FEHREEN ALI
“As a fourth-generation Indo-Fijian and a descendant of Indian Indentured labourers, I grew up in a community where sacred knowledge was extremely valuable and consistently held on to. Every action of every day was a ceremony of rituals, often gathering, preparing and serving. My grandmothers passed their Ayurvedic and Unani wisdom through food, tea, ceremony, songs and storytelling.”
Fehreen Ali is an Ayurvedic teaologist, celestial herbalist and founder of online boutique Tea Coup. One of the pioneer students of Ayurveda in Australasia, she has made it her life's passion to spread the awareness of this ancient science.
Follow Fehreen:
Instagram: @ayurvedicteaologist
Instagram: @teacoup
Website: Teacoup
“There is no better time than the present. Mother Earth needs healing, and it needs you to become a healer for it to survive into the future.”
What does Ayurveda mean to you?
Ayurveda means remembering the holistic ways of my ancestors. It is understanding the earthly and spiritual connections that enhance not only my life but also the generations to come.
When did you discover it?
As a fourth-generation Indo-Fijian and a descendant of Indian Indentured labourers, I grew up in a community where sacred knowledge was extremely valuable and consistently held on to. Every action of every day was a ceremony of rituals, often gathering, preparing and serving. My grandmothers passed their Ayurvedic and Unani wisdom through food, tea, ceremony, songs and storytelling.
What drew you to Ayurveda?
I developed a strong childhood connection to mother Earth and the divine feminine through the women surrounding me. At the age of 13, my family and I migrated to Australia. I grieved leaving my home and from then on, I decided I had to preserve my ancestral ways in some form.
Has it helped you with anything major?
It has definitely assisted in Motherhood. Ayurveda has provided me with the tools necessary for conceiving, giving birth and raising children into adulthood. Alongside faith, it has been imperative.
Is Ayurveda part of your everyday life or just for your medicine cabinet or fall-back routine?
It has been a part of my daily life since my late teens, however, Ayurvedic-inspired herbal teas and tisanes combined with celestial herbology has been my main focus for the last decade. The knowledge of plants from an Ayurvedic celestial perspective continues to take me deeper into this science.
What are your top 3 Ayurvedic tips that have worked for you?
Hydrating by sipping on herbal teas during the day.
Being aware of the lunar cycle phases. It has been a vital process by which I formulate and blend my teas.
The best meditation is found in nature. I dip in the ocean and take long mindful walks.
Did you integrate it gradually or overnight for any particular reason?
Even after almost three decades, I’m still a student of Ayurveda and always will be. It has been a personal journey for me as I take a balanced trial and error approach. That said, I have been fortunate enough to have studied with authentic Ayurvedic teachers as well as tea masters.
Anything you’d like to add?
As an Ayurvedic Teaologist, I would love to encourage a simple silent tea ritual in the morning.
The Alchemy of Tea
Preserve the heat and begin to absorb peace,
With slow, graceful movements,
And a heart free from obstructions,
Everything is finished in one breath.