What is Helba
The name “yellow tea” may make one think of Chinese yellow teas, but such a comparison is fundamentally incorrect. In fact, this drink is not tea, since its source is not tea leaves, but the fruits of a plant called Helba. In our country this crop is known as fenugreek, and in other countries it is called fenugreek or shambhala. Helba originally grew in Tibet, but today it is grown in Africa, India, Southern Europe and the Caucasus.
Helba is an annual plant that reaches a height of 40-70 cm and has yellow inflorescences. The fruits are shaped like flat cylindrical beans and have a delicate nutty aroma. It is from the fruits that tea is prepared; they are also used as a spice and for various medicinal purposes.
Recipes for treatment, weight loss, increased lactation and other purposes
For medicinal purposes, yellow tea from Egypt is recommended to be used in combination with other ingredients that can enhance its effect. Below are the most common, effective recipes for treating diseases and other purposes.
Table: How to use Shambhala infusion
Purpose of application | Ingredients and method of preparation | Instructions for use | |
Treatment of respiratory diseases | Colds and pulmonary diseases | 2 tsp. Simmer fenugreek fruits in 1 glass of water over low heat for about 10 minutes. Add honey or dates during cooking | Drink half a glass 3 times a day |
Dry cough | 2 tsp. Boil the grains in 1 glass of milk for 7-8 minutes | Drink 2 times a day | |
Sore throat | 2 tbsp. l. simmer the grains in 0.4 liters of water for half an hour. Let it brew for 20 minutes, then strain and add lemon juice. | Gargle with infusion 2 times a day | |
Cleansing the stomach of accumulated waste and toxins, treating duodenum and stomach ulcers | 2–3 tsp. pour 1 cup of boiling water over the fruit, cover with a lid and let it brew (you can use a thermos) | Drink chilled, 1 glass 3 times a day before meals. | |
Kidney cleansing, crushing kidney and bladder stones | 4–5 tsp. Boil fruits and several dates in 1 glass of water for 7-8 minutes. The broth should be thick | Drink half a glass 2–3 times a day | |
Treatment and prevention of diabetes mellitus | 2 tsp. Soak the grains in 1 glass of hot water in the evening and leave overnight. In the morning, mix with stevia herb decoction in equal proportions. | Drink the mixture in the morning | |
Treatment and prevention of anemia | 1–2 tsp. boil the seeds in 1 glass of water with the addition of dates or honey | Drink 2 times a day. | |
Treatment of inflammatory joint diseases | 1 tbsp. l. fruits and 2 tbsp. simmer tablespoons of fresh stevia leaves in 1 glass of water for 5–7 minutes | Drink half a glass 3-4 times a day | |
Treatment of female diseases, uterine contraction after childbirth | 1–2 tbsp. l. pour 1 cup of boiling water over the fruit. Leave for 15 minutes | Douche 1-2 times a day | |
Enhancing lactation, treating impotence, weight loss | 2 tsp. Boil the grains in 1 glass of water for 8–10 minutes, then add about 30 ml of milk | Drink 3–4 glasses a day | |
Treatment of skin diseases, wound healing, skin cleansing, getting rid of warts | 4–5 tbsp. Grind a tablespoon of grains into a powder and cook in 1 glass of water until a paste forms. You can add a little olive oil | The ointment is applied to injured skin 1–2 times a day |
A good result can only be achieved if the procedures are carried out regularly. The healing properties of yellow Egyptian tea are observed within a few days.
How to brew an Egyptian drink correctly + video
Since the fruits of the plant, rather than the leaves, are used to prepare this tea, it is not recommended to brew it in the usual way. The taste of the drink will be fully revealed only if the hard seeds are boiled.
Yellow Egyptian tea is prepared according to a special recipe.
1–2 days before preparing tea, the fruits should be thoroughly washed and placed on paper or a towel in a dry place. In order for the tea to reveal its aroma, the dried seeds can be fried and ground. Boil the drink in a small saucepan. For 1 teaspoon of tea leaves, use 200–250 ml of water. If you prefer stronger tea, add 2 teaspoons to the same amount of water. You need to boil yellow tea over low heat for 7-9 minutes, then you can pour it into mugs and enjoy its exquisite taste.
In the video you can get acquainted with the process in more detail.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=NvuRKJDi1yU
How to drink helba
You can drink tea either warm or cool - it perfectly warms and quenches thirst.
Egyptian tea has a pleasant yellow color and a peculiar nutty flavor, which each person perceives differently: for some it is just a bitter and unpleasant drink, but for others it is a whole fountain of emotions!
You can diversify the taste of tea with raspberries, lemon, honey, mint, dates, ginger or figs. Yellow tea goes well with other tea infusions: regular black or green. It is also useful to replace water with milk when making tea.
