicine program/class that fits my schedule and field of interest, but there are many options which I’m exploring.
In the meantime, I’ve been gleaning herbal tips and tricks from my friends in this holistic field of study. Additionally, my sister recently completed an herbal wildcrafting apprenticeship and has been sharing a wealth of knowledge and herbal recipes with me. I look forward to sharing more herbal healing recipes with you!
CCF Digestion Tea Recipe
Herbal medicine takes many forms, ranging from Traditional Chinese Medicine to Ayurvedic medicine to Native American remedies and more. This recipe is inspired by my recent visit to an Ayurvedic clinic, for an herbal consultation and detoxification (Panchakarma) treatment.
Upon entering the clinic, I was greeted with a steaming cup of fragrant tea. With one sip, I felt my nervous system relax and my taste buds perk up. I quizzed my practitioner about the tea, who discussed this ancient formula with me.
Coriander-Cumin-Fennel Tea, or CCF Tea as it is lovingly called, is a traditional Ayurvedic remedy. The three herbs are boiled to create a deliciously nurturing and digestively-balancing tea.
Coriander seeds – According to Ayurveda, coriander seeds support digestion, combat allergies and reduce bloating. It also supports the liver, one of the primary organs involved in detox and blood sugar balance.
Cumin – Ayurveda theory says that there are three doshas – primary energies that govern our physiology. When our doshas are in balance, we experience health. Cumin is thought to have a balancing effect on all three doshas. Ayurveda teaches that cumin supports digestion by kindling the digestive fire (“agni”). Western research has shown the cumin may stimulate digestive enzymes, which would improve nutrient assimilation.
Fennel seeds – In India, fennel seeds are often chewed after meals to support digestion. This herb has been traditionally used to stimulate digestive juices, reduce indigestion, prevent gas, and address constipation.
Sourcing Ayurvedic herbs
I’ve discussed sourcing herbs with two Ayurvedic practitioners and both recommended Banyan Botanicals to me. I’ve ordered these herbs, along with triphala (a broad-spectrum herbal digestion support), from Banyan Botanicals.
If you prefer not to order these herbs from Banyan, the next best option would be sourcing them from an Indian market, where the herbs are usually much fresher than in your supermarket. The third best option is organic herbs from your supermarket or health food store.
Non-organic herbs you find in your supermarket are likely irradiated (a form of microwave radiation) to preserve them. However, I believe this diminishes the nutrient integrity of the plant, so I avoid irradiated foods. Organic herbs cannot be irradiated.
- ¼ tsp. coriander seeds
- ¼ tsp. cumin seeds
- ¼ tsp. fennel seeds
- 2 cups of water
- 1 part coriander seeds
- 1 part cumin seeds
- 1 part fennel seeds
- You can make a jarful of the tea at a time, or just measure out the individual herbs for a single serving.
- I prefer to use slightly less cumin seeds. I think the flavor can be a bit overpowering. For example, if I'm filling a jar with the tea blend, I'll use ¼ cup coriander, ¼ cup fennel, and ¼ cup minus 1 Tbs. cumin seeds.
- Place ¾ - 1 tsp. of the blended herbs in 2 cups of water in a pot or kettle. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 4-5 minutes. Strain and enjoy.
This was recommended to me by my Dr. Kulreet Chaudhary, a neurologist who is also an Ayurveda specialist.
i tried n its really working
When do you drink this tea? With meals, before meals etc?
Before meals preferably one should have at least 15 minutes gap between this drink and your lunch/dinner.
We are using this at home, it really works. I found it in the Ayurvedic cookbook from Amadea Morningstar
I’m trying it today,will let you know the results after i drink it.
Can i drink it after meals??
Do you have to smash the seeds?