Best Herbal Masala Chai Recipe

The very best Masala Chai

Is the one you make to your taste!

Throughout the year the Masala Chai Recipe that you create will change

In the spring some rosemary or basil adds a refreshing herbaceousness

In the summer a hint of lavender

In the autumn anise, or a pinch of mace

In the winter, cayenne, and lots of chocolate

Let's talk about Chai.

Chai is the Hindi word for Tea, so to say Chai Tea is like saying Tea Tea.

Masala is the Hindi word for spice,

So Masala Chai is Spice Tea or tea made from spices.

There are numerous combinations of spices you can try, add, or vary...

Here's the basics.

Ginger 'Ceylon' Cinnamon Cardamom Cloves Peppercorns

Optional

Allspice

Black Cardamom

Lavender

Nutmeg

Lemon Peel

Orange Peel

Basil/Thyme/Rosemary

CHOCOLATE!!!

The basics are this, depending on how much you want to make.

Slice fresh ginger, and add whole cinnamon, cardamom, cloves and peppercorns

add to boiling water

Slow boil till color turns tea-ish, you may add black tea if you want it caffeinated.

But personally I use this is a digestive and I prefer it spice only.

When making a gallon I use about 4" of sliced ginger

1/4 peppercorns

1 Tbls cardamon pods / lavender

4-5 cinnamon sticks

10-12 cloves

1/4 tsp nutmeg Change it up: add a pinch of any other herb or spice. Ground spices? 1 Tablespoon ginger 1 teaspoon each cinnamon, cloves, cardamom and black pepper. Again more or less of each to taste. Pepper and Ginger are going to have bite

Cinnamon and cardamom add sweetness Clove well its just a fine spice. A dash of nutmeg is lovely too.

Ginger

Ginger has been used as a natural remedy for many ailments for centuries. Now, science is catching up and researchers around the world are finding that ginger works wonders in the treatment of everything from cancer to migraines. Here are ten health benefits of this powerful herb.

Ovarian Cancer Treatment

Ginger may be powerful weapon in the treatment of ovarian cancer. A study conducted at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center found that ginger powder induces cell death in all ovarian cancer cells to which it was applied.

Colon Cancer Prevention

A study at the University of Minnesota found that ginger may slow the growth of colorectal cancer cells.

Morning Sickness

A review of several studies has concluded that ginger is just as effective as vitamin B6 in the treatment of morning sickness.

Motion Sickness Remedy

Ginger has been shown to be an effective remedy for the nausea associated with motion sickness.

Reduces Pain and Inflammation

One study showed that ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and is a powerful natural painkiller. Cold and Flu Prevention and Treatment Ginger has long been used as a natural treatment for colds and the flu. Many people also find ginger to be helpful in the case of stomach flus or food poisoning, which is not surprising given the positive effects ginger has upon the digestive tract.

Heartburn Relief

Ginger has long been used as a natural heartburn remedy. It is most often taken in the form of tea for this purpose.

Migraine Relief

Research has shown that ginger may provide migraine relief due to its ability to stop prostaglandins from causing pain and inflammation in blood vessels.

Menstrual Cramp Relief

In Chinese medicine, ginger tea with brown sugar is used in the treatment of menstrual cramps.

Prevention of Diabetic Nephropathy

A study done on diabetic rats found that those rats given ginger had a reduced incidence of diabetic nephropathy (kidney damage).

Cinnamon StickCinnamon Lower Cholesterol Studies have shown that just 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon per day can lower LDL cholesterol. Blood Sugar Regulation Several studies suggest that cinnamon may have a regulatory effect on blood sugar, making it especially beneficial for people with Type 2 diabetes. Yeast Infection Help Cancer Prevention In a study published by researchers at the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Maryland, cinnamon reduced the proliferation of leukemia and lymphoma cancer cells. Anti-Clotting It has an anti-clotting effect on the blood. Arthritis Relief In a study at Copenhagen University, patients given half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder combined with one tablespoon of honey every morning before breakfast had significant relief in arthritis pain after one week and could walk without pain within one month.

Anti-Bacterial Inhibits bacterial growth, making it a natural food preservative. Brain Health Smelling cinnamon boosts cognitive function and memory. E. Coli Fighter High in Nutrients It is a great source of manganese, fiber, iron, and calcium.

Ceylon Cinnamon

Ceylon cinnamon is full of antioxidants, helping your body handle free radicals and lowering your risks of cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.

It's rich in the manganese which helps your body manage the enzymes that produce hormones and help repair your bones. Manganese also works as an antioxidant as part of the enzyme manganese superoxide dismutase, protecting your body from free radicals.

Ceylon cinnamon's active ingredient, cinnamaldehyde, may have anti-inflammatory properties. Cinnamaldehyde has been shown to reduce the inflammatory response in the body, leading to fewer negative symptoms. Inflammation is linked to chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis. Ceylon cinnamon may be able to reduce symptoms of these conditions.

Ceylon cinnamon is also an excellent source of:

• Vitamin A

• Vitamin K

• Potassium

• Zinc

• Magnesium

• Cinnamaldehyde

Honey Prevent cancer and heart disease: Honey contains flavonoids, antioxidants which help reduce the risk of some cancers and heart disease. Reduce ulcers and other gastrointestinal disorders. Recent research shows that honey treatment may help disorders such as ulcers and bacterial gastroenteritis. This may be related to the 3rd benefit…

Anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-fungal: “All honey is antibacterial, because the bees add an enzyme that makes hydrogen peroxide,” said Peter Molan, director of the Honey Research Unit at the University of Waikato in New Zealand. Increase athletic performance. Ancient Olympic athletes would eat honey and dried figs to enhance their performance. This has now been verified with modern studies, showing that it is superior in maintaining glycogen levels and improving recovery time than other sweeteners. Reduce cough and throat irritation: Honey helps with coughs, particularly buckwheat honey. In a study of 110 children, a single dose of buckwheat honey was just as effective as a single dose of dextromethorphan in relieving nocturnal cough and allowing proper sleep.