Jeevras

01 / Camellia sinensis

Darjeeling black tea

दार्जिलिंग चाय · Darjeeling tea

Darjeeling is a fine black tea grown in the foothills of the Himalaya, and tea itself is one of India's best-loved daily rituals. Like all true tea it contains polyphenols such as theaflavins and thearubigins, which shape its brisk, aromatic character.

Research note. Tea naturally contains caffeine. Reviews also note that antioxidant effects seen in the laboratory do not always appear in human studies.

Sources

• Tea (Camellia sinensis); composition, the preventive effects on health and consumption: Review Dicle University repository
• Caffeine in tea Camellia sinensis: content, absorption, benefits and risks of consumption AGRIS (FAO)

02 / Aspalathus linearis

Rooibos

रूइबॉस · South African herb

Rooibos is a South African herbal infusion, not part of classical Ayurveda. It is naturally free of caffeine, low in tannins, and contains polyphenols such as aspalathin, which gives the cup its smooth, earthy sweetness.

Research note. Human studies on rooibos are limited, and most of the research comes from laboratory and animal work.

Sources

• Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) beyond the farm gate: From herbal tea to potential phytopharmaceutical Stellenbosch University
• Rooibos and honeybush teas: a review of the research (McKay & Blumberg) Phytotherapy Research, 2006

03 / Elettaria cardamomum

Cardamom

इलायची · Ela

Cardamom is a fragrant, warming pod of Indian kitchens. In Ayurvedic medicine it has traditionally been used for stomach (digestive) and respiratory complaints, and it is named in classical Sanskrit texts as an aromatic ingredient.

Research note. Published research on cardamom is still limited. Its sweet aroma is why it sits at the heart of masala chai.

Sources

• Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton, profile of uses Plants of the World Online, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
• Ela (cardamom) entry Caraka Samhita Online database

04 / Piper nigrum

Black pepper

काली मिर्च · Maricha

Maricha is one of the three pungent spices of Trikatu, the classical Ayurvedic trio of black pepper, long pepper and ginger. In the classics it is traditionally associated with kindling digestive fire (agni).

Research note. Most published work on black pepper and its compound piperine is preclinical.

Sources

• Critical Review of Maricha (Piper nigrum Linn) in Brihat Trayi with Special Reference to Nighantus Dev Sanskriti Interdisciplinary International Journal, 2016
• Critical Review of Trikatu in Ayurvedic classics Dev Sanskriti Interdisciplinary International Journal, 2014
• A systematic review on black pepper (Piper nigrum L.): from folk uses to pharmacological applications PubMed

05 / Glycyrrhiza glabra

Licorice

मुलेठी · Yashtimadhu

Licorice root, yashtimadhu or mulethi, is prized in Ayurveda for its sweet, cooling character. Classical texts place it in several important groups of herbs, and it has traditionally been used for cough and throat comfort.

Research note. Some toxicology studies raise safety concerns with licorice, especially at high intake, so reviews advise caution.

Sources

• A review on pharmacological activities and traditional uses of Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, 2024
• Ayurvedic review of Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra) in kasa roga (cough) Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, 2025

06 / Zingiber officinale

Ginger

अदरक · Ardraka / Shunthi

In Ayurveda, ginger, fresh (ardraka) or dried (shunthi), is honoured as Mahaushadhi, "the great medicine", and appears in a very large share of classical formulations. It has traditionally been used to support digestion.

Research note. Reviewers note that how ginger acts is not yet fully understood, so this is traditional context.

Sources

• Zingiber officinale: Maha-Aushdha of Ayurveda World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, 2016
• Some phytochemical, pharmacological and toxicological properties of ginger: a review of recent research Food and Chemical Toxicology, 2008 (PubMed)

07 / Cinnamomum verum

Cinnamon

दालचीनी · Twak

Cinnamon bark is a sweet, warming spice used across Indian kitchens and traditional medicine. A European herbal monograph records the traditional use of cinnamon bark preparations for mild, spasmodic digestive complaints such as bloating and flatulence.

Research note. This is a statement of traditional use as recorded by a regulator, not a claim about any finished tea.

