Dandelion naturally is actually a very bitter herb which can be a struggle for some people to take. Unfortunately it is this bitterness which makes it fabulous for digestive issues. We have bitter receptors on our taste buds that are stimulated by bitter foods. When they are stimulated they cause an increase in gastric acid and enzymes which help us to digest our food effectively (Bone & Mills, 2013).
As you can imagine, effective digestive function is fundamental for good health.
Now the clever design of Mura Pathway’s Dandelion Chai is that it is blended with other herbs in such a complimentary way so that you don’t know you are drinking a bitter digestive tonic. The blend also contains chicory, cardamom, cinnamon, licorice, cloves, fennel, caraway, aniseed, nutmeg and peppercorns. It is a light tea with lots of warmth and character which is nice to drink before or after a meal.
Cardamom is another great herb included that has traditionally been used for digestion issues such as heartburn, loss of appetite, constipation, nausea and bloating. But it has a long history of use as a breath freshener. In India the cardamom pods are chewed after eating or whenever fresh breath is required. And being ever curious about these sorts of things I had to try it for myself. After I have finished my cup of Dandelion Chai I scoop a cardamom pod or two out of the infuser to chew. It really does work and is a pleasant way to finish up.
As well as being a digestive aid, the herbs may also assist in managing inflammation, boosting immunity, supporting the adrenals and managing stress as well as having antioxidant and antimicrobial actions. In fact chicory contains inulin which has been talked about recently for its prebiotic action-feeding and encouraging good bacteria to grow in your gut. We are still discovering the benefits of maintaining good gut health but it appears to be an important factor for many health conditions.
If you find yourself getting bloated, experiencing heartburn or indigestion regularly, this tea would be a wonderful inclusion in your diet. Enjoy…!
