Immune Boost Chai Tea
I think by now you guys know how much I love a good chai tea! I’m drinking this one right now as I’m writing this. So why the big hype about chai tea you ask? Because it not only tastes delicious and it’s chock full of healthy goodness—such as being great for digestion. So while my other chai tea recipe is perfect for every day drinking, this one is even more perfect for the sick season. (In my head I said that with a growl.) 😂
What I’ve added to this recipe are a few herbs known to boost and bolster the immune system to help it work at its peak performance. Of course, that’s also assuming you are being kind to your body and not pumping it full of junk during this season. (Um…Christmas cookies are such a weakness of mine….)
Immune Boost Chai Tea
Ingredients
6 tablespoons black tea (I love Assam. You can also use rooibos for a caffeine free version)
2 tablespoons cut cinnamon chips
1 tablespoon cut/dried ginger
2 teaspoons whole cloves
2 teaspoons whole allspice
2 whole nutmeg
2 tablespoon cut/dried orange peel
1/2 cup cut/dried astragalus
4-5 whole dried reishi mushroom
Directions
Using a mortar and pestle (or hammer if necessary) start by gently cracking open the cardamom pods. Set aside.
Do the same with the nutmeg, but crush them a bit more so they are not a powder but still in small pieces.
If you only have whole cinnamon, simply crush about 2-3 sticks up with your mortar and pestle as well.
Break the reishi into small sized chunks either with your hands or a scissors.
Combine all the ingredients together in a glass jar with a lid. Shake well to evenly disperse all the herbs and spices.
That’s it! You’re ready for a good cup of immune boosting goodness whenever you need it.
How I like to prepare my Chai tea
There are many ways you can prepare this tea, the most traditional being to pour boiling water over a teaspoon of the tea blend per cup of water and allow it to steep.
It’s fine to make your chai that way, however, you won’t be utilizing all the nutrients in the herbs. Since we have used mostly “hard” herbs, they need to be extracted in a slightly different method to release all their nutrients. (Refer to my post on making decoctions for more information.)
Here’s how
Pour 1 quart of water into a saucepan. Add 1 heaping tablespoon of the chai blend. Turn the stove on medium and allow it to come to a simmer. Continue to cook/simmer lightly for about 1/2 an hour. Keep an eye on it, because you may want to reduce the temperature if it starts to boil.
After it’s simmered for 1/2 an hour, remove from the stove and strain.
Either drink it all gone, or store it in the the fridge and re-heat as desired. Drink within a couple days though for the best health benefits. I drink mine with a teensy bit of honey and a splash of milk. Mmm mm so good.
This method makes a deliciously strong chai that is full of healthy healing benefits. Drink to your health and keep your immune system strong.
Why I use whole spices
The reason I make my chai blend using whole spices is for a variety of reasons. First, I find it fun to make a tea blend catered to my own taste. Second, using powdered spices just creates a sludgy tea which I detest. Third, and most important, spices lose their potency much more quickly once they’ve been powdered. So using whole (or close to whole) spices ensures I’m getting more nutritional value from them.
**A note on purchasing the proper herbs: I found buying herbs super confusing when I started because you will see labels such as “C/S”. C/S simply stands for cut and sifted. It means the herb has been cut into small chunks or pieces. So when I say use cut and dried herbs, I mean the cut and sifted version. 😊
Benefits of the herbs and spices
CARDAMOM
Cardamom has anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic properties which makes it great for digestion. Studies have shown shown that cardamom can help lower blood pressure as well as prevent blood clots. Cardamom can also help ease the respiratory system which can be beneficial for asthma, and clearing up a sinus infection.
CINNAMON
Studies have shown that cinnamon is great for balancing blood sugar levels. It could even potentially be useful for those suffering from type 2 Diabetes. Another study showed that cinnamon could be beneficial for those suffering from PCOS. Cinnamon is good for the heart and helps reduce bad cholesterol.
GINGER
Ginger has been shown in many studies to help with all types of nausea. That includes motion sickness, morning sickness, and even chemotherapy-induced nausea. Ginger is great for helping indigestion and even heartburn and stomachaches.
CLOVES
Cloves are anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and analgesic (reduces pain). This makes them very beneficial for toothaches, and also for fighting infections. Even nasty bacteria like food poisoning, staph infection, and others. Cloves can also be beneficial in fighting off cold sores.
ALLSPICE
Allspice is full of antioxidants which help fight the oxidative cell damage that can lead to various types of disease such as heart disease and cancer.
NUTMEG
Nutmeg has had limited human research studies done, but it does seem to be beneficial for high cholesterol, killing leukemia cells, and for protecting the skin from UVB rays. It also may have antidepressant qualities, improve learning and memory, and stimulate libido.
ORANGE PEEL
Oranges are notoriously known for being high in vitamin C. The peels are also high in antioxidants, copper, calcium, magnesium, and vitamin A.
ASTRAGALUS
Astragalus is an immuno-modulator which means it helps to bolster the immune system. It is best used in higher quantities and frequently since it seems to work best over time. It is also considered an adaptogen which means it helps the body build and restore.
REISHI MUSHROOM
Like astragalus, reishi is also an immuno-modulator and adaptogen as well as being analgesic, anti-allergenic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, antitumor, antiviral, hypotensive, cardiotonic, a relaxing nervine, and expectorant, and anti-HIV. In other words, it is a powerhouse of benefits!
Where to purchase high quality ingredients
I appreciate you taking the time to read my blog! By purchasing through one of my affiliate links you will not spend a penny more, but you are allowing me to receive a small commission. This allows me to keep posting great content for you. Thanks for your support!
If you are unable to grow your own herbs, or find ingredients locally, then here are two of my favorite places to buy bulk ingredients: