Fall is the season for the start of many festivals and also when seasonal allergies are at their peak. Take some time for yourself, make a pot of this 10 ingredient herbal tea for allergy relief, detox, and overall wellness… slow down, and sip!
Last week when I was suffering from allergy-induced headaches and sinus pains, my friends made a pot of this 10 ingredient herbal tea. We made this instead of our regular pot of chai and sipped it from a shot glass. While the taste of the tea takes a little getting used to, it helped clear up most of my allergy issues in a couple of days. I have been having this every morning instead of my usual Lemon Ginger Tea.
WHAT IS IN THIS POST
10 Ingredient Herbal Tea for Allergy Relief
Most ingredients for this herbal tea are probably already in your kitchen –things like cumin, fennel, turmeric is an indispensable part of Indian cuisine. Not just for curries and dals, these seeds have some amazing health benefits as well. Technically this is an 8 ingredient tea if you don’t count water and salt 🙂
This kashayam (a traditional household concoction) is often given as a home remedy for cold and cough in Indian households.
If you are looking for natural remedies for allergies, looking for ways to natural cures for seasonal allergies and sinus issues, this herbal tea might help. This herbal tea is also a natural detox. Try it and let me know if it works for you.
Benefits of Turmeric
Turmeric is added to pretty much anything Indian dish I make at home. It is a staple in Indian kitchens and there is a reason for it – turmeric is anti-inflammatory, high in antioxidants. Curcumin, the main component in turmeric, supports the immune system in its ability to fight infection, inflammation and it has pain-relieving properties.
Turmeric root is also considered to be adaptogenic because it can help the body to maintain the appropriate level of cortisol. Studies show that it may also slow down the aging process and support longevity helps prevent chronic illnesses including heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s and more. It is indeed a medicinal magic powder!
Benefits of Black Pepper
Black pepper and its active compound piperine have potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Laboratory studies suggest that black pepper may improve cholesterol levels, blood sugar control, and brain and gut health.
Benefits of Ginger
The spicy ginger root has inflammatory response properties that are great for supporting a healthy immune system, managing pain, and improving digestion. Ginger can also help in supporting healthy blood sugar levels and promoting an insulin response.
Benefits of Garlic
Garlic is traditionally used to treat colds and coughs. It’s also known to boost the immune system and help ease asthma symptoms. Garlic contains antioxidants that protect against cell damage and aging. It may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
Benefits of Hing (Asafoetida)
Hing is rich in fiber aids in digestion and provides relief from stomach problems like gastritis, bloating, abdominal pain, flatulence and promotes overall digestive health. The anti-microbial properties in hing help in preventing the growth of flora in the intestines and reduces the chance of stomach infection. Hing is also anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and antibiotic effects and aids in relieving chest congestion and releasing phlegm.
Benefits of Ajwain Seed
Ajwain seeds have a small amount of oil in them known as ajwain oil which contains thymol. Thymol is commonly used to treat digestive problems. It also has antifungal and antibacterial properties. The seeds that have a strong and bitter taster has been used in Ayurvedic and Siddha medicine to help treat numerous issues. Ajwain is also known to help with weight loss.
Ajwain seeds are kneaded into the batter to make parathas and most commonly to make ajwain (oma) water to ease indigestion (especially during festival season when we indulge). Use less of the ajwain seeds to make the herbal tea, if you are not used to the strong taste and smell of these seeds.
Benefits of Cumin Seed
The active ingredients in cumin seeds have an anti-inflammatory, antiseptic effect. This means that if you have pain or inflammation that triggers other conditions, cumin in your diet may counter the effects. Studies have shown that cumin may also prevent cancer cells from multiplying and help reduce pain with its anti-inflammatory properties.
Benefits of Fennel Seed
Fennel seeds are loaded with vitamins and minerals like Copper, Zinc, Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, Iron, and Vitamin C. They are often eaten after meals to aid digestion and freshen breath but have also been found to regulate blood pressure levels, control irregular heart rate and reduce water retention.
With so many benefits, are you convinced that this herbal tea is not just for seasonal allergy relief but also good for wellness and weight loss? I am!
Easy Herbal Tea (kashayam) for Wellness & Weightloss
- Boil 12 cups of water
- Add all seeds (1 Tablespoon each) and salt
- Add grated ginger, I peel the ginger then use a Microplane to grate it
- Add 3 pods of garlic smashed along with the skin
- Once the water begins to boils, add 1 tablespoon of turmeric
- Boil till the water reduces to 1/2
- Turn off the water. Let it sit for 5 mins and then strain.
- ENJOY!
A few tips: Peel organic ginger(so much flavor than regular ginger), slice into thin rounds, and save in the freezer in a reusable BPA Free ziplock bag.
Use this stainless steel straw to sip your tea, so that you don’t stain your teeth. No one wants turmeric teeth!
Save this Cold & Allergy Relief Herbal Tea (kashayam) Recipe
Homemade Herbal Tea (kashayam) for Allergy Relief, Cold and Sinus
Ingredients
- 12 cups water
- 3 pods garlic
- 1 inch ginger
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tbsp ajwain
- 1 tbsp fennel
- 1 tbsp turmeric
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- pinch Hing (asofetida)
Instructions
- Boil 12 cups of water
- Add all seeds (1 Tablespoon each) and salt
- Add grated ginger, I peel the ginger then use a Microplane to grate it
- Add 3 pods of garlic smashed along with the skin
- Once the water begins to boils, add 1 tablespoon of turmeric
- Boil till the water reduces to 1/2
- Turn off the water. Let it sit for 5 mins and then strain.
- ENJOY!
How to Prepare and Store
The best recommendation I have is to prepare a batch and store them for a week in the refrigerator. Warm a small cup of this herbal tea to drink every morning and a second after lunch and if needed.
I’m trying to get Mr. Suburbia who suffers from season allergies, hayfever, and pollen allergy to try these home remedies.
You might also like: 6 Wellness Teas to sip, soothe & relieve stress
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. While these are teas that I have made for myself as home remedies, it is not intended to replace medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
CONNECT WITH US