Fennel, rose, pandan, kokum: Offbeat teas to cool you down
Butterfly pea flower tea
As the heat blazes across much of the country, it's cooling, soothing teas that are bringing comfort to tea lovers. Moving beyond lemon and mint, these refreshing brews- infused with everything from kokum to pandan -are quietly making their way into cups across India.
Chef Reena Mathur shares, 'People want teas that go beyond flavour - cooling, gut-soothing and grounding. Ingredients like bael, rose and kokum are having a quiet resurgence this summer.'
Hibiscus and kokum blend
Packed with vitamin C and cooling properties, this ruby-red combo is tart, tangy and ideal for humid days. Chill it with a pinch of black salt and a splash of date syrup for a zesty thirst-quencher.
Lemongrass-Pandan Iced Tea
Aromatic and soothing, this Southeast Asian-inspired tea is fragrant with lemongrass and nutty pandan leaves.
Serve chilled with a hint of coconut water for a refreshing, electrolyte-rich twist.
Bael (wood apple) Tea
This Ayurvedic favourite is a natural summer cooler. The pulp, brewed and lightly sweetened with jaggery, makes a subtly tangy tea that's great for digestion and gut health.
Butterfly Pea Flower Tea
Vibrant blue and naturally caffeine-free, this floral infusion is known for its antioxidants and colour-changing magic — it turns purple with lemon! Add honey and basil seeds for a chilled, hydrating drink that's as pretty as it is refreshing.
Fennel and Rose Iced Tea
Fennel seeds (saunf) and dried rose petals make a subtly sweet, floral infusion that soothes heat-induced acidity and bloating. Serve it cold with a dash of honey or rock sugar for a gentle, calming drink.
One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
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Time of India
13 hours ago
- Time of India
Fennel, rose, pandan, kokum: Offbeat teas to cool you down
Butterfly pea flower tea As the heat blazes across much of the country, it's cooling, soothing teas that are bringing comfort to tea lovers. Moving beyond lemon and mint, these refreshing brews- infused with everything from kokum to pandan -are quietly making their way into cups across India. Chef Reena Mathur shares, 'People want teas that go beyond flavour - cooling, gut-soothing and grounding. Ingredients like bael, rose and kokum are having a quiet resurgence this summer.' Hibiscus and kokum blend Packed with vitamin C and cooling properties, this ruby-red combo is tart, tangy and ideal for humid days. Chill it with a pinch of black salt and a splash of date syrup for a zesty thirst-quencher. Lemongrass-Pandan Iced Tea Aromatic and soothing, this Southeast Asian-inspired tea is fragrant with lemongrass and nutty pandan leaves. Serve chilled with a hint of coconut water for a refreshing, electrolyte-rich twist. Bael (wood apple) Tea This Ayurvedic favourite is a natural summer cooler. The pulp, brewed and lightly sweetened with jaggery, makes a subtly tangy tea that's great for digestion and gut health. Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Vibrant blue and naturally caffeine-free, this floral infusion is known for its antioxidants and colour-changing magic — it turns purple with lemon! Add honey and basil seeds for a chilled, hydrating drink that's as pretty as it is refreshing. Fennel and Rose Iced Tea Fennel seeds (saunf) and dried rose petals make a subtly sweet, floral infusion that soothes heat-induced acidity and bloating. Serve it cold with a dash of honey or rock sugar for a gentle, calming drink. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Time of India
15 hours ago
- Time of India
The global journey of Yoga: From India to the world
"Yoga is a light that, once kindled, never fades. The deeper your practice, the brighter it shines." B.K.S. Iyengar's (renowned Indian teacher of yoga) words were true then—and they continue to resonate just as powerfully today. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Once the practice of Yoga was confined to the ashrams of ancient India. But today, this ancient practice has become global. From Seoul to New York, millions now roll out their yoga mats every day; to keep physically as well as mentally fit. People also practice yoga for emotional balance and spiritual growth. This global journey of yoga is as much a story of cultural diplomacy and exchange as it is one of wellness and well-being. Indian roots, Global Appeal Yoga is a practice that originated nearly 5,000 years ago in Rishikesh, also known as the Yoga Capital of the World. Despite its spiritual origins, yoga appealed to people from across the globe. International Yoga Day : 21st June This sentiment led to the declaration of International Yoga Day, which is celebrated every year on June 21st. The global response was overwhelming—more than 170 countries co-sponsored the UN resolution, including countries with no historic ties to Indian traditions. Since then, Yoga Day has become a worldwide celebration. Let's quickly have a look at the global journey of Yoga: South Korea: Adopted Yoga creatively South Korea has adopted Yoga creatively. According to Hwang Il Yong, Director of the Korean Cultural Centre India, 'The people of Korea recognise the mental and physical benefits of yoga, embracing it not only as physical exercise but as a holistic practice for a balanced life. Major universities have also incorporated yoga classes into their general education and empowerment programmes.' Tired of too many ads? go ad free now In Korea, yoga has taken on imaginative forms, merging with pop culture and local traditions. 