Classical Formula

CCF Tea (Cumin, Coriander, Fennel)

Made fromCuminum cyminum, Coriandrum sativum and Foeniculum vulgare (equal parts)Also calledCCF, Three seed tea, Cumin coriander fennel tea

Equal parts cumin, coriander and fennel simmered into a mild, savory tea. One of Ayurveda's simplest and most loved daily digestive drinks.

CCF Tea (Cumin, Coriander, Fennel), formula

CCF tea is about as humble as Ayurveda gets. Three kitchen seeds, a pot of water, a few minutes on the stove. It tastes a little nutty, a little sweet, a little like the smell of a spice market.

Each seed brings something. Cumin wakes up digestion, coriander keeps things cool, and fennel soothes and sweetens. Together they make a tea gentle enough to sip every day, in any season, by almost anyone.

Ayurvedic Properties

RasaTastes
  • Pungent
  • Sweet
  • Bitter
  • Astringent
ViryaHeating or cooling
Slightly cooling
VipakaPost-digestive effect
Sweet
AgniEffect on digestion
Gently supports agni

The classic balanced digestive tea: it supports agni without overheating.

GunaQualities
  • Light
TridoshaEffect on Vata, Pitta and Kapha
  • Vata: decreases
  • Pitta: decreases
  • Kapha: decreases
  • decreases (calms that dosha)
  • increases (can aggravate it)
  • neutral or balancing
  • not known
  • V Vata · P Pitta · K Kapha

CCF is considered tridoshic. It supports digestion without the heat of ginger or pepper, so it suits pitta well, and the warmth of the water keeps vata and kapha happy too.

Traditional Uses

  • Traditionally used to support gentle, comfortable digestion after meals.
  • Traditionally used to support Ayurveda's idea of clearing ama, the residue of incomplete digestion.
  • Traditionally used to support ease and lightness in the belly.
  • Traditionally used to support a simple daily routine during seasonal resets and kitchari days.

How People Use It

  • TeaUse 1 teaspoon of the blend per cup of water. Simmer for 5 to 10 minutes, or pour on just boiled water and steep covered for 10 minutes.
  • WaterBrew a larger batch in the morning, keep it in a thermos, and sip it warm through the day.
  • FoodToast the same three seeds in ghee as a base for dal, soups and kitchari.
Try This

A Thermos of CCF Tea

Brew once in the morning, sip all day.

  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
  • 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
  • 3 cups water
  1. Bring the water to a boil in a small pot.
  2. Add the seeds, lower the heat, and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes.
  3. Strain into a thermos.
  4. Sip warm between meals and after eating. Make it fresh each day.

Pairs Well With

Cautions

  • CCF tea is made from common kitchen spices, and normal tea amounts are generally considered safe. The cautions below apply to much larger amounts.
  • Safety research on these seeds in concentrated form is limited, and major U.S. health references do not have monographs for cumin, coriander or fennel.
  • Fennel contains mild estrogen-like compounds. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, enjoy CCF in normal tea amounts and check with your healthcare provider if you plan to drink a lot of it.
  • Do not give CCF tea to babies or young children unless your pediatrician approves.
  • If you are allergic to plants in the carrot and celery family, avoid this blend.
  • If you take medication or have a health condition, check with your doctor before drinking large amounts daily.
  • Please consult a qualified practitioner or your doctor before using CCF tea therapeutically.

In Our Shop

Organic CCF Tea (Cumin, Coriander, Fennel)

Organic CCF Tea (Cumin, Coriander, Fennel), from $5.75. Weighed and packed by hand at our Rockville Centre studio.

Shop CCF Tea →

From the Journal

Sources and Further Reading

This page shares how herbs are traditionally used in Ayurveda and other herbal traditions. It is for general education only and is not medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA, and herbs are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Please talk with your doctor or a qualified practitioner before using herbs, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or managing a health condition.