The purpose of Chai tea is not just the delicious blend of spices, but the mindfulness experienced when creating it.
A much healthier version of the Starbucks Chai Tea latte, this homemade Masala Chai Tea is a powerful blend of spices, herbs, and a beautiful and healthy Rooibos decaffeinated tea.
According to my Wellness Contributor, Jen Colletti taking the time to make chai from scratch allows us to slow down and be present—an Ayurvedic practice in mindfulness. It’s not always realistic that we have these unique ingredients on hand and creating it daily could be just a little too time consuming for many folks, so this concentrated version balances the mindful practice of Ayurveda, yet still allows for convenience.
Cherished for centuries in India to preserve health and increase peace of mind, chai also aids in digestion, helps reduce inflammation, and enhances the immune system. This is all quite powerful for the mind, body and spirit! Chai can be made using various combinations of spices and tea and this delicious blend starts with rooibos for a caffeine free version. So feel free to sip after dinner and still get your beauty sleep!
INGREDIENTS:
4 cups filtered water
1 Tbsp cardamom pods, gently crushed
1 Tbsp whole black peppercorns
2 tsp whole cloves
2-inch piece of fresh ginger, sliced thin
3 cinnamon sticks
1 Tbsp whole allspice
3 whole star anise
1 vanilla bean, sliced down the middle (or 1 Tbsp pure vanilla extract-gluten free)
6 Tbsp organic Rooibus tea – loose leaf (or 6 tea bags)
SENSITIVITIES:
- Vegan
- Dairy Free
- Gluten Free
- Nut Free
- Caffeine Free
- Paleo
- Low FODMAP
INSTRUCTIONS:
Add all of ingredients, except for the tea, into a 2 quart saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 15 minutes to allow spices to blend. Remove from heat, add the tea and gently stir. Let steep covered for 10 minutes. Pour mixture through a fine mesh strainer and reserve the liquid.
Serve immediately or store in a glass container (mason jar works great) and keep in the fridge for several days.
HOW TO SERVE:
Serving size: 1 large mug (12 oz)
Servings per recipe: Approx 6
- Mix 1/2 cup chai concentrate with 1 cup non-dairy milk (almond or coconut tastes best) and sweetener of choice—stevia or honey are the healthiest options. Heat and serve!
RECIPE HACKS:
- This recipe makes a concentrated version that can be kept in the fridge for up to a week or frozen into ice cubes and stored longer term. Pop out a few cubes and heat with your favorite nut-milk!
WHAT'S SO BENEFICIAL ABOUT THESE INGREDIENTS?
ROOIBOS
- Rooibos, or red tea, contains polyphenols that have anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antimutagenic qualities. Extremely high in antioxidants which slows down the aging process and boosts the immune system.
- 100% caffeine-free and recommended for patients suffering from insomnia. Provides energy without stimulation.
- Improves your stress levels, mood, and heart health by eliminating your caffeine addiction.
GINGER
- Ginger has long been used for culinary and medicinal purposes with health benefits that reduce nausea, pain, and inflammation.
- The phenolic compounds in ginger are known to help relieve indigestion and help food and fluids move through the GI tract more easily.
- Ginger is diaphoretic, which means that it promotes sweating and warms the body from within. This is a great immune booster and lymphatic cleanse.
STAR ANISE
- Anise helps improve digestion, alleviate cramps and reduce nausea
- Consuming star anise tea (in this chai!) after a meal helps to allieviate bloating, gas, indigestion and constipation
- Star anise is rich in antioxidants and vitamins A and C, which help to fight free radicals.
- A natural flu fighter! Much of the star anise plant production today is used for the extraction of shikimic acid, the active ingredient in flu medications like Tamiflu.
- Buy organic produce whenever possible. Follow the EWG’s Dirty Dozen list for guidance.
- Choose nonGMO products.
- Eat organic grass-fed beef, prairie raised chickens/eggs, and free roaming pork whenever possible.
- Choose pesticide free tea.
- Chew your food! A general guideline is to count 20 chews before swallowing.
- Drink half your body weight (in ounces) of water per day.
- Choose whole foods and high quality dairy.
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