Generality
The herbal tea of Buddhist monks has been very successful in recent times thanks to the slimming properties attributed to it.
It is a drink made with a mixture of different herbs which are attributed useful properties to lose weight and to purify the body of excess toxins.
In truth, the properties of this herbal tea are not miraculous as many believe, even if, in some cases, its intake could prove useful.
What is that
What is the Buddhist Monks Herbal Tea?
The herbal tea of Buddhist monks is a drink prepared through the infusion of a well-defined mixture of medicinal herbs with the most varied properties.
The origins of this particular type of herbal tea are not known exactly, however, it is believed to have been conceived by Buddhist monks even in the 5th century BC. The medicine of the time, in fact, was based precisely on the use of herbs and plants for the treatment of disorders and diseases of different kinds.
Currently, the herbal tea of Buddhist monks owes its fame exclusively to its alleged ability to promote weight loss without any effort.
Property
Properties attributed to the infusion of Buddhist monks
Numerous properties are attributed to the Buddhist monks' herbal tea, among which the slimming products which are associated with purifying and detoxifying properties of the organism stand out .
In detail, according to its supporters, the herbal tea of Buddhist monks should be able to increase the metabolism, burning the fat mass and exercising, at the same time, a diuretic and draining action.
Indeed, some plants used to prepare the herbal tea of Buddhist monks possess some of the aforementioned properties, however, as will be seen in the course of the article, this does not mean that this drink is capable of exerting a slimming effect.
Ingredients
What does the Tea of Buddhist Monks contain?
The herbal tea of Buddhist monks consists of a mixture of different medicinal herbs, such as aloe vera, citronella, cornflower, green tea, tulsi and aromatic herbs such as rosemary and mint. Below, the main characteristics and properties of these plants will be briefly described.
Aloe vera
Inside the herbal tea of Buddhist monks, the powdered aloe vera juice is used. It is rich in flavonoids and anthraquinone glycosides with well-known laxative properties . One of these anthraquinone glycosides, aloe-emodin, has been the subject of several studies in order to investigate its antiviral properties and potential anticancer properties. The results of these studies were so encouraging, but these are researches conducted mainly in vitro using only aloe-emodin and not the juice of the plant. For this reason, contrary to what is claimed by the proponents of the Buddhist monks herbal tea, these studies can in no way confirm that similar activities are also exercised in the human organism when the aloe juice is used pulverized and taken in the form of herbal tea.
The laxative properties of aloe juice, on the other hand, have been widely confirmed and recognized. Not surprisingly, the German E Commission approved its use against occasional constipation.
However, it is reported that aloe vera juice is an optional ingredient in the preparation of the Buddhist monks' herbal tea.
Side Effects and Potential Pharmacological Interactions
Aloe juice can cause various disorders of the gastrointestinal tract and can interfere with the activity of various drugs used in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases (for more information, we recommend reading the article: Aloe in Herbal Medicine).
Citronella
For the preparation of the herbal tea of Buddhist monks, the citronella is used in the form of leaves in herbal tea . In addition to the well-known insect-repellent properties ascribed to the essential oil contained in it, lemongrass is also attributed anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antispasmodic, antiseptic and sedative properties . It is, however, a duty to point out that sedative and analgesic activities are exercised only when excessive quantities (therefore, not recommended) of essential oil are taken. In any case, for more information on the properties and uses of lemongrass, see the dedicated article: Citronella in Herbal Medicine.
Side effects
Lemongrass can cause even severe allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Cornflower
The composition of the herbal tea of Buddhist monks also includes the flowers of cornflower, which are ascribed anti-inflammatory and decongestant properties . In truth, these properties are attributed to the distilled water of the flowers of the plant that is used externally against inflammation of the eyes. The use of cornflower in herbal teas, on the other hand, is nowadays quite rare.
Green tea
An essential ingredient for the realization of the herbal tea of Buddhist monks is green tea, used in the form of leaves in an herbal tea .
Green tea is given antioxidant properties (due to its high catechin content) and slimming properties, ascribed to methylxanthines (caffeine or theine, theobromine and theophylline) contained in the plant. The numerous studies conducted on methylxanthines have undoubtedly confirmed the ability of these molecules to stimulate lipolysis and promote weight loss, which are associated with mild diuretic and anorectic properties . Nevertheless, it is important to emphasize that the concentration of these substances in green tea is not such as to make the aforementioned activities appreciable, even more so if the plant is taken in the form of an herbal tea.
The intake of green tea could however be useful in the context of an adequate diet accompanied by a good level of physical activity.
Side Effects and Potential Pharmacological Interactions
Generally, green tea is well tolerated, however, when used in high doses it can cause gastric upset and restlessness. Furthermore, given the active ingredients it contains, green tea can interfere with the activity of many drugs, such as sedatives, antidepressants, antiarrhythmics and hormone-based drugs (for more detailed information on this, see the article dedicated: Tea in Herbal Medicine).
