Recipe Collection: Chai Tea

Written by Katie

Being laid up with a cold on a brisk fall day that is just begging for you to take a romp in the fallen leaves is no fun. Despite our best efforts of eating right, rest, and immune defense, we still can get sick. Thankfully, delicious fall drinks like chai tea can actually aid in the healing process.

This chai tea has the usual ingredients like cinnamon, cardamom, and allspice, but it also has three surprising ingredients that heal your body: licorice root, marshmallow root, and fenugreek. The licorice and marshmallow roots are sweet enough on their own not to need an additional sweetener. If desired, you can add a bit of raw honey. Coconut milk is used instead of dairy milk since dairy causes the body to create more mucus.

The Powerful Herbs in this Tea

• Roobois: A delicious “tea.” Beans are a protein-rich superfood! High in antioxidants, beans aren’t just good for the waistline; they may aid in disease prevention, too. They are caffeine-free, act as an anti-spasmodic agent, and boost the immune system.
• Cinnamon: Increases circulation and reduces anxiety and stress.
• Licorice root: Stimulates the adrenal glands and strengthens the heart and circulatory system. It is used as a cough suppressant, expectorant, and laxative.
• Marshmallow root: It is used to give relief from bronchitis and sore throats.
• Fenugreek: Expels mucus and phlegm from the bronchial tubes and soothes sore throats.

Chai Tea

Ingredients:

• 5 cups of water
• 8 tsp rooibos tea
• 15 allspice berries
• 12 black peppercorns
• 8 cloves
• 5 green cardamom pods
• 4 cinnamon sticks
• 1 tbsp. licorice root
• 1 tbsp. marshmallow root
• 1 tsp. fenugreek
• 2 inches fresh ginger root
• 1 vanilla bean
• 1/4 cup honey (optional)
• 4 cups coconut milk

Directions:

Step 1: Crack the allspice, peppercorns, cloves, cardamom, and fenugreek. If desired, place all the ingredients, including the tea, marshmallow, and licorice, in a small muslin bag or cheesecloth tied up.

Step 2: Add the spice/tea mixture, ginger, and vanilla to a medium-sized pot of boiling water. Turn the burner down to a simmer. Simmer for 20 minutes. Remove the muslin bag/ cheesecloth or strain through a fine mesh strainer.

Step 3: Now is the time to add the honey if desired. Stir until completely dissolved.

Makes about one quart. The concentrate will stay fresh in the fridge for 2 – 3 days. When ready to drink, mix one-part chai with one part coconut milk.

Have you tried healing chai tea before?