Change of seasons can bring along coughs or colds. The transition period isn’t welcoming for everyone’s body type. So while you have caught a cold or are having that annoying sore throat, a warm cup of tea is your go-to thing. It can heal you and make you feel warm and refreshed. 

You might wonder why there are teas made especially to fight coughs and colds. While your regular cup of tea may or may not have all the natural compounds to fight these, teas specifically meant to fight cold, and cough contain elements that can soothe your throat and boost your immunity. So here’s a list of the 7 best teas to fight cough and cold. 

1. Ginger tea: Ginger as an ingredient is known to warm your body. A hot cup of ginger tea is perfect to help you deal with a cold or cough. It will clear your air passages and calm your sore throat. It has anti-inflammatory properties and relieves the itchiness caused due to cough. Today there are a lot of flavoured teas available with ginger in it. You can choose any of them.
2. Green tea: Green tea is, in general, a healthy beverage to fight flu-like symptoms. It has all those healing properties, has antioxidants, and an earthy taste which feels soothing. Different flavours of green tea are available; you can also strain loose tea leaves of the Camellia Sinensis plant and make your version of green tea. 
3. Peppermint tea: It contains the maximum amount of menthol. So this tea is quite useful for unclogging your nose. It has pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties that will help you lower the infection if any. You can simply make your peppermint tea by steeping peppermint tea leaves in boiling water for 5-10 minutes. 
4. Honey tea: There are a few elements which are so healthy that merely adding them to a base recipe can level up the health quotient. Honey is one such element.   More than tea in itself, honey tea is as simple as adding raw honey to a cup of boiling water. It is a great suppressant for cough and relieves you of the itch and dryness. Honey tea helps you sleep peacefully at night while having a cough. 
5. Licorice root tea: Another tea that finds evidence and support in traditional medicine is from the liquorice plant. The roots of this plant are used to make tea which helps in fighting bacteria, suppresses the cough and relieves pain. Being a hot fluid, it is helpful for fighting against cold too. However, pregnant women are not advised to consume this kind of tea. 
6. Floral tea: Floral teas are quite popular these days due to their aroma and, of course, flavour. One can try different combinations of packaged floral teas or prepare one as per taste. Hibiscus tea made up of the flower hibiscus can speed up your recovery process. The vitamin c and anti-inflammatory compounds help to fight back against the cold/cough infection. 
7. Chamomile tea: It is a floral tea, too, as it is made from dried flowers of the chamomile plant. People prefer to consume it before going to bed due to its soothing properties and tranquillising effects. It makes sense to consume it while having a cough or cold, especially due to breathing problems that they bring along. The oils from the flowers have anti-inflammatory properties that soothe the pain.    

Beverages and/or hot fluids are quite helpful during sick days. They warm you, refresh you and clear the blockages. When you consume them on a regular basis, you are less likely to catch a cold or cough. Buy your favourite tea from our collection of quality teas.  

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 It is a well-known fact that Indians have a way with tea. We consume tea like crazy and as the monsoon season is underway, the temptation of something hot, be it a beverage or a hot fried snack, is obvious. The love for tea is not new to us. In the present time, when most of us are health conscious, a conventional tea full of calories and sugar can be overlooked. About that, we ought to try some new healthy herbal tea recipes instead of the conventional milk sugar tea which isn’t doing any favor to your overall health. So, here are some tea recipes to try this monsoon.

1. Peppermint Tea

Thinking of peppermint itself refreshes our mind. Peppermint contains menthol that cools down the body temperature and helps in digestion.

Preparation- 

Crush some peppermint leaves in a cup and add mildly heated water to it. Cover it with the lid and let it steep for 5-10 minutes. Segregate the leaves and our tea is ready.

2. Ginger Tea

Incessant rains bring down temperatures and thus make us crave something hot and spicy. Ginger is our go-to spice for a perfectly hot cup of tea on cold and wet days. It not only spices you up but also benefits the throat and digestion.

Preparation-

In a cup of hot water, add peeled or grated ginger.Cover the cup and let it steep for 5-7 minutes to keep the aroma intact. Strain it, and our tea is ready.

