if you want to lose weight,suffer from bloating, embarrassing flatulence, or just want to remove toxins from your body and increase your digestive abilities, then this is the perfect drink. A combination of basic spices found in every Indian household is the most effective way of naturally removing toxins from our body and aiding in weight loss.
As I entered my mid- forties, I started noticing, it was getting harder to keep my weight off. I wanted to have a high protein diet mixed with lots of fruits and vegetables. For Indians, usually that means a diet rich in beans and lentils and the extra fiber from beans, fruits and salads started creating havoc in my stomach.
I found out that bloating and flatulence are very common symptoms of menopause. You can read more about it here. I also found a detailed explanation here. Growing up we had heard that the most effective remedy for bloating was a combination of Fennel(Sauf) and Carom(Ajwain) seeds. In fact, all Indian meals usually end with a serving of Fennel seeds to aid in the digestive process. All Indian restaurants, both in India and USA usually serve Fennel at the end of every meal. You can read more about the benefits of Fennel here and Carom seeds here.
Slowing down of metabolism comes with its own side effects of weight gain. I had read a lot about the benefits of Cumin(Jeera) for weight loss and this study confirmed what I had heard about that consumption of Cumin/ jeera helps to reduce body fat percentage by almost three times that of people not having Cumin/ Jeera. Coriander seeds and leaves are yet another spice used widely in Ayurveda for digestive purposes and for removal of toxins from the body, you can read more about it here.
The last seed that I add to my concoction is Fenugreek(Methi) seeds. The article here sums up the benefits of methi seeds to reduce the glycemic index and bring about a change in eating patterns that leads to less fat consumption. With so much evidence and wisdom passed down from our ancestors on the benefits of naturally detoxing and improving our digestive abilities, I started brewing this tea every morning and made it a part of my morning routine.
I make a concoction of all these seeds and boil it on medium for 15-20 minutes and mix it with fresh squeezed lemon/lime juice. I take 12 ounces of this tea on an empty stomach, first thing in the morning and save the rest for evening. You can choose to sip the remaining 12 oz during the day. You may also add a little fresh ginger and honey, though I don’t add either of the two. I have been drinking this detox tea/drink for the last two years and have found relief from bloating and flatulence. This tea has helped me maintain my weight for the last couple of years. I take it for a month, give a break for 5-7 days and start again.
Some of my other popular home remedies are-Home made cough syrup/tea ,Herbal Oil for Muscle and Joint Pain and Home remedy for chronic constipation.
UPDATED June 2023 -Now I add some ginger to the detox tea as well. Updated with newer pictures.
Here is the written recipe followed by the step by step pictorial and video recipes-
All Natural Detox Drink for Weight loss, Bloating and Gas/ Flatulence
Equipment
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1 stainless steel pan
Ingredients
- 4 cups water about 32 oz
- 1 inch ginger chopped
- 1/2 tsp Cumin/Jeera seeds
- 1/2 tsp Coriander/Dhania seeds
- 1/2 tsp Fennel seeds/Sauf
- 1/4 tsp Carrom seeds/Ajwain
- 1/4 tsp Fenugreek seeds/Methi dana
- Lemon juice of half lemon/lime
- Honey optionalFor vegan option omit honey.
Instructions
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Put all ingredients in a pan and bring to a rolling boil.
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Lower heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, till you are left with about 24 oz.
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In a cup, squeeze lemon juice, strain half the detox water and drink on an empty stomach every morning.
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Have the second glass in the evening, 30 minutes after dinner or sip a little all through the day
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If you don’t like the taste, you may add honey(omit honey for a vegan option)
Notes
Here is the YouTube video link-
Here is the step by step pictorial recipe-
Ingredients
In a steel pan, put 32 oz water and all the seeds
Boil the water
Reduce heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, till you are left with about 3 cups or 24 oz.
Squeeze lemon /lime juice in a cup and pour half the detox water.
Drink every morning on an empty stomach.
Have the second glass in the evening or sip throughout the day.
Disclaimer– This is not meant to be medical advice. This is what worked for me and I am merely sharing my experience here. Please consult your doctor before starting anything new.
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Charu
can this be made ahead & stored in the fridge & reheated before drinking ?
Aanchal Gupta
Hi Charu, yes, you can make it ahead and store in fridge and reheat before drinking. Thanks for visiting my blog.
Mark
I bought fennel honey in store can I use it in as replacement for sugar?
