Coconut Chai
When cold weather hits a hot cup of tea is the ultimate winter warmer. Add an extra heat boost with this spicy blend of herbs added to traditional Indian chai. Read more about "tea time" and my Keralan experience. I hope it inspires you to take time out for yourself while enjoying this beautiful brew.
Coconut Chai
Ingredients:
2 cups spring of filtered water
1 Tbsp chai tea mix (nutmeg, cloves, cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, licorice, tea leaves)
1 whole star anise
2 whole green cardamom pods
1 tsp cinnamon powder
Home made coconut milk or organic canned coconut milk (Use nut milk if you prefer)
Raw honey or coconut sugar to taste
Directions:
1. Pour the water in a pot, add chai mix and additional spices.
2. Bring the pot to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let spices infuse for 10 minutes.
3. Strain through a fine mesh sieve to fill mugs 2/3 full.
4. Top up with coconut milk and sweeten to taste.
Health Benefits:
Ginger: aids digestion; decreases arthritic swelling; destroys bacteria and viruses; lowers blood pressure; aids circulation.
Cardamom: aids digestion and remedies gas, relieves asthma and bronchitis; stimulates the appetite.
Nutmeg: aids in insomnia (nutmeg can produce drowsiness so it should be taken when you have a chance to relax or sleep) nausea and vomiting, indigestion, diarrhea, lowers blood pressure and cholesterol, helps toothaches (nutmeg oil)
Cloves: aids digestion; kills intestinal parasites; relieves abdominal pain; has anti-inflammatory effect on rheumatic diseases.
Cinnamon: aids digestion, relieves nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; has antiseptic properties; beneficial for the heart, lungs, and kidneys; aids insulin’s ability to metabolize blood sugar.
Star anise: aids digestion; relieves cough, bronchitis, and asthma; good for treating rheumatism.
Licorice root: relieves asthma; has many anti-depressant compounds; relieves cold and flu symptoms, coughs; relieves dandruff and psoriasis; aids gingivitis and tooth decay.
Enjoy,
Claudia