Yellow Egyptian tea can be combined with any fruit, honey and milk
History of Egyptian Helba tea
Fenugreek has long been known as a medicinal plant. A detailed description of its healing properties is found in the works of Hippocrates, Avicenna and Chinese healers. However, it was the Egyptians who figured out how to prepare a tasty and healthy drink from Shambhala.
Nowadays, Helba is rightfully considered the national Egyptian tea, which is often offered to tourists and guests of the country of the pyramids. To prepare a high-quality drink, fenugreek fruits approximately 10 cm long are used. Seeds are extracted from them, and those that reach a diameter of 5 mm are used for tea.
Caution in the use of yellow tea
Despite the natural composition and the absence of aggressive components in the drink, it may be contraindicated for some people due to the specific properties of fenugreek seeds. Please note that yellow tea impairs blood clotting; this is important information for those planning surgical interventions. It may also reduce the effectiveness of some medications, so consult a doctor before use.
Egyptian tea is contraindicated in the following cases:
- pregnancy;
- diabetes mellitus requiring insulin;
- duodenal or gastric ulcer, gastritis, colitis;
- increased levels of the hormone estrogen in women;
- tendency to allergic reactions;
- personal intolerance to the components of the drink.
By combining the drink with a diet and regular exercise, you will be able to achieve the desired results, but this will not be the direct merit of Egyptian tea, because it only has a laxative and diuretic effect.
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Composition (including chemical)
Helbe contains a huge number of different useful elements that are necessary for the prevention and treatment of all kinds of diseases. Fenugreek seeds contain elements such as flavonoids, polysaccharides, essential oils, vitamins of all groups, mucous and nitrogenous substances. Microelements include magnesium, potassium, selenium, zinc, calcium and iron.
If we consider the composition of BZHU (proteins, fats, carbohydrates), then 100 g of helba seeds contains:
- 10 g fiber;
- 23 grams of proteins;
- 59 grams of healthy carbohydrates;
- 6.5 grams of fat.
Calorie content is 323 kcal per 100 g.
Benefits and harms
Such a rich composition determines the huge number of beneficial properties of Helba tea. Studies have shown that drinking tea really helps in the prevention and treatment of many diseases. However, do not forget that Helba has some contraindications.
In this video we will talk about Helba (Fenugreek) as a cure for 100 diseases, its composition and beneficial properties.
Useful properties and indications for use
Egyptian yellow Helba tea perfectly strengthens the body and improves immunity. Its tonic, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties are well known. Fenugreek can lower the temperature, so it should be taken for colds and ARVI.
In addition, Helba tea affects the body as follows:
- Combats problems of the genitourinary system. Fenugreek can relieve inflammation, and when taken regularly, it removes sand and stones from the kidneys.
- Normalizes the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. The substances contained in the infusion protect the gastric mucosa from spicy foods and alcohol. With long-term use, it is possible to get rid of stomach ulcers and restore acid balance.
- Lowers blood sugar levels. This property is especially useful for diabetics.
- As already mentioned, it treats colds. Lowers temperature and helps remove mucus from the lungs.
- It is successfully used for diseases of the female reproductive system. Helba contains substances that resemble female hormones in their action, and therefore can restore hormonal levels and help in the treatment of infertility.
- Normalizes blood pressure. Yellow tea successfully fights cholesterol plaques in blood vessels and is useful for hypertensive patients.
- Increases male potency.
In addition, regular consumption of Helba tea can increase concentration and overall performance, as well as relieve stress and reduce depression.
Contraindications
It is strictly forbidden to drink Helba tea during pregnancy, since the substance diosgenin it contains can increase the tone of the uterus and lead to bleeding or even miscarriage.
People with chronic bleeding should not drink tea (or in this case, consume it in small portions). It is recommended to exercise caution if you have diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, or taking medications that prevent the formation of blood clots. People with gastrointestinal diseases should first consult a doctor, as Helba can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
In general, you should not drink excessive amounts of tea, as an overdose can cause allergies, dizziness, or stomach upset. Also, avoid drinking yellow tea before bed as it can cause insomnia.
Any unpleasant or undesirable symptoms indicate that the use of Helba should be stopped.
Can men drink or not?
It is believed that Helba tea should be consumed specifically by women, since it contains components very similar to female sex hormones. However, it is no less useful for men to drink this tea, since it can help with impotence and improve the functioning of the prostate gland.
Useful properties of the drink
Egyptian yellow tea has a general strengthening and immunostimulating effect on the body, and is a good anti-inflammatory, tonic and antispasmodic agent. Due to the antipyretic properties of yellow tea from Egypt, it is often prescribed by doctors in the complex treatment of colds.
