I love chai! Lately I have been getting a bit creative with our chai teas and adding all kinds of medicinal herbs to them. They come out tasting so yummy with plenty of health benefits to boot! Here is a basic chai recipe and some additional herbs you can add for fun. Try adding one or two the next time you make your chai for a new healthy boost. All these herbs can be found at Mountain Rose Herbs. Just click on my link to the right to order. (Enjoy looking around their site - they have amazing products! If you are a tea lover, check out all their tea selections!)
Have fun and here's to a healthy winter season! (I have linked the herbs to Christopher Hobbs Herbal Prescriber Database if you would like to read more about their healthy benefits. Be sure to scroll down the entire page as he has a lot of excellent information.)
Have fun and here's to a healthy winter season! (I have linked the herbs to Christopher Hobbs Herbal Prescriber Database if you would like to read more about their healthy benefits. Be sure to scroll down the entire page as he has a lot of excellent information.)
Those pregnant and breastfeeding need to consult their physician or midwife before using herbs, even in recipes like this.
photo credit: wildthymeherbshop.com |
Basic Chai: (Makes 2-3 servings)
4 cups of water
5 cloves
10 peppercorns, any color
1/2 tsp anise seed
1 T dried ginger root
2-3 tsp of black tea
milk and sucanat to taste if preferred (I often drink mine without milk or sucanat)
Place the 4 cups of water in a glass pot and add all the herbs. Cover and bring to a simmer and allow to simmer on low for 45 minutes. If water levels are low, add back enough water so there is 3-4 cups. Add your milk and sucanat to taste. Enjoy!
photo credit: cuculinary.com (star anise) |
Herbs to add for additional medicinal benefit (try using only 1-3 at a time, as some can have a strong taste to them). I have linked each herb to Christopher Hobbs Herbal Prescriber Database if you would like to read about the health benefits of each of these herbs. Be sure to scroll down the entire page - he has a lot of great information.
photo credit: elenaspantry.com (licorice root) |
3-4 pieces of astragalus root
3-4 pieces of licorice root
1 tsp burdock root
1/2 tsp yellow dock root
1 tsp dandelion root
2 tsp crushed milk thistle seed
1 tsp echinacea root (use only if sick)
I've been making medicinal chai, too! It's a great way to daily get nourishing herbs. I've been doing the basic chai but I use rooibos which has no caffeine and is high in antioxidants, plus powdered tumeric, fennel seed, burdock root, ashwaganda, shatavari, astragalus, and rhodiola. As you can see I'm going for an adaptogenic assortment :)
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to give this a try. Thanks for sharing on Slightly Indulgent Tuesdays. I'm glad I found your blog and would love it if you followed back.
ReplyDeletewww.theycallmehypo.com
I love chai, but I've never tried medicinal chai. I found this post very, very interesting! Thank you for sharing it with the Hearth and Soul hop.
ReplyDeleteCome share this at my Famous Linkz Party!!
ReplyDelete-Heather
@ www.made-famous-by.com
I use almost all these herbs(spices) every day in cooking,but I havent try medicinal chai.Want to give a try....
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing with Midweek Fiesta
Chai is my favorite winter drink :)
ReplyDeleteSounds delicious! I love chai!
ReplyDeleteHi Jessica,
ReplyDeleteI just love Chai, this is a great post that I will really enjoy! Hope you have a fabulous week end and thank you so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday.
Come Back Soon!
Miz Helen
Thanks for sharing this! I love chai! Thanks for sharing at allergy-free wednesdays. Hope to see you again next week.
ReplyDeleteThis is great! Thanks for sharing on the Living Well Blog Hop! I have to give this a try..
ReplyDeleteI've never tried this. It's very different.
ReplyDeleteI found you on the Living Well Blog Hop and am now following via GFC.I'm really wanting to learn more about natural living.
I love store-bought chai. I've never made any at home, and certainly not a medicinal version, but what a yummy way to stay healthy! Thanks for the great recipe!
ReplyDeletesounds great! I don't know if I would be brave enough to make it though??? lol
ReplyDeletehttp://www.ordinaryinspirations.blogspot.com/2012/02/my-favorite-valentines-day-ideas.html
I hopped over from Natural Mother Network and I'm glad I did. I'm a big chai drinker. This year I'm expanding my medicinal herb garden so I'm always looking for ideas to make with them. Also, I love cardamom. That's my secret ingredient in almost everything.
ReplyDeleteI love chai! I drink chai tea whenever I have a chance and add chai spices to any dish that I can. :) Your recipe sounds lovely! Thank you for sharing it!
ReplyDeleteOooh thank you for this- one to print off and make! thanks for sharing on Seasonal Celebration and hope to see you next week!
ReplyDeleteIf you want an email reminder each week click here http://eepurl.com/i-8pr
Rebecca x
I LOVE CHAI!!!! Thanks for linking up to Six Sister's Stuff! Hope to see you back next Saturday!
ReplyDelete-The Sisters