'Various fusion yoga styles are being explored, including programmes that combine modern exercise methods with K-pop, as well as paddleboard yoga practiced on the water,' Hwang adds. This year, the 11th International Yoga Day in Gwanghwamun Square will carry the theme 'Discover Your AURA,' featuring a dynamic programme that includes performances combining yoga with traditional Korean dance and Priyavinyasa with Gayageum (a Korean zither-like instrument). 'These programmes showcase the rich cultural exchange between India and Korea and underscore the growing popularity of yoga in the country,' Hwang mentioned. Goa, India: Hub for holistic wellness tourism Back home in India, states like Goa are considered as global wellness centres. Kedar Naik, Director of the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, underscores this brilliant transformation. 'Goa is steadily emerging as a hub for holistic wellness tourism, drawing yoga and Ayurveda enthusiasts from across the globe. With its serene natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and growing network of wellness centres, Goa offers the perfect setting for those seeking balance, rejuvenation, and inner peace. ' He further explains, 'These initiatives are part of Goa Tourism's vision to promote the state as a destination that goes beyond conventional travel, embracing wellness, sustainability, and conscious living.' Yoga travel: A rising global trend Off late, yoga and holistic wellness have become one of the prime motivations for global travel. From Goan beaches to Himalayan retreats in Uttarakhand, people are travelling far and wide in search of inner peace. This growing trend marks a shift from traditional sightseeing to transformative experiences. E mma Collins, a marketing executive from North Carolina said, 'After years of corporate burnout, I flew to Goa for a month-long yoga retreat and it wasn't just a vacation—it was a turning point in my life.' Travellers are choosing destinations that offer immersive wellness experiences, combining yoga and Ayurvedic treatments. Wellness resorts and eco-retreats now cater to this demand, offering programs that go beyond physical fitness to nurture mental as well as emotional well-being. Sam Jones, an entrepreneur from Edinburgh, says, 'I used to travel for business or leisure. Now, I travel to reconnect—with myself. Practicing yoga in Bali's rice fields helped me realign my priorities.' Whether it's a sunrise yoga session in Thailand or sound healing in Costa Rica, the rise of Yoga travel shows a global desire to slow down and seek a more conscious, balanced way of living. The road ahead As yoga continues to travel across the globe, the challenge lies in maintaining its real ancient values while adapting to a more modern lifestyle. The world is all set to celebrate International Yoga Day while striving to live in balance.
Time of India
15 hours ago
- Time of India
How to apply Kajal: 1 trick that gives the best look ever
1 2 Kajal just makes everything look put together. Also known as kohl, it is a timeless beauty essential in every Indian makeup bag. Whether you're going for a bold, dramatic eye or a soft, smudged look, kajal can instantly revive your look from drab to fab. To elevate your eye look, you don't need much but a long-staying, smudge-proof kajal. If you think Kajal is not your thing, you may be doing it all wrong. Here's a pro-approved trick that can take your kajal game from basic to breathtaking. Ever tried tightlining your eyes? What is tightlining? Tightlining the eye is the technique of applying kajal on the upper waterline, followed by the lower lash line right between the lashes. This simple trick may seem like not doing much, but it really creates the illusion of fuller lashes and instantly opens up your eyes without looking overly done. This technique gives you a subtle, chic, and incredibly effective look—especially if you want that bold kajal wrapped up around your eye. Here's how to do it: Choose the right kajal: Go for a creamy, smudge-proof kajal pencil that doesn't make you look like a panda. It should glide easily and stay put. Pull your upper lid gently upward and look down into a mirror. This reveals and gives you access to your upper waterline. Line the waterline from corner to corner. Try to get as close to the roots of your lashes as possible for that defined look. You can follow up with your usual lower waterline application for more intensity or just leave it at tightlining for a clean, minimal effect. If you still fear that your kajal will smudge down your eyes, try dipping your eye brush in brown and black eye shadow and tapping it slowly in a packing motion over the kajal. I will mattify and fix the kajal in place. Why it works: This trick allows a more natural definition without obvious lines You may not need a lash curler or a mascara too, as it makes lashes look thicker This technique for applying kajal enhances the shape of your eyes subtly Your Kajal lasts longer and stays put as it's less likely to smudge like lower waterline kajal So the next time you're reaching for your kajal, ditch the regular swipe and try tightlining. This one simple trick might just become your new go-to for both everyday wear and special occasions. Easy Raksha Bandhan makeup look One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
