We Meet the Founder of Ayurvedic Herbal Tea Brand Thankfully Healthy
Taking a break from her job in media, Harrogate-based Dipti Arora embarked on a trip to India where she studied to become a certified Ayurvedic beauty therapist
Where did the inspiration for Thankfully Healthy come from?
In the midst of the global pandemic, around mid-2020, my husband and I found ourselves sipping on herbal tea following the traditional Indian approach of using kitchen spices and herbs as natural remedies. As we experimented with various concoctions to address everyday issues like stress, weak immunity and indigestion which were rampant at the time, we began sharing these secret tea recipes with others. To our delight, our friends and family found them to be incredibly beneficial and healing and it was their positive feedback which inspired us to take a leap of faith and start Thankfully Healthy.
What is the concept of the business?
It’s pretty straightforward. Don't we all desire to take care of ourselves each day? Absolutely! The struggle is real though. But we have the solution in a humble cup of tea. Ayurvedic teas are a marvellous fusion of herbs, spices, and even flowers, and we incorporate all of them into every single tea we create. It's like nature's very own medicinal potions that people often wouldn't even dream of adding to their cuppa. These teas are free from your typical tea leaves or caffeine, instead, they boast a blend of seriously wholesome and natural ingredients.
My inspiration led me on a quest to create teas that are truly one-of-a-kind. I carefully select Ayurvedic ingredients for each tea recipe. India, being the land of Ayurveda and spices, holds a special place in this journey. In fact a significant portion of the herbs used in every unique blend are exclusively grown in the southern region of India. It was essential for me to source the finest quality ingredients from the homeland of these extraordinary herbs and spices.
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Where do your recipes come from?
From a place of determination and dedication to healing my own health issues. I endured the struggles of anaemia and a hormonal condition called PCOS for an extended period. But I conquered anaemia and have managed my PCOS symptoms by making and taking my teas and making some mindful changes to my eating and lifestyle habits.
My own experience spurred me to look around and truly observe. The more I did, the clearer it became that countless individuals silently battled stomach problems, fatigue, lethargy, stress, restless sleep, hay fever – you name it. These individuals were not strangers; they were my friends, neighbours and family members. Sadly, these daily imbalances were often brushed off as a normal part of life, commonly handled through frequent pill-popping or reliance on caffeine.
This made me put on my thinking cap and blend unique teas that address these imbalances within all our daily lives. Unlike the usual herbal teas featuring a mere one or two ingredients, accompanied by unnoticed artificial or natural flavourings, Thankfully Healthy Teas took a different approach. In each tea flavour I have crafted a distinctive blend of seven or eight herbs, spices, and flowers. The goal? To provide customers with the much-needed comfort and support they didn't even realise they could find.
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Tell us more about how your teas support gut health and immunity.
In the UK, we often rely on fruits for antioxidants, but in India, it's a whole different story. Traditional households there incorporate herbs and spices like turmeric, ginger, and fresh coriander into every single meal, thanks to their incredible antioxidant properties. And if we dive deeper into the world of Ayurvedic herbs like Ashwagandha (Indian ginseng), liquorice, and lotus flower seeds, we uncover a treasure trove of benefits. These herbs are true powerhouses, promoting body detoxification by flushing out toxins and eliminating heavy metals. They also work wonders in calming our constantly active and stressed subconscious minds.
Thankfully Healthy Tea is about satisfying more than just a tea craving – it’s about embracing a holistic approach that supports gut health and immunity. I strongly believe in the power of self-care and that's where Thankfully Healthy Tea comes in. It's not just a drink, it's a lifestyle. A delightful way to prioritise yourself and savour that well-deserved "me time" in a comforting cup of tea, every single day.
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What are your plans for the future of Thankfully Healthy?
I envision its growth to be a mindful journey. Would I be overjoyed to see my teas grace the shelves of supermarkets? Absolutely! It's about creating a connection, a delightful experience that reaches as many people as possible so they can enjoy the goodness and happiness that our teas bring. As a small-scale start-up we are already committed to sustainability, being plastic free, and promoting a healthy lifestyle. Moving forward, we aim to solidify our ethical practices and further enhance our contribution to the well-being of our consumers and the health of our precious planet. Together, we can create a brighter, healthier future.