The beneficial properties of the drink help to effectively combat the following ailments:
Colon cleansing tea
- Respiratory diseases - bronchitis, sinusitis, asthma, laryngitis, pneumonia. Egyptian yellow tea has an anti-inflammatory and expectorant effect.
- Disorders of the gastrointestinal tract - gastritis, ulcers, pancreatitis, cholecystitis, urolithiasis. An infusion of Egyptian yellow helba tea activates metabolism, promotes bile secretion and increases the activity of the pancreas. The tea infusion envelops the walls of the stomach and protects it from the aggressive effects of rough food and is a preventative against peptic ulcers. Yellow tea from Egypt suppresses the activity of pathogenic microorganisms, so it is recommended to drink it during travel, when the body gets used to different water and food.
- Atherosclerosis and hypertension - fenugreek seeds reduce cholesterol in the blood, and also normalize blood pressure thanks to minerals.
Yellow Helba tea is widely used for menstrual irregularities and menopause. The phytoestrogen included in the composition restores hormonal levels and is an effective preventative against such female diseases as mastopathy, polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis and uterine fibroids.
Just like the white variety, helba copes well with skin diseases such as dermatitis, warts, and purulent inflammation. To do this, use a paste of crushed fenugreek seeds, which is applied as a mask to the affected area. This mask cleanses the skin well of bacteria and helps restore the skin epithelium.
How to brew yellow tea
When brewing Helba, the usual method is not suitable, since fruits are used to obtain tea, not leaves. Cooking is necessary to open them and saturate the infusion with useful substances.
Classic recipe
If you have fenugreek beans at your disposal, you should wash and dry them, then remove the fruits, fry them and chop them. If you have ready-made fried Helba seeds, then you can proceed to the next step:
- Pour 1 tsp into a small container. ground fruits and pour a glass of water.
- Place the saucepan on low heat and cook the infusion for 10 minutes.
- The finished tea should be strained.
To improve the taste, you can add honey or various spices to the drink, such as ginger and cinnamon. It is worth saying that many people distinguish notes of cheese or mushrooms in the spicy aroma of tea.
To get the maximum amount of benefits from tea, Helba seeds can first be soaked for a couple of hours and then boiled in the usual way in the same water.
For a sore throat
To get rid of a sore throat, you should prepare a rich infusion of Helba. 2 tbsp. l. seeds, pour 0.5 liters of boiling water and cook for half an hour over low heat. The prepared decoction is used to gargle a sore throat. After several procedures, noticeable relief from pain and soreness is felt.
For bronchitis
To remove mucus from the bronchi, you need to use a mixture of herbs: take 1 tsp. fenugreek, elderberry, fennel seeds and 2 tsp. tricolor violets, linden blossom. This mixture is poured into a glass of cold water (200 ml). The herbs are infused for about 2 hours and then boiled for 5 minutes. The finished tea is filtered and drunk warm throughout the day.
For the treatment and prevention of kidney disease
Take 5 tsp. Helba seeds and 3 dates, pour a glass of water (200 ml), then cook over low heat for about 7 minutes. The decoction should be drunk three times a day in 100 ml portions. The drink helps remove sand from the kidneys and crush small stones.
To cleanse the intestines
For 2 tsp. seeds, take a glass of water, pour in and cook for 5 minutes. To improve the taste of tea, you can add figs and honey. To effectively remove waste and toxins, drink the decoction in small quantities before each meal.
How to make Egyptian tea
The peculiarity of the drink is that it is not recommended to brew yellow tea in the usual way; it must be boiled. The fact is that fenugreek seeds do not reveal their beneficial properties as easily as tea leaves.
Before brewing tea, fenugreek seeds must be washed and soaked for an hour in cold water, and then dried thoroughly. Dried seeds should be fried in a dry frying pan until a light brown tint appears. After this, you can brew Egyptian yellow tea. For greater convenience, the seeds can be ground in a coffee grinder.
Proportions: take 2 teaspoons of tea leaves for one glass of water.
How to brew yellow tea:
- Pour one glass of water into the pan and bring it to a boil.
- Add fenugreek seeds.
- Boil the broth for 5 minutes.
- Cool the infusion to room temperature.
A properly prepared decoction has a mild taste with vanilla or nutty notes - vaguely reminiscent of the elite Yellow Dragon tea. The drink goes well with lemon, ginger and honey. And when losing weight and in order to improve lactation, it is recommended to drink yellow tea with the addition of milk. Ground fenugreek seeds can also be added to other types of tea to increase their nutritional value.
