Authentic Ashram Chai Recipe

Health benefits of Chai:

In addition to its invigorating effects, enjoying a soothing cup of freshly brewed chai can be a great relaxation aid, and is often useful as a stress reliever. Here are some of the health benefits of the ingredients in Authentic Ashram Chai:

Tea Leaves - Recent scientific studies indicate that tea is full of healthy substances, including antioxidants, that may help prevent everything from heart disease to strokes to cancer.

Cardamom - In ayurvedic medicine, cardamom is said to stimulate the mind and give clarity. Cardamom reduces the air and water elements (in ayurvedic medicine, the vata and kapha elements), increases appetite (in a good way), and soothes the mucous membrane. It relieves gas and heartburn caused by spicy foods, such as with garlic and onion. Drinking cardamom in tea form can also be helpful for headaches or feelings of depression that are caused by indigestion. It is also a great breath freshener; cardamom and cinnamon cures pharyngitis, sore throat, relaxes uvula and hoarseness during the infective stages of influenza. All in a cup of chai!

Cinnamon - Who knew that cinnamon had so many health benefits? This herb is a stimulant to other herbs enabling them to work faster. It is very warming and stimulating to entire body. Cinamon lowers high blood pressure, and fights bacterias, such as staphylococcus aureus, E.coli and thrush. Cinnamon contains salicylates, which helps reduce pains and fevers. It also contains catechins that help to relieve nausea, indigestion, gas and heartburn. According to ayurvedic medicine, cinnamon also controls diarrhea and eases menstrual cramps.

Cloves - Cloves are derived from dried, unopened buds of a dense evergreen. Cloves are said to invigorate, restore, and help generate heat in the body, which is especially useful during the cold and flu season. Recent research has also shown cloves to be effective in removing parasite eggs from the body.

Ginger - Ginger is believed to strengthen and heal the digestive and respiratory system, as well as to fight off colds and flu. Ginger removes congestion, soothes sore throats, and relieves body aches. Recent studies have shown it to be effective in preventing motion sickness. Ginger is well known as a pleasant tasting cooking spice, however it is not so widely known that ginger has been used for thousands of years, worldwide, for its numerous potent healing benefits. Probably best known as a superb digestive aid and nausea reliever, ginger also helps heal ulcers, supports cardiovascular health, reduces pain and inflammation, and speeds recovery from colds and flu while reducing fevers. Additionally, the National Cancer Institute has recently identified ginger as one of the top ten foods offering the highest levels of anti-cancer activity. Most importantly, ginger accomplishes all these without the side effects associated with drugs.

Nutmeg - The nutmeg seed comes from the nutmeg tree, a tropical evergreen. It adds a rich flavor and helps moisten the airways and reduce the drying of the mucous membranes and throat that is often associated with smoking.

* Chai should be ingested within an hour and a half of fresh brewing for maximum health benefits .

PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS:

1.   Add 1/2 teaspoon of chai spice mix see recipe -- >

      and 1 teaspoon of black tea leaves

      to 2 cup mixture of soy milk, rice milk or water

2. Let the chai boil up, but not over onto the stovetop.

3. Sweeten to taste with sweetner, such as turbinado sugar or local honey.

4. Let steep for 2 minutes and strain into cup and enjoy.

Authentic Ashram Chai Recipe