Ayurveda Masala Chai tea is a healthy alternative for those trying to give up coffee or black tea. This warm and sweet drink enhances digestion, provides energy, relieves anxiety and boosts immunity. Its a perfect autumn and winter drink.
Other Benefits of chai :
- Rich in antioxidants.
- Boosts heart health.
- Improves digestion.
- Increases energy
- Reduces inflammation.
- Good for teeth health.
- Fights off colds.
Please refer to individual constitution recommendation or your ayurveda practitioner’s advice.
Although it does contain black tea (caffeine) the addition of spices, milk and sugar balance its stimulant effect. Rooibos tea can be used as an alternative, or no tea leaves at all.
For pitta constitutions, honey and excess peppercorn is not recommend. In general the amount of sipces can be reduced and a vegan milk alternative can be used (as pitta do not often tolerate dairy). Sugar is recommended to maintain the heating (spices)/cooling balance of this tea
For kapha constitution, no cow milk, in general a vegan milk alternative is prefered or no milk at all. Honey is prefered over sugar. Dry ginger powder can be used rather than fresh grated ginger.
For vata constitutions, this recipe should be fine if vata is balanced, if there is pitta or vata imbalance, watch the amount of spices especially peppercorn which can proove too drying. If there is weak digestive power and toxins then you can opt for a lighter milk alternative.
If you choose to have this tea during spring and summer season, you may wish to reduce the amount of pungent spices (take out or reduce clove, cinnamon and pepper for instance) and include more cooling spices such as fennel, coriander seeds or mint.
Ingredients
- 30cl water
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger (vata and pitta consitution) or 1/2 tsp powder ginger (for kapha only)
- 1/3 teaspoon green cardamom seeds (the ones you find inside the cardamom pods)
- 2 cloves
- 3 black peppercorns
- 1 stick cinnamon
- 1 tablespoons black tea, such as assam or ceylon
- Jaggery, molasses, maple syrup, honey or raw sugar cane – according to constititution
- Milk of your choice or according to constitution (almond, rice, cow’s, goat etc.)
Recipe
- Crush spices lightly in a mortar and pestle.
- In a pot, bring water to a boil. Add ginger and crushed spices.
- Reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Add tea leaves and simmer for another 3 minutes.
- Turn off heat and mix in milk.
- Strain and add sugar to taste.
Relax an enjoy!
To receive dietary and lifestyle advice suited to your constitution and your medical condition, it is preferable that you consult a qualified Ayurvedic physician or practitioner.
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Elena Beurdeley
Ayurveda Practitioner Nutritionist & Massage Therapist– DipALN, DipPrac, DipAMT (Ayur)
Yoga Instructor
www.theayurvedacentre.com
