Pharmacy Find: Samahan

I learned about  Samahan, a South Indian Ayurvedic herbal tea, from my friend Julia, who is German and a super intrepid traveler (she just got back from a  3-day ultramarathon in the Jordanian desert!). She swears by this remedy to keep her healthy when she’s flying or on the road. The company’s site describes Samahan as a “preparation of selected medical herbs used over centuries in health care” with 14 different herbs; “some act as synergists, and some as bio-enhancers.” It’s supposedly anti-inflammatory and immune boosting, so great to take at the onset of a cold or flu. But it’s also recommended as a daily “health shield.”

I first used it on my recent trip to Botswana, and while it may or may not have helped me stay healthy, I found it to be a great early morning ritual when jet lagged—I’d wake up in the dark, pour a packet into a glass of warm water, and sip it slowly in bed before checking my phone or computer—just a little quiet time to clear my head and think about the day to come. Although I imagine you can find it in an actual pharmacy somewhere, you can easily buy it on  Amazon!