The spicy, soothing smells of this herbal spiced chai are wafting through my kitchen as we speak. A staple during the cooler months, this tea is so much more than just how it tastes. Simmering these herbs draws out many nutritional benefits but also an opportunity for an embodiment practice by savoring the slow process.
Infused with warming, immune-supporting spices, this comforting herbal chai will warm up your body and soul.
The synergy of herbs and spices in this herbal chai are exactly what you need right now, especially if you are feeling cold or have sluggish digestion. Here's what's inside:
Cardamom - This sweet, warming spice, awakens agni (our digestive fire), stimulates the mind and heart, and promotes clarity. It works to open the flow of prana (life force), throughout the body.
Cinnamon - A sweet, warming, and tasty spice, cinnamon promotes circulation throughout the body (great for these chilly days) while also strengthening agni.
Ginger - A spicy, warming root, perfect for people who feel chilly! It warms up the stomach to aid digestion, improves digestion of fat and movement of food through the gut in general. It can reduce stagnation, irritation, and gas. It is also the primary herb used for nausea!
Clove - This sweet, stimulating, and warming spice promotes circulation, raises body temperature, improves digestion, and is antiseptic.
Black pepper - Pungent and heating, it is said to energize agni to destroy toxins and digest food, according to Ayurveda.
There is optional green and black tea (I like green) which is said to synergize the ingredients.
SPICED HERBAL CHAI RECIPE
Makes 3 cups.
1 cinnamon stick6 cloves
8 cardamom pods (crushed)
12 black peppercorns
2 slices ginger
1/2 tsp black or green tea (optional)
1 cup milk of choice
Honey
1. Add the cinnamon, cloves, pepper, cardamom, and ginger to 2 cups of water. Simmer on low for 20-30 minutes.
2. While simmering, add the tea. Then add the milk just after. Bring to a boil, just until the milk froths, and then take it off the stove.
3. Add honey, to taste. Sip slowly :)
I hope you savour the slow nourishment of making this herbal chai and enjoy the delicious spiced smells as it simmers.
Bon appetit!
