When the weather gets colder, I tend to crave hot drinks with warming spices. And when those spices offer immunity-building elements, I’m even happier. Chai tea is one of my go-to drinks in the winter, and this recipe in particular is one of my favorites. It’s filled with wonderful spices and is a perfect drink for a cold Autumn or Winter night. Although the word “chai” means “tea” in Hindi, convention in the U.S. calls this drink Chai Tea. For those of you unfamiliar with this drink, it’s a combination of black tea, milk (dairy or non-dairy), and spices that originally came from India. It’s delicious and each ingredient offers properties beneficial to your health and immunity, especially the black tea, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom. Every one makes Chai Tea differently–that means it’s easy to change up the spices to make your own perfect drink. The recipe below is my favorite combination of flavors, but it’s also easy to substitute and eliminate flavors you don’t like.
So what health benefits do the ingredients in Chai tea offer? Well, here’s a list:
- Antioxidants
- Boosts Heart Health with flavanoids found in black tea and cinnamon
- Improves Digestion
- Increases energy and alertness
- Reduces inflammation
- Good for your skin
- Good for your teeth
- Fights off colds/ Boosts Immune System
- Soothes headaches
- Soothes period pain
- Soothes sore throats
- Prevents Brain Fog
- Reduces muscle aches and pains
- Eases nausea
Although the chai tea we drink now didn’t become popular in the U.S, until around 1900, American colonists were obsessed with tea. Since both tea and sugar were both scarce and expensive in the colonies, they often adapted, making their tea “stretch” by adding other spices. For that reason, Sarah Munro, (my PhD historian and heroine in book 2 of the Deadly Force series, ONE DARK WISH), has added this Autumn Chai to her collection of DIY herbal recipes.
Sarah Munro’s Autumn Chai
Ingredients:
Directions:
In a glass bowl, stir together all of the ingredients. To store the dry tea mixture, place them in a glass mason jar with a two-piece, tight-fitting lid.
To use: Using a tea infuser, use 1 Tablespoon of chai tea blend for every cup of water. (less if you prefer a more mild tea). Steep the tea for 20 minutes.
Serve with your choice of steamed milk (dairy or non-dairy). If you prefer a sweeter tea, add a bit of honey or brown sugar. Garnish with powdered cinnamon and star anise.
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER ABOUT WILD PLANTS, FORAGING, AND MAKING HERBAL REMEDIES:
I am not a medical professional and nothing written on this blog is medical advice. None of my statements have been evaluated by the FDA (I am legally required to give you this disclaimer).
It is important to do your due diligence before foraging, harvesting, and/or consuming any type of medicinal plant.
- If you are taking any medications, talk to your doctor about any potential drug interactions.
- If you are allergic to anything, make sure whatever you are foraging is not in the same family. Example: While dandelions are typically considered safe, those who are allergic to ragweed, latex, daisies, or any other plants in the same or similar families, may not be able to consume dandelion.
Always research potential side effects, dosage recommendations, and how to properly prepare and consume each medicinal plant.
Always make sure you are foraging what you believe to be. Fully prepare and study the anatomy before harvesting wild plants.
Always make sure your kitchen/work area is clean and that all materials are sterilized.
Do not forage plants from areas that have been sprayed within the past 2 years at the very least.
I am not legally or morally responsible for the health of any of my readers. Please do your own research!
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER ABOUT WILD PLANTS, FORAGING, AND MAKING HERBAL REMEDIES:
I am not a medical professional and nothing written on this blog is medical advice. None of my statements have been evaluated by the FDA (I am legally required to give you this disclaimer).
It is important to do your due diligence before foraging, harvesting, and/or consuming any type of medicinal plant.
- If you are taking any medications, talk to your doctor about any potential drug interactions.
- If you are allergic to anything, make sure whatever you are foraging is not in the same family. Example: While dandelions are typically considered safe, those who are allergic to ragweed, latex, daisies, or any other plants in the same or similar families, may not be able to consume dandelion.
Always research potential side effects, dosage recommendations, and how to properly prepare and consume each medicinal plant.
Always make sure you are foraging what you believe to be. Fully prepare and study the anatomy before harvesting wild plants.
Always make sure your kitchen/work area is clean and that all materials are sterilized.
Do not forage plants from areas that have been sprayed within the past 2 years at the very least.
I am not legally or morally responsible for the health of any of my readers. Please do your own research!
