5 Desi Herbal Teas for Wellbeing

As it is often said, ‘There is no ailment that a relaxing cup of tea cannot fix’, and Desi herbal teas are no exception.

Tea just so happens to be the perfect cure for a long, stressful day.

Aside from calming you down, certain herbal teas also offer amazing health benefits and can be great for your overall wellbeing.

While the most common teas include the likes of white tea, green tea and oolong tea, there are certain Desi herbal teas that are both relaxing and extremely good for you.

DESIblitz presents 5 Desi herbal teas that you need to try right now!

1. Tulsi (Indian Holy Basil) Tea

Tulsi or Indian Holy Basil really is the Holy Grail of ancient Ayurvedic medicine.

This ‘Queen of Herbs’ is still greatly popular today and holds a strong aroma and bitter taste.

It is a known stress-buster, and can also lower both cholesterol and high blood pressure.

As well as its many medicinal properties from indigestion and flu, its many antioxidants will boost your immune system and make you more energised.

To Prepare:

1. Use either fresh or dry leaves of tulsi and add to a cup of boiling water.
2. Add a pinch of ground cloves and powdered cinnamon.

For a more enriching brew, mix tulsi leaves with Green Tea and enjoy a relaxing cuppa!

2. Adrak (Ginger) Tea

Adrak or ginger is a common treatment for colds and ailments, and makes for a fool-proof healthy herbal tea.

It has a strong taste and can take some getting used to, but is also used to help digestion problems.

It’s perfect to take after a heavy meal, and will energise you just when you need it.

To Prepare:

1. Boil water in a saucepan.
2. Slice ginger very thinly.
3. Simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Strain the tea into a cup while still warm.
5. Sweeten with honey, jaggery or lemon slices.

3. Pudina (Mint) Tea

Pudina is a classic Desi herb that is a go to for Asian parents.

The herb while minty and refreshing is known to relieve headaches and alleviate any stomach aches and pains.

Mix fresh mint with green tea for a perfect blend of great-tasting goodness.

To Prepare:

1. Pour hot water into a kettle and add mint leaves.
2. Add also, green tea leaves and lemon or honey.
3. Leave to infuse for 3-5 minutes and then serve.

4. Saunf (Fennel) Tea

While strong tasting, saunf or fennel, is a common staple herb that can be found in every Desi kitchen cupboard.

Interestingly, saunf seeds are commonly used as a Desi snack, which helps to freshen the breath.

But it is also rich in vitamin C, potassium, iron and fiber. It aids digestion, and can also help with weight loss.

To Prepare:

1. Bring water to boil in a saucepan.
2. Take one tbsp of fennel leaves and 6 to 8 fresh mint leaves and leave to simmer for 10 minutes on a low to medium heat.
3. Strain into a cup and add honey to sweeten.

Alternatively, you can make a Desi chai with milk as follows:

1. Heat water in a saucepan.
2. Crush fennel seeds and cardamom pods, and toss into the water as it boils.
3. When the water begins to boil, add sugar and normal black tea bags.
4. Leave to simmer for about 5 minutes.
5. Add milk, and let the mixture come up to boil again.
6. Lower heat and leave to simmer for another 5 minutes.

5. Dalchini (Cinnamon) Tea

A favourite among many, dalchini or cinnamon, has a sweet flavour that is commonly used in desserts and sweets.

But the spice has numerous health benefits as well. It is said to keep diabetes patients in check, as well as helping with weight loss.

To Prepare: 

1. Drop a cinnamon stick into an empty cup and pour boiling water on top.
2. Leave for about 10 minutes.
3. Add a normal black tea bag and leave to brew for 3 minutes.
4. Serve while still hot.

Alternatively, go for an exceptional cinnamon chai latte recipe like this:

1. In a saucepan, add water, normal black tea bags, 1 clove, 1 cinnamon stick, 1/4 teaspoon of crushed ginger and cardamon.
2. Boil for 5 minutes.
3. Add sugar to sweeten.
4. Add milk and return the mixture to a boil.
5. Strain into a cup and serve.

These aromatic herbal teas are certain to soothe any aches and pains and make you feel calmer and more relaxed.

Remember, a nice cuppa will make just about everything better.