YH JAN-FEB 2019 | Page 79

Green tea has a super effect on health as this tea inhibits the growth of cancer cells. It is a powerful anti oxidant, kills cancer cells and reduces cholesterol. plant parts and letting them steam for a few minutes. The seeds and roots can also be boiled on a stove. These are then filtered and sweetened if desired and served. This kind of chai has many health benefits and are often consumed for its physical or medicinal effects especially for their stimulant, relaxant and seductive properties. There are some other great variations of tea, particularly herbal tea, that have become quite famous of late. I have tried ginseng tea and found it extremely refreshing. In fact, if any tea has given me the maximum energy and vitality, I’d be unhesitant in naming ginseng tea. It is without doubt my favorite. Having said that, I must confess here that while I have been able to prepare tulsi tea, ginger tea, and gur gur chai (butter tea) at home with the raw ingredients, I have been relying on packaged ginseng tea for its preparation. Ginseng roots required to make this kind of tea have stayed out of my reach till date. But the availability of good quality herbal tea in the market these days has made the task of tea passionistas easier. Particularly those who look at tea as a healer rather than as a feeler. In fact, herbal teas are good alternatives to regular tea, simply because they are caffeine-free and have numerous health benefits. They have been imbibed nearly as long as written history extends. There is nothing more satisfying and enjoyable than the fresh taste of herbal tea.This delicious and nourishing beverage makes a lovely compliment to your morning, revered companion in the afternoon and helps us relax (which we all deserve) in the evening. How to prepare Herbal Tea is a herbal infusion made from either dried flowers, leaves, seeds or root. Generally it is made by pouring boiling water over the Drinking one or two cups of herbal tea is very beneficial for health and is the solution for many daily problems like stress, indigestion, cough, cold, bad circulation etc. If you drink more than one cup of coffee per day, try replacing some of that coffee with herbal tea. Most herbal tea don't have caffeine. However green tea does. But green tea too has many health benefits. The traditional Indian chai prepared with milk is actually considered toxic and that’s why I always stayed away from it. But herbal tea sans milk is quite the opposite and considered to be a great detoxifier. In fact, it has been found that herbal tea helps to cut the body fat by 50%, and is an extremely effective energy drink. I’ll admit it, I’ve not always been the biggest fan of herbal teas. Sometimes, they can taste very plain. But time and again, I have stumbled upon a blend that changes my mind. It’s possible for caffeine-free blends to be every bit as delicious as a tea-based one. Sometimes, it just takes a bit of trial and error. And considering the benefits that they bring to us, it's worth every bit. Jan./Feb. 2019 www.yogicherald.com 77