3. Tulsi Tea

Tulsi is a household herb in India which has also got a holy status. Tulsi is used in Ayurveda to treat flu symptoms, fever, digestive issues and whatnot. 

Preparation-

Add some tulsi leaves to a cup of hot  water. Cover the cup for 10 minutes. Strain the leaves, and we get our refreshing tea.

4. Green Tea

The most famous tea nowadays is green tea. Owing to the large quantities of antioxidants it possesses, green tea is consumed widely. Be it for flushing out toxic substances from the body or benefitting digestion; green tea is consumed massively.

Preparation-

Add a teaspoon of green tea to boiling water. Let it sit there for a minute then, strain the tea, and it is ready for consumption.

5. Chamomile Tea

Chamomile or camomile tea has long been used for a wide range of health-related issues. Nowadays, its effectiveness in managing illnesses, including diseases like cancer and diabetes, is being explored.

Preparation-

Boil water and then turn off the heat. Then take an empty cup and add chamomile leaves to it. Pour the boiled water over the cup and let it sit for 5-7 minutes. Strain the tea, and it’s ready to drink.

6. Cinnamon Tea

Cinnamon is a popular herb for making tea. The antioxidants contained in it make the tea not only refreshing but also healthy.

Preparation-

In a cup, add one teaspoon of cinnamon powder and pour boiled water over it. Let it steep for 5 minutes. Cover the cup for aroma. Strain it after 5 minutes , and we get our healthy tea.

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Do you feel stressed and anxious all the time?

In today’s world where everyone is racing to move ahead of others, stress, anxiety, and
worries have become an everyday phenomenon for most of us. However, it is very
important to manage these issues and focus on the brighter side of life. How amazing it
would be to get rid of these problems and feel calm, just with a cup of tea?

Herbal teas are proven to be beneficial to the human body in many ways. They contain
multiple types of natural anti-inflammatory compounds that benefit our physical as well
as mental health. We bring to you 5 amazing herbal teas with their benefits to relieve
you on a busy and stressful day.

1. Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea can be an effective home remedy for a variety of issues including
insomnia, mental health disorders, and physical pain. Being all-natural, chamomile tea
is caffeine-free and is also known for its sweet floral taste. It alleviates anxiety symptoms
such as insomnia and irritability by relaxing muscles, improving sleep, controlling blood
pressure, and promoting relaxation.

Chamomile tea is a great drink to have before bed to help you relax and sleep better.
You should also consult your doctor about when and how often you should have it.

2. Kahwa Tea

Looking for a flavorsome and refreshing tea to lift up your mood? Begin your day with a
cup of Kahwa tea, which is an amazing combination of green tea leaves with spices like
ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, and saffron. Kahwa tea is well-known for its aroma, taste,

and health benefits. The detox Kahwa is not just a flavourful tea, but it also keeps you
active and joyful throughout the day.

The tea is full of antioxidants, which helps in relieving anxiety and stress. Also, it is very
beneficial for skin and health.

3. Lavender Tea

The soothing nature of lavender flowers is proven to help treat anxiety and depression.
Lavender tea is great because it is both versatile and accessible. The herb can help with
irritability, restlessness, disturbed sleep, and stress-induced gastrointestinal issues,
regardless of how you use it. Lavender tea is also used in aromatherapy to provide
relaxation and mental peace.

Lavender tea can be made in different ways, from floral black tea to specially prepared
sleep time blends.

4. Rose Tea

Rose petals impart a floral, slightly sweet flavor and are hence used in preparing a
variety of teas. Rose extract soothes and relaxes our minds while reducing tension and
anxiety. Its relaxing properties help you to unwind, calm your mind and elevate your
mood. Rose tea is an amazing beverage to keep your nerves calm and at ease.

Rose petals contain anti-inflammatory properties and are really effective in aiding
aromatherapy to lift up your mood. It also improves sleep patterns when consumed
before sleeping.

