Ayurvedic teas & drinks guide: tulsi, ginger, CCF, golden milk, triphala

What these traditional drinks are, how they are usually made, and what the research actually says — with safety notes.

Updated 2026-10-22

Not medical advice. This article is general information only. Talk to a qualified doctor before using herbs or supplements, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, take medication or have a health condition.

Ashram kitchens across India serve herbal drinks rooted in Ayurveda. Here is what they are and what the evidence says — briefly and cautiously. The US National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) notes that few well-designed trials of Ayurvedic practices exist and that some Ayurvedic preparations have been found to contain lead, mercury or arsenic; buy single herbs or teas from reputable brands and avoid unlabelled mixtures.

Tulsi (holy basil) tea

Leaves of Ocimum tenuiflorum (syn. O. sanctum), steeped in hot water. A 2014 review (Cohen, J Ayurveda Integr Med) summarised lab, animal and small human studies suggesting possible effects on stress and metabolism, but these studies are mostly small; treat it as a pleasant caffeine-free tea rather than a treatment.

Ginger tea

Fresh ginger slices simmered in water, sometimes with lemon and honey. NCCIH says ginger may help relieve nausea in pregnancy and some other settings, while evidence for many other uses is limited. Ask a doctor if you take blood thinners or are pregnant.

CCF tea (cumin, coriander, fennel)

Equal parts of the three seeds boiled in water, traditionally served after meals for digestion. We found no good clinical trials of the combination — enjoy it as a traditional, gentle-tasting drink, not a remedy.

Golden milk (haldi doodh)

Warm milk (or a plant milk) with turmeric, often with black pepper and ginger. NCCIH notes turmeric in food amounts is generally considered safe, that evidence for health benefits is not strong, and that liver injury has been reported with some high-bioavailability curcumin supplements — a different thing from a spoonful in milk.

Triphala

A classic Ayurvedic blend of three dried fruits (amalaki, bibhitaki, haritaki), taken as a powder in warm water or as tablets. A 2017 review (Peterson et al., J Altern Complement Med) describes traditional uses, often as a laxative or bowel tonic, and calls for better clinical trials. It can loosen stools; it is not for pregnancy or ongoing digestive problems without medical advice.

Practical tips

• Prefer ashram-made or simple single-ingredient teas.
• Avoid herbal products sold with cure claims.
• Stop and seek medical help if you feel unwell.