No morning without chai!
I developed a good habit of making chai every morning wherever I go, not only in India. If you come to visit you´ll hear me ask: Do want a cup of chai? But did you know that Masala Chai is actually an Ayurvedic remedy? That´s why it feels so good in the body! Properties of masala - or also called yogi tea in the Western hemisphere - due to the combination of spices are:
• Anti inflammatory • uplifting and beating fatigue • prevents cold and flu • improves digestion • boosts metabolism • lowers blood sugar levels • relieves PMS
Ginger is a natural anti-biotic, which helps to reduce inflammation, colds, cough, and aids in releasing toxins from the body due to it´s effect on the digestive juices. Cinnamon is a pain killer and has a positive effect on the insulin sensitivity in the body and by lowering blood sugar levels. Black pepper is mood and a metabolism booster. Tannin that is found in black tea is regulating the blood pressure and the heart rate as well as waking you up, hence beating fatigue or a low in energy. The mixture of spices, especially cardamom, ginger and cinnamon, cut out acidity from the tea, but still increase digestion and metabolism. So you are not getting acidic like after a coffee or pure black tea, which you would have to recompensate with 5 glasses of water to get the body alcaline again.
How to:
- Boil 400ml of water with 2 slices of fresh ginger cut into small pieces
- Add three teaspoons of Assam Black tea and turn the flame down, so it stays warm but not boiling
- take 3 - 4 whole Cardamom seeds and crush them in a grinder
- add 4 - 6 seeds of black pepper to the grinder and grind
- add cardamom / pepper mix to the hot tea
- add half teaspoon of cinnamon powder or grinded cinnamon sticks to the brew
- boil it up again and add some milk, rice milk or soy (although I recommend other vegan substitutes instead of soymilk, as say has a questionale influence on the female reproductive system)
- let it cool down again, turn off the flame
- filter it into a cup
- ready to go!
Also possible to add (but personally I don´t like the taste then): clove, anis and elaichi or tulsi (Indian herbs).
Enjoy!
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