On a hot, summer day it often feels like the only way to feel truly refreshed is with a large glass of ice-cold water.
If you think about a pot of boiling water on a stove, and you add a cup of cold water, the stove has to work again to bring the water back to a boil. It's the same concept with your Agni, our digestive fire.
Our digestive system has to heat up the water, to bring it to like-qualities with the body. This requires energy.
During the times the Ayurvedic texts were being written, there was no access to the ice like we have now. The texts speak to drinking hot water upon waking, and sipping hot water during and after a meal, but what about iced water?
Many Ayurvedic experts will say no to iced water. But this recommendation is often met with resistance from clients. Our practitioners say it is okay to balance the hot qualities of being outside on a hot day, but to time it properly with your next meal. Ice cold water should not be consumed at the same time as a meal.
So now that we’ve broken the ice on ice water, how do you take the Ayurvedic advice to sip on herbal teas as we transition from summer to fall and improve digestion, cool the system, and cleanse the body?
Our answer: Sun tea.
Sun tea brings you the benefits of herbal elixirs without needing to sip on a hot cup of tea on a hot summer day. The sun’s Yang energy gets infused into your tea for an added energy boost.
Here’s three blends from our Ayurvedic faculty:
CCF tea: 1 tbsp Cumin seeds, 1 tbsp Coriander seeds, & 1/2 tbsp Fennel seeds in 32 oz. of water. Let sit in the sun (covered) for 5-6 hours.
Hibiscus, Mint & Rose: 1 tbsp hibiscus leaves, 6-7 fresh mint leaves, & 1 tbsp rose petals in 32 oz. of water. Let sit in the sun (covered) for 5-6 hours.
Dried Nettle & Fennel: 1 tsp dried nettle leaves & 1/2 tsp fennel seeds in 16 oz. of water. Let sit in the sun (covered) for 5-6 hours.
