Chai Tea {Caffeine Free + Immune Boosting}

I LOVE Chai, it’s one of my favorite beverages.  I don’t drink caffeinated drinks, so my version of Chai is without the black tea.  It may not be your common Chai mixture, but it’s still rich, spicy and oh so yummy.

Chai is also nourishing and has the added benefit of medicinal properties.

Cinnamon: Has medicinal properties, is known for it’s warming effect and aids in digestion.  It’s also sweet and spicy.   

Fennel Seeds: Helps with digestion and is excellent for increasing and enriching breastmilk for nursing moms.  It also helps relieve colic or gassiness in babies. 

Ginger Root: Great for upset tummy, chills, colds and fevers (use w/ caution if pregnant, consult w/ your health care practitioner).

Rose Hips: Very high in vitamin C, more so than many other herbs and foods.  They also contain vitamin A, B vitamins, vitamin E, calcium, iron, manganese, selenium and zinc.  They have a wonderful sweet taste.

Cloves: Has medicinal properties and is an amazing antioxidant.  Known for aiding in digestion, helping prevent colds and flu and for pain relief for tooth aches.  Also helps with circulation and is great for the heart, liver and stomach.

Astragalus Root: Immune system boosting properties.

Black Peppercorns: An antioxidant, has medicinal properties and aids in digestion.

Enjoy this Chai year-round – hot in the winter months and iced in the summer.   

Chai Tea

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Spicy, Creamy and Absolutely Delicious! 

Equipment: Medium-Size Saucepan w/ Lid, Small Bowl, Large Mason Jar or Heat-Proof Glass Container or Bowl, Fine Mesh Strainer

·      4 cups filtered water

·      3 tablespoons cinnamon chips or 2 sticks

·      1 tablespoon fennel seeds

·      1 tablespoon dried ginger root

·      1 tablespoon rose hips

·      2 teaspoons whole cloves

·      3 astragalus root pieces

·      ½ teaspoon black peppercorns

·      1 cup raw milk*, organic whole milk or coconut milk (See Resources)

·      3 tablespoons local honey or organic grade B maple syrup

1.    In a medium-size saucepan, bring water to a boil.

 

2.   Combine cinnamon chips, fennel seeds, ginger root, rose hips, cloves, astragalus root and peppercorns in a small bowl or on a plate.    

  

Chai Spices & Herbs: Fennel Seeds, Black Peppercorns, Rose Hips, Astragalus Root, Cloves, Cinnamon Chips, Ginger Root

3.   Add all spices and herbs to the boiling water.  Remove from heat, COVER and let steep for 30-45 minutes (the minimum of 30 minutes gives you an Infusion, meaning you will get the full nutritional properties from the spices and herbs). 

4.   When the tea is done steeping, strain tea with a fine mesh strainer into a heatproof bowl or container. 

Beautiful Chai Tea

5.    Pour Chai Tea back into saucepan, add milk and sweetener of choice.  Heat over low heat to desired temperature.

6.   Stir to combine and serve hot.     

Hot Chai Tea ... Mmmmmmm!

Yield: 4-6 servings

Vegan-Option: Replace milk with coconut milk and replace honey with organic grade B maple syrup.

Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container like a quart-size Mason jar, up to 3 days.  When ready to drink, reheat on the stovetop in a small saucepan. 

Note: This Chai Tea is delicious served over ice during the hot months too!

Where to Buy Bulk Herbs & Spices: I buy all of my dried spices and herbs in bulk from Mountain Rose Herbs.

*For California residents, check out my favorite raw milk from Claravale Farm.  They sell to stores and co-ops all over CA.

Disclaimer: ALL information you read on Recipes to Nourish is purely for informational and educational purposes only.  I love to share and share with love, but I am not a health care practitioner.  This information is not intended to treat, cure or prevent any disease.  If you have questions about food, diet, nutrition, natural remedies or holistic health, please do your own research and consult with your health care practitioner.


This post is part of Real Food Wednesday @ Kelly the Kitchen Kop, Healthy 2day Wednesdays @ day2dayjoys, Pennywise Platter Thursday @ The Nourishing Gourmet, Full Plate Thursday @ Miz Helen's Country Cottage, Simple Lives Thursday @ A Little Bit of Spain in Iowa, Fresh Bites Friday @ Real Food Whole Health, Fight Back Friday @ Food Renegade, Freaky Friday @ Real Food Freaks, Wellness Weekend @ Diet, Dessert and Dogs, Monday Mania @ The Healthy Home Economist, Fat Tuesday @ Real Food Forager, Slightly Indulgent Tuesday @ Simply Sugar and Gluten-Free, and Wildcrafting Wednesday @ Mind Body and Sole.