“CCF” stands for cumin, coriander, and fennel; three spices commonly used in ayurvedic remedies and cooking for their medicinal benefits. They combine in CCF tea as a perfectly balanced threesome that’s appropriate for all body types (which we call tridoshic in ayurveda; good for vata, pitta, or kapha).
Despite its simplicity, CCF tea is well-revered in ayurveda. In Ayurveda your digestive fire defines how well is your body is operating and this tea is known to troubleshoot any issue with that fire. Each of the three spices in CCF tea re-balance the digestive fire whether it’s too high, too low, or, well, in a funk. These are the qualities of the three spices:
Cumin: When it comes to digestion, cumin is a wonder spice. It digests toxins, helps to absorb nutrients, and increases the digestive fire and metabolism.
Coriander: Coriander cools any kind of excess heat in the body including burning sensations and anger. It also cools and strengthens the urinary tract and cleanses the body’s subtle channels.
Fennel: This licorice-like seed is one of the best spices for re-balancing the digestive fire and metabolism. It’s great for relieving acidity, bloating, abdominal pains, and gas. Fennel is calming but at the same time promotes mental alertness.
Anytime I feel a little off in my digestion, I prepared this tea and sip it through the day. This how to prepare it.
- In a jar mix equal amounts each of cumin, coriander, and fennel whole seeds. Do not try to substitute with the powder version- gross. I just keep one jar with CCF seeds at home and one at the office. You can crush the seeds with a mortar and pestle to release their volatile oils or just toss them in whole.
- Bring one cups of water to a boil and then add one tea spoon of the mixture. Let it steep for at least 8 minutes. (you can make a bigger batch, pour it into a thermos, seeds and all and sip the tea throughout the day, straining as you go - this is how I was recommended to do it anyway, but I prefer one cup at a time)
Next time you need a quick natural way for digestion troubles, try this fire starter/fire quencher and let me know how it goes. Enjoy!
