During my course of study in becoming an Ayurvedic Practitioner, my peers and I would attend regular weekly "intensives". We were on campus everyday, for a full week, immersed in Ayurvedic learning of body therapies, herbal medicine preparations and theory across many areas of the science. I loved these weeks, so very much, and miss them still to this day. During one of our weeks, our teacher Dr. Bosco Paul, felt a cold coming on. He created a tea on campus using key Ayurvedic ingredients to pacify initial symptoms. It worked quickly and effectively, bringing the escalation of infection to a grinding halt. The tonic worked in addition, of course, to applying other Ayurvedic dietary and lifestyle approaches also such as warm foods, warm water hydration, and rest.
The below tonic is safe for adults and children alike, please halve the recipe for children however. The deeply warming ingredients of the tonic will induce a mild sweat to flush out toxins and congestion. Please remain hydrated with warm water in between consuming the tea. In addition, avoid ALL cold, oily, heavy and raw foods. Warm soups & broths, or simple foods like Kitchari and One Pot Rice & Seasonal Vegetables are ideal meals until symptoms subside. Keep warm and please, rest!
WHAT YOU WILL NEED
Makes 1 adult serving, to be consumed over the course of the day
1.5 L water
1-2 tsp fresh/dried Tulsi leaves or 1 Tulsi tea bag (Tulsi is also known as Holy Basil)
2-3 shallots roughly chopped
2-3 gloves of garlic bruised and peeled
2-3 cardamom pods bruised
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp ginger powder
1 tsp jaggery
METHOD
Get a medium sized saucepan and add all ingredients.
On the stove, bring to tonic to the boil.
Reduce to a rapid simmer for 1-2 minutes.
Strain and serve immediately (you can store the tonic in a thermos over the day to stay warm and sip in between warm water).
DISCLAIMER
The sole purpose of these articles is to provide information about the science of Ayurveda. If you have an acute or chronic health concern, please consult your chosen trained health care professional who can fully assess your needs and address them effectively. If you are seeking the medical advice of a qualified Ayurvedic Practitioner, contact The Sattva Centre directly - info@thesattvacentre.com