CCF Digestive Tea

a simple Ayurvedic spice blend to soothe the belly

I don’t know about you, but I definitely indulged a bit over the holidays. Being back home in Florida I can’t resist the flakey phyllo dough of guava turnovers, Spanish sangria from the iconic Colombia restaurant, or warm cuban bread slathered with butter.

These childhood favorites sure have a hold on me and I give myself full permission to enjoy them as much as I want because, well, I really only get them once a year. That being said, my digestive system hasn’t been as keen on these nostalgic delicacies as I have.

Wanting something simple and effective, I open the spice cabinet to find a tried and true trio of digestive supportive seeds to soothe my belly. You likely already have these on hand—cumin seed, coriander seeds, and fennel seeds.

Better known as CCF tea, this blend is a staple in Ayurvedic remedies because it really works, but also because it can be used for any constitution. It’s not only soothing to upset stomachs, bloating, or sluggish digestion but actually supports the agni aka digestive fire making it easier to digest and assimilate your food.

It also acts as a gentle digestive cleanser helping to remove stagnation or excess, especially after periods of indulging.

What’s great is you can enjoy this tea hot in the cooler months and cool in the summer months, so it is a remedy you can turn to all year long.

Here’s a little more about the benefits of each spice in the blend:

CUMIN (Cuminum cyminum) Slightly warming, bitter, and pungent, this seed is an enzymatic carminative that helps the body break down and better absorb nutrients. It’s also high in vitamin C and has antifungal properties. As an antispasmodic, it’s great for indigestion and cramping.

CORIANDER (Coriandrum sativum) A warming, bitter, and astringent spice that comes from the cilantro plant when it goes to seed. As a carminative, it helps to soothe digestive upset such as bloating, gas, and indigestion. This spice is great to chew on, infuse into soups and curries, or create a tea to support digestion.

FENNEL (Foeniculum vulgare) A sweet and cooling seed, fennel is great for stomachaches, cramping, and spasms in the digestive system. It can be chewed after meals or included in curries and soups for extra digestive support. It’s another wonderful spice that can be enjoyed by all doshas or constitutions without fear of aggravation.

The ratios of this tea are super simple. It just equal parts each of the seeds, so you could make individual cups as you go, or you could blend up a bigger batch to keep on hand. I’ve listed both options below depending on what mood you’re in.

If you want an even simpler route, Banyan Botanicals sells premade bags. Plus, they’re one of my favorite herbal brands, especially when seeking out Ayurvedic remedies.

CCF Digestive Tea

1 serving

Ingredients

1/3 teaspoon whole cumin seeds

1/3 teaspoon whole coriander seeds

1/3 teaspoon whole fennel seeds

Add the seeds to a small pot along with 1 cup of water. Bring to a boil, then turn down to a simmer for 5 minutes. Strain and serve warm. Add a touch of honey if you like and enjoy.

1 cup batch

Ingredients

1/3 cup whole cumin seeds

1/3 cup whole coriander seeds

1/3 cup whole fennel seeds

Mix the seeds in a small jar and seal with a lid. To make 1 cup, add 1 teaspoon of the blend to a small pot along with 1 cup of water. Bring to a boil, then turn down to a simmer for 5 minutes. Strain and serve warm. Add a touch of honey if you like and enjoy.

Wishing you a wonderful New Year!

xx - Sarah Kate