Herbal Teas We Never Knew Existed
Herbs are international. That means you don’t have to drink peppermint and chamomile teas for the rest of your life. Each culture offers different kinds of herbs and herb mixes that sometimes will literally blow your mind! Indonesians for instance mix ginger, clove, cinnamon leaves, nutmeg leaves, and Secang wood to make a traditional drink called Wedang Uwuh that is believed to help reduce cholesterol levels in the body. Herbs lovers… Get thrilled, in the herbal drinks world, there is always something new to discover and try. How interesting!
Here are some of the most interesting herb mixes from different cultures.
Indonesia || Bajigur
This warm, delicious, and healing drink is one of Indonesia’s most popular drinks. In addition to its good taste, Bajigur helps to prevent hypertension (which makes it a great option before bed) and aid with digestion. Bajigur is also linked to preventing anemia, maintaining cholesterol, and preventing obesity.
How to make?
Ingredients:
1 liter of coconut milk
150 grams of palm sugar
100 grams of ginger roasted and bruised
2 lemongrass stems bruised
5 pandan leaves
A 5-cm piece of cinnamon
1 tablespoon of instant ground coffee.
- Put the milk in a pan and set it on medium heat. Add all ingredients except coffee. Stir the ingredients. Wait till the mixture boils and becomes frothy.
- When the water turns brown, put the instant coffee powder. Turn off the flame.
- Stir to get the contents evenly mixed. Then let the mixture sit until the steam disappears.
- Strain the mixture and enjoy 🙂
Thailand || The Blue Tea
Aka butterfly pea flower tea. This one is known for its color-changing properties such as turning a deep purple with the addition of a few drops of lemon juice. Its antioxidant properties make it a great immunity booster. It aids with weight loss, reduces hair loss, and combats diseases like diabetes. Blue tea is also good for your heart and eye health and is considered all-natural paracetamol.
How To make?
Ingredients:
5-7 dried butterfly pea flowers per cup of water
Water
few drops of lemon
- Bring water to a boil and let it cool down to around 205°F.
- Add butterfly pea flowers and steep for about 5 minutes.
- Strain and add sweetener.
Russia || Ivan Chai
This one is known for its high anti-inflammatory index due to the very rich content of flavonoids, tannins, carotenoids, vitamin C, organic acids, triterpenoids. It improves digestion, aids in wound healing, and boosts metabolism. Ivan chai is made from the leaves of fireweed.
How to make?
Ingredients:
One or two teaspoons of fermented fireweed leaves
Dried berries
Wild strawberry
Raspberry
Sea buckthorn
Dried leaves of mint, thyme, or rose petals
Brew as you would any normal loose leaf black tea.
India || The Golden Milk
This one is a well-known Indian mix for its anti-inflammatory and healing properties. India is a very rich culture when it comes to spices and we all know how much Indians love turmeric and they are not to blame. It’s one of their core spices that you’ll find in every Indian meal.
How to make?
You can do it with only milk and turmeric. The choice of milk is totally up to you… All work.
If you want to take it to a next level, you can put some additional spices into the mix like green cardamom pods, black peppercorns, cinnamon sticks, fresh ginger. Put all ingredients together and lightly simmer.
Enjoy the taste and the benefits.
