Masala Chai

Masala Chai – Hindi for "spiced tea" – has long been served by chaiwalas as a traditional Indian street drink. Tea was only later added during the British Raj, but the essential blend of spices and hot milk remained the same.

This Masala Chai is nothing like your average coffee shop cuppa - intense and wholesome. Enjoy it the traditional way, boiled in milk and sweetened with a little sugar.

What's in it?

Organic Assam black tea

Grown by Prithvi Group of Small Tea Growers, a tea farmer's cooperative in Dibrugarh area - this handcrafted black tea is deep and strong, yet not masking the individual flavours of the roots and spices in this blend. This whole leaf tea is nothing like the tea dust you find in teabags. 

Ginger root

Originally from Asia, ginger has been used for its medicinal purposes for nearly 2,000 years by various cultures. Made into hot tea, ginger releases the compounds gingerol and protease, bringing a rush of comforting warmth that actually increases cardiovascular circulation.

Organic Cardamom pods

Cardamom’s aroma is stimulating, warming and invigorating. In India and Arab countries, Cardamom is most valued for its aphrodisiac properties. It also has excellent carminative properties, which will quickly soothe stomach discomfort.

Organic Cloves

In Ayurveda, Cloves are considered to help with digestive problems of all kinds, as well as improving the circulation and metabolism. In traditional Chinese medicine, Cloves are considered both pungent and warming, and can help to purify the stomach, spleen and kidneys.

Cinnamon 

Well known for its blood sugar lowering properties, Cinnamon has been extensively studied for its anti-diabetic effects. It is also effective in reducing hypertension or high blood pressure. A 2010 study at the “Faculty of Health and Human Science”, of type 2 diabetic patients, found that an intake of 2g of Cinnamon daily was able to regulate glucose and blood pressure.

Organic Nutmeg

Throughout ancient times, Roman and Greek civilisations utilised nutmeg as a brain tonic, to help get rid of exhaustion as well as stress. In Chinese medicine-ne, Nutmeg is used to relieve pain and inflammation, from stomach-ache to joint pain. It is also reputed to be a good kidney and liver detox.

Black Pepper Corn

Black peppercorns contain a good amount of minerals like potassium, calcium, zinc, manganese, iron, and magnesium, vitamin-C and –A as well as vital B-complex vitamins. Pepper promotes sweating and urination, which both help remove toxins and excess water and can play a role in weight loss. Apparently, the outer layer of peppercorn also assists in the breakdown of fat cells. Black pepper helps to make the nutrients more available and accessible to our system.

Tea time

Infuse 1 or 2 heaped teaspoons in water heated at 90°c, for 5-8 minutes.

Whole leaves take longer to infuse but it is definitively worth it!

Tips

Crush or grind the herbs prior to use.

Make sure that all ingredients are well mixed. Lighter particles and powders tend to sink at the bottom of the packet.

Do not leave herbs to steep in water as this may result in a slightly bitter infusion.

Unlike regular tea, which is brewed with water, chai tea is traditionally brewed using both warm water and warm milk. It also tends to be sweetened to varying degrees.

Note from the Alchemist:

We describe and promote our products in good faith. The information provided about the beneficial properties of all of our products is derived from the use and characteristics commonly attributed to them. Benefits of our products may vary from person to person. It is always advisable to seek the opinion of a professional herbalist or your GP.