5. Mint Tea

Minty flavor is loved by many and what’s better than a mint-flavored tea! Mint tea
boosts your mood while also taking care of the immune system. Mint leaves are known

for refreshing our breath and relaxing our muscles. Mint tea can be combined with other
teas like green or black tea for amazing results. Start your day with a cup of mint tea to
stay energetic and stress-free throughout the day.

Herbal teas are a great supplement to self-care routine or can be enjoyed on their own
for stress relief. To get the most out of these teas, enjoy both the taste and the aroma of
the different ingredients we use in Apsara teas.

Reminder: Before taking any herbs, always confirm with your doctor. If you are taking
any kind of medication, consulting your doctor is necessary to ensure there won’t be any
negative impact.

The post 5 Healing Teas to Relieve Stress and Anxiety appeared first on Apsara Tea.

Tea is the second most consumed beverage in the world after water. Many cultures have special tea ceremonies, and no visit of friends or relatives is considered complete without offering tea. Tea has been around for a very long time, so much so that a lot of myths have formed around them. Let’s look at four tea myths to stop believing immediately.

1. Tea Makes Us Fat

Myth: Many believe that people who consume tea daily are susceptible to obesity. And people dieting or weight training should forget about tea.

Fact: The tea itself can never make anyone fat. It’s just a refreshing drink. But if you are adding a lot of sugar and full cream milk and other sweeteners to it, that could be the cause of unexplained weight increase, but that is not because of Tea. If you drink your tea plain with a dash of lemon, it won’t add even a gram to your weight.

2.       Tea makes your skin dark

Myth: All of us have heard from our mothers or grandmothers that drinking tea would make us darker, and many still believe it to be true.

Fact: Skin color is determined by a pigment in our body called melanin. It’s usually genetic and tea has no effect on it whatsoever. In fact, certain kinds of teas serve as antioxidants, making your skin even healthier and brighter. Also, refreshed hydrated, and healthy skin is better than any skin color.

3.       Pregnant women should not drink tea

Myth: A lot of people believe that pregnant women should not drink tea, as it would have ill effects on the baby – like baby’s skin would be affected, their brain development would slow down, etc.

Fact: baby is safe in the bag inside the mother’s womb, only nutrients go to them via the placenta. Drinking tea has no effect on the baby, on the other hand drinking tea can help a mother feel refreshed and keep insomnia at bay. Tea is a natural antioxidant, so consuming it would not affect the pregnancy in any way. In fact, tea lowers bad Cholesterol and boosts heart health. Also, if drinking tea is what a mother craves, then she should have it, irrespective of what others might say. A happy mother equals a healthy pregnancy. 

4.       Tea needs to be boiled a lot to bring out flavors

Myth: The more you boil the tea the better it tastes and the better are the flavors enhanced.

Fact: Tea needs to be brewed or steeped. Boiling actually destroys its flavors and would make the tea bitter. In fact, over-boiled or overcooked tea has adverse effects on our body – like acidity or ulcers.

Tea has been around since form third century, and the reason for it being a staple slowly and steadily is because it has numerous health benefits. No myth should deter you from the cup of your favorite drink ever again.

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Everything green is mostly healthy, let alone the world’s most consumed beverage, tea. Yes! This flavonoid-rich superfood is also brewed from the same Camellia Sinensis bush and is extremely healthy. It is full of qualities that promote good health and eventually good skin. 

Most people like to consume a hot beverage to kick start their day. But often, a cup of green tea refreshes and re-energises you if you are turning lousy by the day. In either scenario, there are numerous benefits of green tea. Let us get to know them:

1. Anti-oxidants: Green tea is rich in polyphenols which are antioxidants. These antioxidants are great for one’s health. They boost immunity, reduce inflammation and aid in good metabolism levels. 
2. Eases diseases: Many reports suggest that consuming green tea on a regular basis helps to ease a lot of diseases. The compounds in green tea help to fight cardiovascular diseases, and inflammatory diseases, and helps reduce type 2 diabetes. Green tea contains a catechin called EGCG that is known to treat and hence add medicinal benefits to green tea. Green tea helps maintain cholesterol levels and blood sugar levels, so it is a great way to be healthy. 
3. Boosts brain power: Drinking hot beverages naturally awakens you. While green tea is highly refreshing, it boosts brain power. The amount of caffeine and other compounds affects your mood, productivity and alertness. All these help you boost brainpower. Not just this but consuming green tea regularly improves one’s short-term memory as well.
4. Helps maintain shape: Green tea and its compounds are meant to aid in weight loss. Drinking a cup of green tea on a daily basis helps you to stay in shape. Basically, it helps to maintain your metabolism levels. It means that it improves the way your body processes what you eat. When your metabolism levels are right and you support your weight loss journey with exercise, you will maintain your shape like no other. 
5. Promotes good oral health: Green tea contains catechins that promote good oral health. It prevents the oral bacteria from building up over time, so you have got a fresh and hygienic breath. 
6. Burns fat: Green tea is way helpful in burning fat. It contains chemicals that gradually improve your fat burning process. 
7. Beneficial to skin: There are various lotions, balms, serums and other cosmetics that infuse green tea as their main ingredient. One can apply green tea as a face mask or consume green tea as a beverage. In either case, green tea is meant to improve skin health and tones it to a better quality.   

Although there are many such health and medicinal benefits of green tea, it does not suit everyone. It may increase blood pressure and have other side effects too. One must consume a certain portion and seek medical advice if it affects negatively. 

Try our amazing range of green teas and shop on our website, today! 

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Weight loss is often a challenge that involves a lot of discussion. It usually gets people to become conscious of their diet or else they end up burning themselves under difficult exercises. Well, to a few it does create a difference. Coming back to the former, people ignore the importance of the most consumed beverage in the world-tea. Yes, tea is healthy and related to weight loss too. Sounds unconvincing? Well read about the ways how can tea, your favorite tea can aid you in losing weight.

1. Aids metabolism: Tea-either milk-based or purely water-based tea aids in improving one’s metabolism. Teas contain flavonoids. These are molecules that aid in the easy digestion of fats. Improved rates of metabolism mean that you can burn your calories easily without activity. This is an easy way to maintain weight without having to burn yourself through super heavy exercises.
2. Contains antioxidants: Antioxidants have a proven capacity to reduce weight. Tea contains catechins that have antioxidants. Antioxidants aid in the fat-burning process. Talking specifically about green tea, it has EGCG which helps in the breakdown of fats. This fact will help you in reducing weight.
3. Keeps you full: Think of the times you resort to eating. Is it just your hunger pangs or cravings for fried, go-to, and unhealthy foods? Usually, it is overeating or eating unhealthy foods that increase your weight. Well, try to replace it with green tea. This will make your tummy fuller and save you from unhealthy eating or resorting to cravings.

Having said that, we are not denying the fact that there can be medical conditions that result in increased weight. Green tea can help you with that.

4. Balances hormone levels: Hormones can impact one’s weight. Drinking tea can help you stay in shape and lose out that extra pounds. According to reports, drinking tea can help you in managing the hormones that may trigger fat storage and untimely hunger.
5. Less calorie intake: As compared to other beverages, especially the sugary and unhealthy ones, tea has comparatively low calories. Once you switch to green tea or black tea, you consume a lesser no of calories. This prevents you from putting on weight.
6. Helps in pushing for the workout: Either its control over your eating patterns and the foods you consume or its regular exercise. When you have your cup of green tea or black tea, it will instantly refresh and energize you. This will help you burn more calories during your workouts and maintain optimal body weight.
7. Promotes good gut health: A proper digestion can help your body maintain weight. Drinking a cup of green or black or any other form of tea promotes good gut health. It can help you achieve your body weight goals easily.

Overall, try to indulge in a healthy routine that includes healthy food, regular exercise, and healthy practices. The above-mentioned ways can support your weight loss goals with as little as one cup a day to 3 cups a day.

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Tea has become a drink of one’s daily life since the 3^rd century. According to the Britannica encyclopedia -caffeine in this beverage is what gives it its stimulating character but contributes only a little to color, flavor, and aroma. Only 4 percent of the solids in the fresh leaf are caffeine, and one teacup of the beverage contains 60 to 90 milligrams of caffeine. Chemicals like tannins, or polyphenols, are colorless and bitter-tasting and contribute to tea’s astringency. This is treated with an enzyme called polyphenol oxidase, which gives the redness and flavor it has.

There are mainly two kinds of teas available in the market- CTC (cut, tear, and curl). CTC teas are mainly processed through machines. The other variety is the LONG LEAF TEA.

Today, the market is flooded with numerous types and varieties of teas We have compiled a quick guide for you to identify and sip on the best tea in the available varieties.

1.       Judge from your senses:

Look – High-quality teal leaves look more like leaves plucked and dried. Grounded, powdered tea leaves mixed with other ingredients should be avoided.

Touch – Good quality tea leaves are smooth, whole, and sturdy. High-quality tea is compact and heavy, and low-quality tea is loose and light.

Smell – Teas always have a strong aroma. Good teas unfurl slowly and release aromas that are synonymous with therapeutic healing. If you are struggling to catch the aroma- it’s a red flag.

Taste – Best teas will always have a strong and recognizable taste. Flavors that are barely recognizable, or have string chemicals sent are a strict no-no!

2.       More Flavor than bitterness

Good tea is easy to brew, and the flavors remain intact even if someone drinks their tea cold, or carries them in a flask for travels. Essentially, tea is consumed for its rich flavor, if that is hard to get, then the tea is not up to the mark.

3.       Color of tea

A tea’s secret is in its color. For traditional Indian tea, go for brighter and rich color. Full of color black teas mean a richer taste. On the other hand for green tea, the secret is that the color should be pale yellow and not a strong green.

4.       Texture

Pay attention to the texture of tea, not how it feels on your hand but how brewed tea feels in your mouth. If you have bought a brand or tea for the first time, rather than directly making milk tea, try to test it by brewing in-plane water. Good tea would have a bright, bold flavor when you take the first sip and will leave a delicious, lingering aftertaste in your mouth. Feeling anything else is a mark of poor quality tea.

5.       After feeling

After sipping high-quality tea, you should feel relaxed, clear, and calm. This was the whole reason why tea became so popular – that after the struggles of the day one could relax with a cup of tea. This is also one of the reasons why tea was preferred by poets, writers, thinkers, and even students preparing for tough exams.

With thousands of history behind TEA, it has seen many varieties and methods to make it. It is said that it’s an art to make tea. But the art is a waste if it is not accompanied by good and high-quality tea leaves. Tea has seen many flavors and aromas throughout the world. When was the tea harvested? which area? and tea leaf size is also an important determinant of good tea. So, the next time you go to buy your stock of tea, you have a lot to think about.

The post 5 ways to find out if you are buying good quality tea! appeared first on Apsara Tea.

Summers are great times to enjoy those ice teas that you so relish. If all reports are to be believed, 2022 is going to be a year with extreme heat waves. This is all the more reason to sip on your ice teas and to add to the fun, we have brought to you some tasty recipes which will help you enjoy these extreme weather conditions.

Raw Mango Twist

This is for all tangy taste lovers. You can substitute raw mango juice with raw mango syrup as well. It’s refreshing, and we are sure you would crave more.

Ingredients:

• Brewed Tea
•  Ice
• Raw Mango (about a half for one glass, increase quantity depending on the number of glasses you want to prepare)
• Sugar
• Black Salt
• White pepper

How to prepare:

1.     Take one raw mango and dice it into small pieces. In a saucepan, add these cubes, with half a cup of water and some sugar. You can add a small piece of ginger, but it is completely optional.

2.     Bring it to a boil and let it cool. Add this to a blender and make a paste.

3.     Take a tall glass, and add brewed tea at room temperature.

4.     Add the raw mango paste and stir it well till it blends.

5.     Fill the glass with ice.

6.     Top it with some sprinkled salt and pepper.

7.     You can add some mint leaves and cut lime for decorating.

Almond Iced Tea

This is enjoyed by people of all age groups and is rich in nutrition. This ice tea is filling and refreshing at the same time, and if you don’t like your tea without milk, this recipe is just for you.

Ingredients:

• Brewed Tea
• Ice
•  Almond powder
• Condensed milk

How to prepare:

1.     Prepare some black tea, and let it cool

2.     In a blender, add the brewed tea, and 1 spoon of condensed milk, since condensed milk is already sweet we won’t add extra sugar to it. To this add 1 scoop of almond powder and blend it thoroughly.

3.     Take a glass and fill it with large ice cubes, and pour the blended ingredients over it.

4.     Your protein-rich Ice tea is ready to be served.

Non-Alcoholic Long Island Ice Tea

This is just the mocktail one needs for all get-togethers and long conversations.

Ingredients:

• Black tea brewed strong
• Ice
• Apple cider vinegar
• Ginger juice
• Lemon Juice
• Mint leaves

How to prepare:

1.     Prepare some strong black tea, and let it cool.

2.     Add half a cup of apple cider vinegar and ginger juice, and three teaspoons of lemon juice to it.

3.     In a pitcher or jug add large ice cubes, and some crushed mint leaves and pour the tea mixture over it.

4.     You can add some lemon slices to the pitcher (optional).

Apple Iced Tea

If you are the one who likes fruity flavors and would like to enjoy their cool freshness with the flavor of tea, then you should surely give this recipe a try.

Ingredients:

• Black tea
• Ice
• Apple slices (any of the apple varieties would do).
• Apple Juice
•  Lemon Juice
•  Lemon Slices
• Mint Leaves
•  Honey

How to prepare:

1.     Steep some tea, and let it cool.

2.     Add lemon juice and honey to this tea, and stir till honey is completely dissolved.

3.     In a pitcher or jar, add apple juice (for one glass about one-sixth of apple juice would be perfect), then add some lemon slices.

4.     Fill the jar with ice and pour the tea over it.

5.     Add mint some crushed mint leaves and garnish with some apple slices.

6.     Your drink is ready to be served.

Orange Iced Tea

This tea was very popular in Europe and America in the 19^th and 20^th centuries. Slowly it spread throughout the world and India added its twist with some spices. Do try this one for some cool experience without worrying about a sour throat or cold, as this one is rich in Vitamin C.

Ingredients:

• Black tea
• Ice
• Sugar and pink salt
• Orange juice
• Lemon Juice
• Sliced orange and lemon
• Black pepper
• Cinnamon stick

How to prepare:

1.     Boil some water with 5 teaspoons of sugar, 2 pinches of salt, crushed 5 -6 whole black pepper seeds, and a cinnamon stick, once it boils brew some tea in this and let it steep for 3 minutes. Let it cool.

2.     In a picture, add 2 cups of orange juice, and a half cup of lemon juice. Fill it with ice

3.     Add the tea to this. Add sliced orange and lemon slices. You can even add some mint leaves.

4.     Your tasty and healthy summer drink is ready.

There are many ways to make your ice tea, and we have just listed a few. Do try them and enjoy them with your whole family and beat the heat this summer feeling cool and refreshed.

The post 5 Best Iced Tea Recipes to Beat the Heat this Summer appeared first on Apsara Tea.

Come spring, come flowers. Flowers adorn almost every arena of life, let alone tea. Yes! floral teas are a rage these days. People are loving the beauty and different flavors that different flowers bring with them. In this range of herbal teas, let’s discover a red-colored tea made up of hibiscus. This vibrant tea is made up of dried parts of hibiscus. Usually found in tropical regions, the tea made up of this flower tastes usually fruity, sweet to tart in flavor. Like any other food item or beverage, this item too can have benefits and risks. This may suit a few while harming others. Let’s get to know the health benefits, followed by the risks involved.     