Aanchal Gupta
Hi Mark, I haven’t tried fennel honey. If you like the taste of fennel, then I would say fennel honey can certainly replace sugar in your detox drink/ tea or chai.
Aiysha
Hi.. after Hving This drink in morning, aftr how much time should v hv breakfast?
Aanchal Gupta
hi Aiysha, give a 30 minute gap and then eat.
Jefi
Is there a company that ready had this tea in teabags so all you have to do is add lime and honey? I have the first 4 ingredients, no idea what some 9f the other ones are!
Aanchal Gupta
I don’t know of any company that makes this tea. All ingredients are available in Indian grocery stores and on Amazon. Please try this tea with the ingredients you have available.
Mridula Menon
Thank you Aanchal. I have embarked on a wt loss journey. I have amla and aloe vera in morning. I am going to replace it with this and see how it works. Thank you so much for sharing this recipe.
Aanchal Gupta
Hi Mridula, congratulations on embarking on your healthy journey. You can replace your amla and aloe Vera or have both drinks.This has no side effects and will not interfere with anything that you take.
Lavanya
Can you please share your experience how this helped you reduce weight and how much you reduced your weight? Apart from this drink can you share your everyday menu to loose weight.
Thanks in Advance
Aanchal Gupta
Hi Lavanya, I have kept my weight off for few years now. I do follow a low carb and high protein diet. Three four times in a week it’s salad for dinner. I love dals, quinoa, beans and all kinds of greens. Breakfast is usually bananas, smoothie or two eggs. No bread. Lunch is any protein and big bowl of Indian Style vegetable. Avoid rice, roti etc. have Greek yogurt if only dal and vegetables don’t fill you up. Aim for 10000 steps every day. Stay active as much as possible. Have 6-8 glasses of water. End the day with a hot herbal tea, I love chamomile at night. Will be happy to answer any more questions. Good luck
Rajni
Hi Archana,
Should I stain the whole tea in morning or stain when I drink in evening.
Aanchal Gupta
Hi Archana, strain only what you need in the morning. Leave the rest of the tea in the pot till you are ready to drink again. The goodness of the herbs continues to seep into the tea.
Ranjini
Hi, Iam about to turn 50 and my menopause has commenced as well. I feel I have a lot of water retention. Will this concoction also aid in removing water retention or is there something else that I need to add or omit for that?
Please advise.
Aanchal Gupta
Hi Ranjini, this concoction works for me. Recently I started adding moringa leaves as well. I would first try it as is and see how effective it is.
Anupriya
Hii.. can we add cinnamon to this combination
Aanchal Gupta
Yes, boil a small cinnamon stick along with the other ingredients. If you use cinnamon powder, that will settle down.
Anupriya
Can we add cinnamon to this combination
Aanchal Gupta
Yes Anupriya, you can add a small stick of cinnamon while boiling. If you add powdered cinnamon, it will settle at the bottom. You can sprinkle the powdered one after it’s done boiling.
Sargam Sharma
Can we add amla juice to this after straining. As mentioned lemon juice has to be added. So will both amla n lemon go well?
Should acidity patients avoid both lemon n amla..or anyone
Aanchal Gupta
Hi Sargam, if you suffer from acidity, please consult a dietitian regarding the effects of both lemon and amla interacting with each other. As far as my limited knowledge goes, lemon juice does not cause acidity.
Shanti
Hi I am 50 years of age and diabetic and i have methi seeds soaked overnight and chew it in the morning. Unable to loose weight tried everything with no avail.
Can you suggest good vegetarian diet including breakfast, lunch, dinner etc. I am a working woman and timings are 10 to 7 pm, hence it is a sitting job.
Please let me know
Aanchal Gupta
Hi Shanti, I have realized a combination of diet and activity are needed to lose weight. I am very active and try to get to 10000 steps. Walk while watching tv, while on the phone etc. I try to keep calories to 1200 a day. Try and eat fruits/ salad for dinner. No carbs at dinner time. Breakfast is usually a fruit with nuts. Lunch is a healthy lunch with rice, lentils, vegetables etc. so basically 1 big meal in the middle of the day. Rest of the day, easily digestible fruits and vegetables/ salads/ soup etc. Please stay active as much as possible. I have a desk job too. Try to take stairs, in the office instead of lift, walk during lunch break if possible, move around as much as you can. Hope these tips help. This works for me.
Shweta
Can i add turmeric powder in this tea
Aanchal Gupta
Yes you can. If using raw turmeric, boil with all other ingredients. Powder can be added later