This tea has been used for centuries to dissolve fatty tissue. It also improves the beauty and youthfulness of the skin, cleanses the mucous membrane of the colon, and is an excellent source of vitamin C. This tea is a diuretic and helps reduce water retention (which makes up a huge part of unwanted weight), balances the appetite, and minimizes food cravings. Drink 2 to 3 glasses per day for weight loss purposes.

Black salt is considered to be a very healing food for cancer prevention. Because it has a strong taste and smell, only a small quantity is used. Tamarind, a sweet and sour tropical fruit, is sold as a paste with or without the seeds.

¼ to1/3 cup fresh or dried mint leaves

2 cups cumin seeds

1 tablespoon fresh or concentrated tamarind (from Asian stores)

¼ teaspoon black salt (from Asian stores)

4 lemons, sliced

½ tablespoon black pepper

3 quarts water

Combine all the ingredients in a pot and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and continue to boil covered under low heat for two hours. You may have to add as much as ½ quart more water. Strain and serve hot or cold. You can reuse the ingredients to make more tea; just add fresh lemons. This tea can be stored for up to a week in the refrigerator.