AYURVEDIC CHAI TEA TONIC: SOOTHE YOUR GUT
In Ayurvedic medicine, tea brings balance to the body and acts as a natural remedy for allergies, anxiety, digestion, and more. The translation of ‘Ayurveda’ is literally ‘life-knowledge’ – and within it, chai is well-known for adding warmth to the body and helping to strengthen the digestive fire (aka Agni).
Cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves are said to remove blockages and facilitate movement – while nutmeg, star anise, and ginger are profoundly aromatic, acting as an excellent stimulant for our senses. This recipe is also great for those sensitive to caffeine, as the cardamom is known to neutralize the effects of the caffeine in the black tea.
You will need:
- 8 oz water
- 2 chai tea bags or ¼ teaspoon of chai spice blend
(we recommend this store-bought one or this fresh DIY blend)
- Sweetener of choice (desired amount of honey, cane sugar, maple syrup)
- Milk of choice
*Single serving
Here are 3 ways to prepare it / iced or hot:
Simple & original:
- Boil 1 cup of filtered water
- Add 2 chai tea bags
- Reduce heat and let simmer for 5-10 minutes
- Remove the tea bags, add sweetener and milk of choice to the pot to warm(& optional pure vanilla extract)
- Serve & enjoy!
Nutrient boosted
‘Simple & original’ ingredients + these additions:
- Egg yolk / one pasture-raised egg yolk
- Collagen powder / one scoop
- Pearl powder *optional / 1 small pinch
To make /
- Mix one egg yolk in a mug until smooth, add your beauty-boosting collagen and/or pearl power to the egg, mix again until smooth
- Pour the mixture from steps 1-4 of the ‘simple & original’ method into the mug
- Whisk with a fork until the egg mixture is fully dissolved and creamy
- Serve & enjoy!
Orange cream
‘Simple & original’ ingredients + these additions:
- Fresh or freeze dried orange peel
To make /
- Add 1 teaspoon of freeze dried orange peel (or a shaven sliver or two of fresh orange peel) and chai tea bags to a 1 cup of water, bring to a boil, reduce heat and let simmer for 5-10 minutes
- Proceed with steps 3-5 of the ‘simple & original method’
You can read more about the benefits of orange peels in these studies:
The Regulatory Effects of Citrus Peel Powder on Liver Metabolites and Gut Flora
Protective effects of orange (Citrus sinensis L.) peel aqueous extract
Whether it's a gloomy day by the coast or a sunday morning spent curled up on the couch, this chai tea tonic is a sure way to bring you warmth and comfort and increase your digestive fire. For an even bigger pep in your step, add a shot of espresso and make it ‘dirty’ – let us know your favorite way to prepare & enjoy it!
Ashley Lange is a certified IHP (Integrative Health Practitioner), wellness innovator, and writer based in San Diego, CA. When she’s not with her pup at dog beach or in the mountains skiing with family, she enjoys empowering others through research-forward writing and holistic skin education.