Sources

• Community herbal monograph on Cinnamomum verum J.S. Presl, cortex European Medicines Agency
• Review of the Cinnamomum genus, traditional uses and pharmacology Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2021

08 / Cinnamomum tamala

Bay leaf

तेज पत्ता · Tejpatra

Tejpatra, the Indian bay leaf, is an aromatic leaf of Indian kitchens. Traditional Ayurvedic use describes it as carminative and stimulant, used for loss of appetite, nausea and coryza.

Research note. The studies are mostly ethnomedical compilations and laboratory work, so these uses are not clinically validated.

Sources

• Bay Leaf (Tejpat), Cinnamomum tamala ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research
• Ethnomedical, Pharmacological and Phytochemical Updates on Cinnamomum tamala Gyan Vihar journals

09 / Syzygium aromaticum

Clove

लौंग · Lavanga

Clove, the dried flower bud known as lavanga, is a deeply aromatic spice. Traditional systems of medicine, including Ayurveda, have long used it in oral and dental care and in preparations for cough.

Research note. Most laboratory findings on clove are preclinical. In the cup, it simply adds a rich, warm aroma.

Sources

• Syzygium aromaticum L. (Myrtaceae): Traditional Uses, Bioactive Chemical Constituents, Pharmacological and Toxicological Activities Biomolecules, 2020 (PubMed Central)

10 / Foeniculum vulgare

Fennel

सौंफ · Saunf

Fennel seed, saunf, is chewed after meals across India for its sweet, cooling taste. European herbal references record fennel fruit in traditional preparations, including for bloating, flatulence and cough.

Research note. This is regulatory and herbal-reference context for the ingredient, not a claim about any tea.

Sources

• Community herbal monograph on Foeniculum vulgare Miller subsp. vulgare var. dulce, fructus European Medicines Agency
• Foeniculum vulgare, ESCOP monograph listing ESCOP

11 / Trachyspermum ammi

Ajwain

अजवाइन · Yavanika

Ajwain, called Bhootika or Yavanika in the Charaka and Sushruta Samhitas, is a pungent seed of Indian kitchens. It has traditionally been used for digestive complaints such as indigestion, flatulence and colic.

Research note. Reviews say most evidence is preclinical and call for human trials.

Sources

• Review of Trachyspermum ammi (ajwain): traditional uses and pharmacology Current Traditional Medicine, 2020

12 / Piper longum

Pippali (long pepper)

पिप्पली · Pippali

Pippali is the third pungent spice of Trikatu, alongside black pepper and ginger. Ayurveda uses it as a rasayana (rejuvenating herb), in digestive formulations and traditionally for respiratory complaints such as cough and bronchitis.

Research note. Clinical evidence in humans is limited; most findings are laboratory-based.

Sources

• Critical Review of Trikatu in Ayurvedic classics Dev Sanskriti Interdisciplinary International Journal, 2014
• Piper longum L.: A comprehensive review on traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and health-promoting activities Phytotherapy Research, 2022

13 / Illicium verum

Star anise

चक्रफूल · Chakraphool

Star anise is a beautiful, sweetly aromatic spice. A comprehensive review describes the fruit as traditionally used as a carminative and digestive aid, for dyspepsia and for spasms.

Research note. Most research is laboratory-based. Quality matters, since star anise can be confused with a toxic look-alike.

Sources

• A Comprehensive Review of the Pharmacology, Chemistry, Traditional Uses and Quality Control of Star Anise (Illicium verum Hook. F.) Molecules, 2023 (PubMed Central)

14 / Myristica fragrans (aril)

Javitri (mace)

जावित्री · Javitri

Javitri is the lacy red covering of the nutmeg seed, strongly aromatic and used in both Ayurvedic and Unani traditions as a digestive and carminative spice.

Research note. Mace and nutmeg are potent, and reviews discuss toxicity at high doses. In a tea, they are present only as a gentle aroma.

Sources

• Myristica fragrans (Jaiphal): phytomedicinal value in traditional systems such as Ayurveda (Yadav, Sharma & Huddar) Journal of Ayurveda and Holistic Medicine, 2022
• Review of mace (javetri/bisbasah) in Unani medicine (Sultana et al.) TANG, 2018

15 / Cuminum cyminum

Cumin

जीरा · Jeeraka

Jeeraka, "that which aids digestion", is cumin in Ayurveda. This everyday spice has traditionally been used for digestion, flatulence, dyspepsia and abdominal discomfort.

Research note. Many wellness sites overstate cumin's effects. Reviews describe the laboratory findings as preliminary.

