Khandwa women brew a homemade spice tea powder that doubles as a business

In Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh, women are making a homemade herbal tea powder from tulsi, mint, cinnamon, cloves, black pepper, ginger and cardamom, and selling it to earn a livelihood.

In Madhya Pradesh's Khandwa district, women are giving up packet tea for a homemade herbal tea powder that is being praised both for its taste and its health benefits. The recipe is simple enough for anyone to make at home, and several women's groups in the area are now also selling it in the market to earn a living.

What goes into this herbal blend
The powder is made using basil (tulsi), mint (pudina), dried ginger (sonth), cinnamon, cloves, black pepper and cardamom. One tablespoon of mulethi (liquorice root) can also be added as an optional ingredient to enhance both the flavour and the health benefits.

A simple step-by-step method
The first step is washing tulsi and pudina leaves thoroughly and drying them completely. Cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, black pepper and dried ginger are then lightly roasted on a low flame to remove any remaining moisture. Once these ingredients cool down, they are ground together in a mixer into a fine powder. The finished powder is stored in an airtight container, where it stays usable for several months.

How to brew the tea
Half a teaspoon of the herbal tea powder should be added to hot water only after the flame is switched off. The pot is then covered for two to three minutes so the herbs can release their extract fully into the water. Once strained, honey or lemon can be added to taste.

A source of income and independence for women
Several women in Khandwa are now preparing this herbal tea powder not just for home use but to sell as well, giving them a fresh source of income and a path to financial independence. Anyone looking to start their day on a healthier note can swap out packet tea for this homemade herbal powder, which takes care of both taste and wellbeing.

What this means for you
• Across India: This simple home recipe gives anyone a low-cost, healthier alternative to expensive packet tea.
• In Khandwa: Women's groups are earning extra income and gaining financial independence by selling this herbal tea powder.

Questions & Answers

1. What ingredients are needed to make this herbal tea powder?
It needs tulsi, mint, dried ginger (sonth), cinnamon, cloves, black pepper, cardamom, and optionally one tablespoon of mulethi.

2. How long can this powder be used for?
Stored in an airtight container, it stays safe to use for several months.

3. When should the powder be added while making tea?
Half a teaspoon of the powder should be added to the water only after the flame is switched off.

4. How long should the pot be covered after adding the powder?
It should be covered for 2 to 3 minutes so the herbs release their extract properly.

5. What can be added to enhance the tea's taste?
After straining, honey or lemon can be added according to taste.

6. How are the women of Khandwa benefiting from this herbal tea powder?
Many women are earning a livelihood by selling it and becoming financially independent.

Inspiration & Lessons
• Started with everyday kitchen ingredients: The women of Khandwa built their product from common items like tulsi, mint and cinnamon that are easily found at home.
• Combined health with income: They picked a product people use daily, which naturally improves its chances of selling.
• Strength through group effort: Working together as a group rather than alone made both production and selling easier.
• Made it durable: Thoroughly roasting and drying the powder means it doesn't spoil for months, making it easier to sell.

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