Winter Chai

As much as I don’t want to admit it, winter is almost here! Tea is crucial to my staying warm protocol and chai is a wonderful treat to end any cold night with! Chai also makes the perfect gift!

Chai can be blended with a variety of different spices and teas. I chose ones that are familiar to me and that offer some health benefits along with being tasty. *Click on the name of each ingredient to view where you could purchase it.

Darjeeling tea – Contains polyphenols which are powerful antioxidants that can help prevent illness by fighting free radicals. It provides protection to the teeth from bacteria and can also protect the stomach from gastric ulcers. The tea leaves contain a substance called L-thenine which help the body relax and relieves stress. It does contain caffeine so keep that in mind and opt for a Rooibos which is naturally decaffeinated if desired. 

Ginger – A wonderful carminative herb that helps with digestion and is both warming and soothing to the body. 

Cloves – A mild analgesic and very calming to the nervous system. Promotes relaxation and pain relief by reducing inflammation. They can also help relieve upper respiratory tract infections and reduce phlegm.  It’s said to be an aphrodisiac. 

Cardamom – Helps combat depression which get worse for some this time of year. It aids digestion which can also be more sluggish with holiday food! It also helps with detoxification, is great for fighting pathogens and is also considered an aphrodisiac. 


Vanilla Beans – Add incredible flavor, are also considered an aphrodisiac and help reduce anxiety. They are also chock full of antioxidants. 

Popcorn – This recipe will make about 3 cups from your best popcorn popper and 7 cups of the chai tea blend.

Nutmeg – Warming, aromatic, stimulating to the brain and nervous system. It may help ease anxiety, depression, fatigue and stress. It helps reduce inflammation and is wonderful for the skin, liver and kidneys. 
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Cinnamon Chips – Also warm, aromatic and stimulating. It helps fight infection, reduce cholesterol, can help with menstrual pain and inflammation. It’s an amazing spice that is wonderfully versatile and definitely underestimated! 

Winter Chai

Ingredients:
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• 4 cups Darjeeling or Rooibos Tea
• 1 cup cinnamon chips
• 1/4 - 1/2 cup ground nutmeg
• 1 cup ginger
• 1 cup cardamom pods
• 1/2 cup whole cloves
• 4 vanilla beans, cut into small pieces

Instructions:
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1. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl.
2. Scoop into individual tea tins and package as desired.

Label with the following brewing instructions
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To Brew: Place one teaspoon of chai in a tea ball or infuser with one cup of hot water. Steep for 15-20 minutes. Remove tea and sweeten with raw honey and add cream if desired.


I like using a small tea ball or tea infuser mug to brew individual cups of tea. It’s convenient when using loose teas. This recipe will make about 7 cups of the chai tea blend. It’s the perfect amount for gifting in cute little tea tins like these! If you don’t want to give as gifts, just reduce the amount of the measurements to get the desired amount. This stores well in an airtight container.

​ Enjoy!