The first thing most people think when they hear the term ayurvedic teas is, “What are they?” Despite being around for centuries, the majority of the Western world is still largely unaware of what they are and what they’re for. The only people who tend to be aware in the US are those who engage in regular yoga classes, as meditation is a big part of the practice.
So What is Ayurvedic Medicine (a.k.a. Ayurveda)?
Ayurveda is a Sanskrit word that translates to ‘science of life’, and while modern-day medicine treats individual illnesses and conditions, it treats people as a whole entity holistically. Honoring not just the body but also the spirit and mind, it’s a practice that involves yoga, herbs, lifestyle and diet.
Ayurvedic Tea Focuses Around Three Main Doshas
Originating around 3000 BC in India, ayurveda was created to allow human beings to achieve optimum levels of balance, health and energy. The practice and Ayurvedic tea focus on three main doshas. Let’s take a look at them individually.
The three doshas exist because everyone is different. Some people are slow and graceful, while others are hyperactive and always on the go. It’s all of our own innate differences that mean there’s no one-size-fits approach to balancing the body.
Those doshas are:
- Vatha
- Pitha
- Kapha
No one is ever 100% Vatha, Pitha or Kapha, but we all have a dominant dosha. If you’re a Vatha person, you tend to be active, wiry and always on the go. Pitha people tend to have a fiery spirit, with Kapha individuals being calm, composed and sometimes complacent.
Looking Closer at Teas In Ayurveda
As part of the practice of Ayurvedic medicine, teas are served in order to help people achieve their goals as they relate to vitality, wellness and health. Mirroring the doshas, there are Pitha teas, Kapha teas and Vatha teas, all designed to help those that exhibit the relevant traits.
When brewed, they exist to purify your system and rebalance the problems that caused whatever conditions you have. Regardless of the problem in question, your tea is designed to help you holistically, rebalancing yourself and solving whatever health issues you have.
Here’s what you’ll find in each in terms of ingredients:
- Kapha teas – should contain ginger, black pepper, cardamom, liquorice, cloves & cinnamon
- Pitha teas – will contain stevia, liquorice, roses, fennel, cardamom
- Vatha teas – usually have fennel, cloves and stevia
It won’t do you any harm drinking a Kapha tea if you happen to be a Vahta or Pitha person. It’s just that you’ll get the most benefit from the tea that matches who you are.
Ayurvedic Teas Are Part of Huge Ancient Mystical Science
It’s a big task trying to sum up Ayurveda in a short blog, but we hope that we’ve given you an insight into what the teas from the practice do. In summary, they treat your body’s operating system rather than going after individual viruses and infected programs.
The holistic nature of Ayurveda is a massive subject, however, it is based on some pretty simple principles. It’s not recognised by traditional medicine as such, but that hasn’t stopped literally millions of people benefitting from the help it provides.
You don’t have to go fully into Ayurveda to benefit from the ancient practice. As such, you can just dip your toe in and see what the amazing teas taste like…and research things more fully from there.