Sources

• Review of Cuminum cyminum (cumin): traditional uses and pharmacology ICAR e-publication

16 / Trigonella foenum-graecum

Fenugreek

मेथी · Methika

Fenugreek seed, methi, has a distinctive, slightly bittersweet aroma. The European Medicines Agency recognises fenugreek seed preparations for traditional use for temporary loss of appetite and, externally, for minor skin inflammations.

Research note. The EMA also found no adequate demonstration of an effect on blood sugar. This is a statement of traditional use only.

Sources

• Trigonellae foenugraeci semen, herbal medicinal product European Medicines Agency
• Community herbal monograph on Trigonella foenum-graecum L., semen European Medicines Agency

17 / Ocimum sanctum

Tulsi

तुलसी · Holy basil

Tulsi, called the "Queen of Herbs", is sacred in Indian homes. Its leaves, seeds and root have a long place in Ayurvedic practice, used alone or with other herbs, traditionally for cough, bronchitis and fever.

Research note. Reviews describe much of tulsi's research as laboratory-based, and note it is best treated as a supportive herb under professional guidance.

Sources

• Phytoconstituents, traditional, medicinal and bioactive uses of Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum Linn.): A review Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, 2017
• Study of medicinal uses of Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi) Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, 2021

18 / Myristica fragrans

Nutmeg

जायफल · Jaiphal

Jaiphal, nutmeg, is a warm, sweet spice of Indian kitchens. Ayurveda and other traditional systems describe it as a digestive, carminative and appetiser.

Research note. Nutmeg is potent in large amounts, and reviews discuss toxicity at high doses. In a tea it adds only a hint of warmth.

Sources

• Myristica fragrans (Jaiphal): phytomedicinal value in traditional systems such as Ayurveda (Yadav, Sharma & Huddar) Journal of Ayurveda and Holistic Medicine, 2022
• Myristica fragrans: a comprehensive review International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

19 / Curcuma longa

Turmeric

हल्दी · Haridra

Haridra, turmeric, is the golden root of Indian kitchens and rituals. Reviews describe its traditional use in Ayurveda and other Asian systems for digestive, respiratory and skin concerns.

Research note. Most scientific attention has gone to curcumin, one compound, rather than the whole root.

Sources

• Curcuma longa (turmeric): from traditional applications to modern plant medicine research hotspots Chinese Medicine, 2025 (PubMed Central)
• Review of Curcuma longa: traditional uses and pharmacology Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2022

20 / Linum usitatissimum

Flaxseed

अलसी · Atasi

Flaxseed, alsi, is a small, nutty seed rich in mucilage. A European herbal monograph records the traditional use of whole flaxseed as a mucilaginous preparation for mild digestive complaints.

Research note. This is a regulatory statement about the seed on its own, not a claim about any tea.

Sources

• Community herbal monograph on Linum usitatissimum L., semen European Medicines Agency

21 / Bacopa monnieri

Brahmi

ब्राह्मी · Brahmi

In Ayurveda, brahmi belongs to the medhya rasayana, herbs traditionally valued for the mind, memory and clarity. The name is used for Bacopa monnieri and, in some regions, for Centella asiatica.

Research note. Reviews separate classical use from modern findings, and note that the name Brahmi covers more than one plant.

Sources

• Bacopa monnieri StatPearls (NCBI Bookshelf)
• Exploring the Role of "Brahmi" (Bacopa monnieri and Centella asiatica) in Brain Function and Therapy PubMed, 2011

22 / Withania somnifera

Ashwagandha

अश्वगंधा · Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha root is one of Ayurveda's best-known rasayanas, a rejuvenating tonic. It has traditionally been used as an adaptogen, for stress and vitality.

Research note. Reviews describe many studies as small and varied, and much early work as laboratory or animal research.

Sources

• Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (Ashwagandha): a comprehensive review Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, 2021

Important: Ayvira teas are food products. They are not medicines and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The notes above describe how individual ingredients are traditionally used in Ayurveda and other traditional systems, and what published reviews report about them. They are shared for general interest and cultural context only. Ayvira does not claim that its teas provide these or any other health or medical benefit. Research on many of these ingredients is limited or preclinical, and the linked sources are third-party publications that Ayvira does not control. If you are pregnant or nursing, have a medical condition or take medication, please speak with a qualified health professional before adding new herbs to your routine.