All women go through Perimenopause , followed by Menopause as we reach certain stages of our lives. Traditionally, these journeys/transitions of one's Life were handled in silence or isolation behind closed doors!!
It's time to remove these myths, and break down barriers to communication, and engage in positive, life-affirming conversations about Perimenopause and Menopause.
As you know, I discuss these issues openly in classes; letting women know which Asanas are helpful, which Pranayama techniques are beneficial and share my personal journey through Perimenopause and Menopause with everyone.
Don't you think it's high time we all did this?
With that in mind, I'm starting a series of articles that can help women navigate these phases with a little more clarity, dignity, and support.
This first Blog is a collection of Ayurvedic Teas which can help in reducing Perimenupausal bloating, digestive issues, and weight gain.
Ayurvedic Tea 1:
Ingredients:
1 tsp fennel seeds
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp coriander seeds
A small piece of fresh ginger (about 1 inch)
1-2 cups of water
A pinch of asafetida (hing) (optional)
Honey or lemon (optional, for taste)
Instructions:
Boil the Water: Start by boiling 1-2 cups of water in a pot.
Add the Seeds: Once the water starts boiling, add the fennel, cumin, and coriander seeds.
Add Ginger: Grate or slice the fresh ginger and add it to the boiling water.
Simmer: Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for 5-10 minutes.
Strain: After simmering, strain the tea into a cup.
Optional: Add a pinch of asafetida for added digestive benefits. You can also add a bit of honey or a squeeze of lemon for taste.
Drink: Sip the tea slowly, ideally before or after meals.
Benefits:
Fennel seeds help reduce bloating and improve digestion.
Cumin seeds are excellent for digestion and help alleviate gas.
Coriander seeds cool the digestive system and reduce inflammation.
Ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory and digestive properties.
Asafetida (hing) is a potent digestive aid that can help with bloating and gas.
You can drink this tea 1-2 times a day as needed.
Ayurvedic Tea 2:
Ingredients:
1 tsp ajwain seeds (carom seeds)
1 tsp fenugreek seeds
1 tsp cumin seeds
A small piece of fresh turmeric root (about 1 inch) or 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
2 cups of water
A pinch of black pepper (optional)
Honey or jaggery (optional, for taste)
Instructions:
Boil the Water: Start by boiling 2 cups of water in a pot.
Add the Seeds: Once the water starts boiling, add the ajwain, fenugreek, and cumin seeds.
Add Turmeric: Grate the fresh turmeric root or add the turmeric powder to the boiling water.
Simmer: Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes.
Strain: After simmering, strain the tea into a cup.
Optional: Add a pinch of black pepper to enhance the absorption of turmeric. You can also sweeten the tea with honey or jaggery if desired.
Drink: Enjoy the tea warm, ideally after meals.
Benefits:
Ajwain seeds are excellent for reducing gas and bloating and improve overall digestion.
Fenugreek seeds help regulate digestion and reduce inflammation.
Cumin seeds aid in digestion and help alleviate discomfort from bloating.
Turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory and can help soothe digestive issues.
Black pepper enhances the absorption of turmeric, increasing its effectiveness.
This tea can be consumed once daily or as needed to help with bloating and digestion during perimenopause.
Ayurvedic Tea 3:
Ingredients:
1 tsp dried mint leaves (or 1 tbsp fresh mint leaves)
1 tsp fennel seeds
1 tsp cinnamon powder or 1 small cinnamon stick
1/2 tsp licorice root (optional)
2 cups of water
A slice of lemon (optional)
Honey (optional, for taste)
Instructions:
Boil the Water: Start by bringing 2 cups of water to a boil in a pot.
Add the Ingredients: Add the mint leaves, fennel seeds, cinnamon, and licorice root (if using) to the boiling water.
Simmer: Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse.
Strain: After simmering, strain the tea into a cup.
Optional: Add a slice of lemon for a refreshing twist and some honey for sweetness if desired.
Drink: Sip the tea slowly, preferably after meals to aid digestion.
Benefits:
Mint is soothing for the digestive system, helping to reduce bloating and ease stomach discomfort.
Fennel seeds aid in digestion and help relieve bloating and gas.
Cinnamon improves digestion, reduces inflammation, and balances blood sugar levels.
Licorice root is optional but is known for its soothing effects on the digestive tract and its ability to reduce bloating.
Lemon adds a dose of vitamin C and further supports digestion.
This tea can be enjoyed 1-2 times a day, especially after meals, to support digestion and reduce bloating during perimenopause.
Ayurvedic Tea 4:
Ingredients:
1 tsp turmeric powder or 1-inch piece of fresh turmeric root
1 tsp ginger powder or 1-inch piece of fresh ginger
1 tsp ashwagandha powder
1/2 tsp cinnamon powder
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 cups of water
Honey or jaggery (optional, for taste)
A splash of almond or coconut milk (optional, for a creamy texture)
Instructions:
Boil the Water: Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a pot.
Add the Ingredients: Add the turmeric, ginger, ashwagandha, cinnamon, and black pepper to the boiling water.
Simmer: Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes, allowing all the ingredients to infuse their properties into the water.
Strain: Strain the tea into a cup.
Optional: Add honey or jaggery to sweeten the tea, and a splash of almond or coconut milk if you prefer a creamier texture.
Drink: Sip the tea slowly, ideally in the evening or before bedtime.
Benefits:
Turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory that helps reduce overall inflammation in the body.
Ginger complements turmeric's anti-inflammatory effects and also aids in digestion.
Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb that helps manage stress, reduces inflammation, and supports hormonal balance.
Cinnamon adds a warming quality and helps balance blood sugar levels.
Black pepper enhances the absorption of turmeric's active compound, curcumin, making the tea more effective.
This tea can be consumed daily, particularly in the evening, to help reduce inflammation and support overall well-being during perimenopause.
These teas are easy to prepare at home, soothing on the belly, and may help bring clarity to the mind.
Do try them, observe your response, and let me know.
Next week, I will be sharing Ayurvedic teas for reducing hot flashes, another troubling issue during perimenopause / menopause. If you have any questions, please reach out to me. Namaste
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