It is noteworthy that yellow tea is not addictive and has a gentle effect on the body, so it is suitable for daily use
How to drink (frequency, quantity)
Egyptian yellow Helba tea is a rather unusual drink, not similar to ordinary teas, and therefore should be drunk in moderation, not in glasses. One cup a day is enough to get all the beneficial elements.
You can drink tea either hot or chilled, as it quenches thirst equally well in hot weather and warms you in cold weather. High-quality and properly prepared Helba tea has a rich yellow color and a nutty taste with some bitterness. To improve and diversify the taste, you can add citrus fruits, turmeric, mint, figs, raspberries, and dates. In addition, fenugreek decoction can be mixed with regular green or black tea, or prepared with milk.
Harm and contraindications
Fenugreek, like any other plant, has a number of contraindications:
- If there is increased production of progesterone in the body, drinking yellow tea is undesirable. Hormone levels will increase even more;
- Diabetes. Fenugreek has the ability to influence insulin levels;
- Problems with the thyroid gland. Helba seeds contain phytosterols, similar in composition to human hormones, and can therefore lead to hormonal imbalance;
- Pregnancy. The plant is capable of activating labor. Helba increases the tone of the uterus, and a woman may experience a miscarriage or premature birth.
Yellow fenugreek tea is a natural source of beneficial substances for humans. Its daily use activates the immune system and normalizes the general condition of the body. The main thing is to remember that the use of helba tea has its contraindications. It is necessary to adhere to the daily norm of the drink and not exceed it. Only in this case will tea benefit the body and help strengthen it.
Storage and shelf life
As a rule, seeds remain usable for a year if storage conditions are followed. They should be protected from moisture and direct sunlight. In addition, Helba can easily absorb foreign odors, so it is worth placing its fruits in an airtight container.
Old seeds are well distinguished by color: fresh fruits have a bright mustard color, but darken over time. You can distinguish low-quality tea by taste, since the decoction of old fruits is very bitter.
Where to buy and how much it costs
You can buy Helba yellow tea directly in Egypt if you are going there on vacation. In Russia, its seeds or fruits can be found in oriental spice or health food stores. It is also offered for purchase in various online stores.
The price depends on the condition of the fenugreek fruit. Unprocessed fruits cost an average of 100 rubles per 100 grams, while washed and crushed seeds, which can be directly brewed, are sold slightly more expensive, their cost will be 2-2.5 times higher.
Chemical composition of helba tea
Helba yellow tea contains a lot of microelements, vitamins and other nutrients, such as:
— proteins and carbohydrates (about 25%);
- iron, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, calcium, sulfur, zinc, starch, sodium, arsenic;
- various essential amino acids;
— essential oil (0.3%);
— vitamins A, B, B1, B2, C, D, PP, folic acid, enzymes.
The chemical composition of this drink is very rich in various components; when brewed correctly, almost all of them go into the drink.
Reviews
As an example, here are a few reviews left by real visitors to our site through the comment form for this article:
Review from Olga: Recently I was treated to an amazing drink - Egyptian yellow tea. When brewing, instead of the usual loose leaf tea, I saw something incomprehensible, similar to an unknown cereal.
The finished drink is slightly sweet. The smell is unusual, but pleasant: ginger, nutmeg, and unexpectedly a mixture of khmeli-suneli seasonings. To improve the taste, you can add honey, lemon and cinnamon to your tea.
Review from fialka36: Once we were on vacation in Egypt, where we were advised to buy Egyptian yellow tea - Helba, which is considered a cure for all diseases there. Of course, I was interested in it, and I bought it. But when I brewed it at home and tried it for the first time, I didn’t like the taste at all, it was so spicy, it wasn’t for everyone.
Despite this, I began to drink it further, getting used to the taste. After some time, I noticed that my immunity had significantly increased, and colds had practically disappeared.
Egyptian yellow Helba tea is an amazing drink with an interesting taste and many healing properties. It is incorrect to call it tea, since the fruits need to be boiled, but this is not so important. The real value is the beneficial elements contained in this plant that can fight many diseases.
Useful properties of Helba - fenugreek tea
Helba yellow tea can significantly improve your general condition and help in the treatment of many diseases. When consumed regularly, the following occurs in the body:
- The functioning of the gastrointestinal tract is restored.
- Infections of the genitourinary organs are eliminated, inflammation is relieved, stones and sand come out of the kidneys.
- Hormonal levels stabilize.
- Blood sugar decreases.
- Blood pressure normalizes and cholesterol decreases.
- Potency increases in men.
- Some women's diseases, including infertility, disappear.
- Brain function improves, the body becomes more resistant to stress and depression.
- When you have a cold, your body temperature decreases and phlegm is removed better.