Spice of Life – Almond Milk Masala Chai
Did you know that spices do more than flavour your food, or give a warmth to your winter drinks? They also have specific health properties that make them a very important part of your diet. {Recipe to follow}
Black Pepper Can ward off colds and throat infections. A digestive stimulant, antiseptic and antibacterial. Warming and toxin-releasing.
Cardamom Helps prevent the formation of kidney stones. A digestive stimulant and antispasmodic, can prevent cramps and bloating. Can also help to prevent coughs.
Cinnamon Helpful in fighting diabetes. Boosts circulation and lowers blood pressure. Anti-bacterial, antifungal and antispasmodic. Useful for digestive problems and in preventing colds. (Warning: do not use therapeutically during pregnancy.)
Cloves Antiseptic, controls tooth and gum infections. Anti-nausea, combats colds, strengthens nerves and improves the circulation.
Coriander Eases indigestion. Seeds can help reduce cholesterol.
Cumin A good digestion aid, can settle the stomach after a heavy meal and reduces bloating. Also said to help reduce insomnia.
Ginger Improves digestion, helps lower cholesterol, controls blood pressure, inhibits cancer, prevents coughs and colds, and has anti-nausea and anti-clotting properties. (Caution: Do not take therapeutic doses if you are taking any type of blood-thinner.)
Nutmeg Commonly used in China for nausea, indigestion, chronic diarrhea and gastric upsets. Said to relieve stress and is an anti-rheumatic. (Caution: Large doses over 7.5g produce convulsions and palpitations. Do not use during pregnancy.)
Saffron An excellent heart and nerve tonic. It has anti-aging properties and is said to cure anemia. It can ease period pains, relieve indigestion and soothe urinary disorders. (Caution: Do not use large doses during pregnancy.)
Star Anise (Chinese) Useful for respiratory tract infections, and lung inflammation related to flu/colds. Helpful in relieving upset stomach. Has been used to promote lactation, ease childbirth and promote menstruation. Antibacterial & anti-fungal.
Turmeric A potent blood purifier, it also improves liver function, prevents coughs/colds, improves skin tone and is antiseptic.
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Masala Chai Recipe w/ Almond Milk
(adapted from wishfulchef.com)
- 3-4 cardamom pods
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3-4 pieces star anise or cloves
- 1 inch piece of fresh ginger, sliced
- 2-3 dates, chopped
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
- 3 cups water
- 1 cup almond milk
- 2 heaping tablespoons of loose leaf Rooibos Tea
- optional: honey or stevia (to taste)
Lightly crush cardamon pods, cinnamon and cloves in a mortar and pestle.Put water in a pot and add crushed cardamon, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, dates and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then simmer for 4 minutes. Remove from heat and let the spices infuse their flavor for another 4-5 minutes.
Add the almond milk to the pan and bring back to a boil. Remove from heat and add the tea. Cover the pot, remove from heat and let it steep for 4-5 minutes.
Masala Chai is ready! Use a fine sieve and strain it into a teapot or directly into serving cups. Add honey or stevia if you like sweeter tasting tea.
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
