Cumin coriander fennel (CCF)
Cumin, coriander, and fennel tea, also known as CCF tea, is a popular herbal tea in Ayurvedic medicine. CCF tea is a powerful digestive aid that can help balance the three doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Each of the three spices in the tea has its own unique properties that can benefit the body when combined together.
Cumin
Cumin is a spice commonly used in Middle Eastern and Indian cuisine. Cumin is also known as Jīraka, and it is commonly used to balance Vata and Kapha doshas. It is considered a carminative, which means it can help to reduce bloating and gas in the digestive system. Cumin is also a good source of iron, which can help to balance Pitta dosha.
Botanical name: cuminum cyminum
Sanskrit name: Jīraka (The word Jīraka is derived from jirna, digestion, so jiraka means that which digests)
Rasa: Katu (pungent)
Gunas: Laghu (light), Ruksha (dry)
Vipak: Katu (pungent)
Virya: ushna (heating)
VATA: reduces PITTA: increases KAPHA: reduces
Coriander
Coriander, also known as cilantro, is commonly used in Mexican and Asian cuisine. It has been shown to aid digestion and improve heart health. Coriander, or Dhanyaka, is used to balance Pitta and Kapha doshas. It is a natural diuretic, which means it can help to flush toxins out of the body. Coriander is also a natural coolant, which can help to reduce heat and inflammation in the body.
Botanical name: Coriandrum sativum
Sanskrit name: Dhanyaka
Rasa: Kshaya (astringent), Tikta (bitter), Madhura (sweet), Katu (pungent)
Gunas: Ruksha (dry)
Vipak: Madhura (sweet)
Virya: ushna (heating)
VATA: reduces PITTA: reduces. KAPHA: reduces
Fennel
Fennel is a spice used in Mediterranean and Indian cuisine. It is rich in antioxidants and has been shown to improve digestion, and alleviate menstrual cramps. Fennel, or Mishreya, is commonly used to balance Pitta dosha. It is a natural anti-inflammatory, which means it can help to reduce inflammation in the body. Fennel is also a natural digestive aid and can help to relieve bloating, gas, and indigestion.
Botanical name: Foeniculum vulgare, Mill.
Sanskrit name: Mishreya
Rasa: Madhura (sweet), Katu (pungent)
Gunas: Laghu (light), Snigdha (unctuous), Tikshna (sharp)
Vipak: Madhura (sweet)
Virya: Mildly Ushna (heating)
VATA: reduces PITTA: neutral KAPHA: reduces
When combined together, cumin, coriander, and fennel create a powerful digestive aid that can help to balance the three doshas. Here are some of the benefits of CCF tea from an Ayurvedic perspective:
Improves digestion: CCF tea is a powerful digestive aid that can help to improve digestion, relieve bloating and gas, and alleviate indigestion. It is considered “agni dipan Ama pachas,” meaning that it stimulates the digestive fire and helps eliminate toxins from the system.
Balances the doshas: The three spices in the tea can help to balance the three doshas, Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, which can lead to overall health and well-being.
Reduces inflammation: Fennel is a natural anti-inflammatory, which means it can help to reduce inflammation in the body. Drinking CCF tea can help to alleviate symptoms of inflammation, such as joint pain and swelling.
Detoxifies the body: Coriander is a natural diuretic, which means it can help to flush toxins out of the body. Drinking CCF tea can help to promote detoxification and support liver function. It is considered “agni dipan Ama pachas,” meaning that it stimulates the digestive fire and helps eliminate toxins from the system.
CCF Tea Recipe
To make CCF tea, you will need:
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 teaspoon coriander seeds
1 teaspoon fennel seeds
4 cups water
Instructions:
In a saucepan, bring the water to a boil.
Add the cumin, coriander, and fennel seeds to the water.
Reduce the heat and let the tea simmer for 5-10 minutes.
Strain the tea and pour it into a cup.
Drink the tea while it is still warm.
CCF tea can be enjoyed at any time of the day, but it is especially beneficial when consumed after meals. This tea is a great way to promote digestion, balance the doshas, and reduce inflammation. So why not give it a try and enjoy the delicious taste and health benefits of this wonderful Ayurvedic tea.