1. Cholesterol levels: According to multiple pieces of research conducted to date, hibiscus tea is found to maintain ‘good’ cholesterol and limit ‘bad’ cholesterol. This effect differs from different ailing conditions of individuals, though.
2. Blood pressure: Drinking hibiscus tea may lower blood pressure. This effect is found when people were compared to drinking a placebo. Also, this helps people prevent heart diseases.
3. Digestion: Herbal teas are in general a good way to promote digestion, let alone hibiscus tea. Drinking 2 cups of hibiscus tea can help you improve your bowel movements and also urination. Generally, it works to improve one’s gastrointestinal system.
4. Liver health: Hibiscus tea is highly nutritive and rich in antioxidants. These help to maintain one’s liver health. Hibiscus tea is preferred to prevent and even treat many liver-related diseases.
5. Aids in weight loss: Any range of herbal teas contains weight-reducing agents. It contains elements that can break down fat. It prevents one from obesity too.

One cannot deny the ill effects of any favored food item or beverage. Similar is the case with hibiscus tea, so let’s know some of the risks associated with drinking hibiscus tea.

1. Low blood pressure: Not everybody would need to maintain low blood pressure. People who already are suffering from low blood pressure, won’t require a further dip in it. It is even not suitable for people suffering from hypotension. 
2. Not suitable for pregnant women: Hibiscus tea affects the levels of estrogen hormone. So pregnant women or women that are undergoing birth control-related treatment are not advised to consume hibiscus tea.
3. Affects liver: While the tea might be flavourful to your taste buds, drinking hibiscus tea in a higher concentration is a big no for your liver. Certain studies have shown the ill effects of hibiscus tea on your liver if consumed in a higher proportion.
4. Allergies: Hibiscus flower belongs to the mallow family of plants. So if you feel irritated or are allergic to any of the plants belonging to this family, do not drink hibiscus tea.
5. Medications: Generally, some herbs are potent to disturb any medication. After all, hibiscus tea is a herbal tea, which means it can disturb the effects of any ongoing medication.

The bottom line is to drink understanding the pros and cons of herbal drinks. While it may suit some, it may not be right for others. Know before you try out any flavour to delight your taste buds.

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Soaring temperatures and dehydration are the buzzwords during summers. You repeatedly search for drinks that satiate your thirst and body wanting to slurp down more fluids. Isn’t this regular for the months of March to June in a tropical country like India?

Every city’s food pattern is primarily influenced by its geography. So, when it’s summer, it’s imperative to consume more fluids than ever, to maintain the body temperature and hydration levels. Ever thought about which ingredients actually work to maintain your body heat in summers?

Here are 3 ingredients that one needs to include in one’s summer diet.

Read on to know more:

1. Form of curd: Curd and Summer is a match made in heaven. Amidst the heat outside, imagine coming home to have your bowl of freshly prepared curd. It not only cools you inside but can maintain the levels of protein. Curd acts as a coolant for the body during summers. You can include various forms of curd in your diet, ranging from flavoured curd to flavoured yoghurt, or even raita. Buttermilk, which is most commonly consumed in summers, is a comparatively diluted form of curd. One can try either buttermilk or cool and refreshing lassi in summers.
2. Mint: This interesting herb is synonymous with refreshment. A green chutney with flavourful spices or a green tea infused with the flavour and benefits of mint is a summer must-have. One can include mint in different forms of beverages or accompaniments. This ingredient will help you stay cool amidst the blazing sun outside.
3. Seasonal fruits and veggies: The idea of consuming seasonal fruits and vegetables in one’s diet is always a good idea. These seasonal fruits and veggies have the capacity to keep us warm or cool as per the weather.

First on the list is tomatoes. Tomatoes contain lycopene and antioxidants that keep you well-hydrated and cool. Secondly, one must increase the intake of cucumber, like salads or simple sides. Then one must include all kinds of melons since they contain more than 80% water. You can include them as salads, salsa, juices, etc. Next up on the list of fruits and veggies is oranges. This citrusy beauty is the best to consume in summers. Leafy vegetables are another most important ingredient to be included in one’s summer diet. All these seasonal fruits and veggies can be included in the summer in varied forms as sides, accompaniments, or even as a main dish. 

The idea in summer is to drink as many fluids as possible. These can be from either fruits, veggies or

Other sides. One must take care of hydration in summers as it can lead to different skin and internal body issues. Try to consume healthier foods and keep your diet light during summers.

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