Keeping a long story short: Doctors order was to drink more... But not alcohol, caffeine or sugar. The idea was to try to reduce weight and also related to PSA test results that were a bit high.  I guess more have been in this situation? 

Drinking water cold or warm did not work, juices are just loaded with sugar, and I already drink a lot of strong coffee.

What works for me is making herbal tea using Thai herbs like Pandan leaf, lemongrass, Rosella (hibiscus), galangal or ginger, bael fruit  and more.  We started growing it in the village in Isaan and the family harvests, dries and delivers few kg each few months. I make few liter each day and can easily finish all (if the family did not drink it yet)

 

I am looking for more ideas and recipes. For instance the original pandan leaf tea that is served after massages (not the yellow sugary instant powder served today). This is made of pandan leaf with some lemongrass (and galangal) added for a better taste, and added health benefits as well.

Do you use the Thai herbs to make tea, or do you have recipes to share?

 

 

Mint tea is legend.  Also camomile and anise (fennel.)

I saw a "Thai tea" advertised that contains black tea, anise seed, cardamom and star anise.  I used to drink a weak green tea with Jasmine flowers in it. 

 

There are a couple more here https://siamteas.com/thai-teas/thai-herbal-teas/  You might find some ideas here if you check the ingredients of their various blends.  I like the Lemon Zinger and Red Zinger.  http://www.celestialseasonings.com/products

 

Searching around I learned that there are 4 species of "galangal", each a bit different in taste.

Edited April 11, 20215 yr by Damrongsak

Ginger & Manau, with a little bit of sweetener.

 

Very nice drink, good digestive too. Hot or cold equally good. 

 

????

Whiskey or bourbon tea

Blue Butterfly Pea blossoms (อัญชัน - an-chan). The scientific name of this plant is indecent language. Do your own research if you really want to know.

Grows on nearly every type of soil. Needs a lot of sun. A cold infusion maintains this flashy blue colour. The hot infusion changes the colour towards navy blue.

The pure unmixed taste is somewhat dull, mildly floral and sweetish, slightly grassy. This, however, goes very well with a moderate amount of lemon grass or ginger.

Lemon basil and bay leaves are good, though I like lemon basil more than the latter.