Tulsi
Tulsi - also known as holy basil or sacred basil - is a plant widely exploited by Ayurvedic medicine which is attributed hypoglycemic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, digestive and cardiotonic properties . The hypoglycemic properties have actually been confirmed in animal studies.
Inside the herbal tea of Buddhist monks the leaves of the plant are used in an herbal tea. However, it should be noted that - similarly to what has been said for aloe juice - tulsi is also an optional ingredient in the preparation of the drink in question.
Herbs
The composition of the herbal tea of Buddhist monks also includes some aromatic herbs, such as mint and rosemary whose leaves are used.
Mint is attributed to spasmolytic properties of the gastrointestinal tract and airways, carminative, cholagogue, analgesic and antibacterial properties that have been confirmed by various studies conducted on the subject. However, this plant can cause side effects such as nausea, dizziness and worsening of gastroesophageal reflux. Furthermore, it could interfere with the activity of calcium channel blocking drugs (for more information: Mint in Herbal Medicine).
Rosemary, on the other hand, has digestive, choleretic, cholagogue and spasmolytic properties, attributable to the essential oil contained in its leaves (for more information: Rosemary in Herbal Medicine).
Preparation
Method of Preparation of the Infusion of Buddhist Monks
The herbal tea of Buddhist monks is prepared by the infusion method .
Usually, it is recommended to use a tablespoon of the mixture of herbs for a cup of water which, approximately, should correspond to about 4-5 grams of the mixture for about 200 ml of liquid.
After boiling the right amount of water, it should be poured over the herbs, leaving it to infuse for at least 10-15 minutes. Afterwards, the herbal tea of the Buddhist monks thus prepared must be filtered and consumed immediately. If desired, it is possible to sweeten the drink, however, the taste is generally pleasant and does not require "corrections".
Mode of use
When and How to Take the Herbal Tea of Buddhist Monks
The herbal tea of Buddhist monks must be prepared by the infusion method described above. The usual recommended dose is one cup two or three times a day, between meals.
In order to guarantee the preservation of the supposed properties of the herbal tea, it is generally recommended to take the drink immediately after its preparation. However, it can also be eaten warm or cold.
Effectiveness and Limits
Is the tea of Buddhist monks effective?
The answer to this question is not simple. To tell the truth, to say that an herbal tea has a slimming action would not be entirely correct, even if scientific studies have shown that some of the herbs contained in it could prove useful in slimming processes (green tea). On the other hand, however, the herbal tea preparation has different limits both as regards the content of active ingredients and as regards a possible therapeutic or similar therapeutic effect.
Through the preparation of the herbal tea of Buddhist monks, as well as any other type of herbal tea, in fact, it is not possible to know exactly which and how many active ingredients are extracted from medicinal plants, therefore, it is not possible to determine whether the intake of the herbal tea can lead to any kind of effect. In this regard, the risks that can be taken are basically two: excessive extraction of the active ingredients, or - as is more commonly the case - insufficient extraction of the same, with consequent ineffectiveness.
However, despite the fact that it is a somewhat diluted formulation and not particularly rich in active substances, the herbal tea of Buddhist monks seems to possess diuretic and purifying properties, although rather mild. Its consumption could therefore prove useful for the purpose of weight loss, provided it takes place in the context of an adequate diet - established by professional and qualified figures (dietician, dietician) based on the needs of each patient - and supported by an adequate level of physical activity .
Therefore, the herbal tea of Buddhist monks does NOT lose weight, but could be used as a natural remedy adjuvant for a structured weight loss program structured, organized and processed on a strictly personal basis for each patient by qualified medical and health personnel .
Side effects
Can the Buddhist Monks herbal tea cause side effects?
Despite being a natural remedy, the herbal tea of Buddhist monks can cause several side effects, the most common of which occur at the gastrointestinal level (colic and diarrhea). In addition to this, we must take into account the side effects that can be caused by the consumption of the individual medicinal herbs that make up the herbal tea, as well as taking into account the drug interactions that can potentially arise between the active ingredients contained in the herbal teas and herbal active ingredients of any drug therapies in progress.
It is also true that through the preparation of herbal teas it is unlikely to be able to extract large quantities of active substances from the herbs, however, this does not mean that those few active ingredients extracted cannot interfere with the action of concomitant drugs. For this reason, in the case of ongoing drug therapies, before taking the herbal tea of Buddhist monks it is good to ask your doctor for advice.
Contraindications
When not to take the herbal tea of Buddhist monks
The use of the herbal tea of Buddhist monks is contraindicated in case of known allergy to any of the herbs contained in it. Furthermore, taking herbal tea is also contraindicated in pregnancy, lactation and in children.
