If you are craving a flavorful, warm, and cozy cup of tea, you can never go wrong with some freshly brewed chai. Chai spices are often associated with the colder months of the year, making this the perfect time to enjoy a steaming cup, but the drink is popular all year round. However, this tea is more than meets the eye. You may know chai is delicious, but what you may not know is how many health benefits come along with it!
A Brief History of Chai
Chai is loved all over the world today, so you may be surprised to learn that the first chai elixirs originated around 5,000 years ago in ancient India. The traditional herbal blend typically includes cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, and black pepper, with some variants featuring additional spices such as nutmeg, star anise, and fennel.
Chai was created as a part of the ancient Indian medicinal practice of Ayurveda, and is thought to help encourage balance between the body’s innate energies, or doshas. The ingredients for chai were carefully chosen, not just for flavor, but for their ability to promote balance and healing. In addition, the traditional preparation and consumption of chai is seen as an important ritual, just as soothing and healing and as the tea itself.
This infusion has taken on many forms over time, with the most common form of chai being masala chai, which mixes the traditional spices with a base of black tea. Many other variations of chai exist, including chai spices blended with green tea or herbal teas, such as rooibos.
Try one of our many variations of chai:
Health Benefits of Chai
Chai has a reputation as a comforting, relaxing drink, so it comes as no surprise that compounds in spices like cardamom, ginger, and cinnamon have been shown to have a calming effect on the nervous system. In addition, chai is rich in what many refer to as “warming” herbs, which help improve circulation and increase body heat. This effect contributes heavily to the cozy, soothing nature of chai, but increased circulation also facilitates healing and contributes to improved energy levels, mental clarity, and overall body function.
Traditionally, chai is often enjoyed after meals to help facilitate healthy digestion. This is possible due to the use of herbs such as ginger, cloves, cardamom, and black pepper, all of which help stimulate the digestive system. Ginger in particular can be excellent at reducing bloating or nausea, helping to prevent stomach upset after meals.
If you’ve ever enjoyed a warm cup of chai while sick, you aren’t alone. Chai is thought to boost immunity due to the anti-viral and anti-bacterial compounds found in many chai spices, such as ginger and cloves. Cardamom is high in vitamin C and other nutrients that help fight off sickness, and the powerful anti-inflammatory properties of ginger work to soothe inflammation. In addition, due to the anti-parasitic properties of cloves, ginger, and cinnamon, many believe chai can help keep unwanted visitors, such as intestinal parasites, at bay.
In the end, there are so many reasons to love chai, and we hope you learned of a few new ways to appreciate this timeless herbal blend!
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About the Writer
Emori Brown has worked for Dr. Christopher’s Herb Shop since 2018. In addition to writing blog posts and newsletters, Emori cashiers and works in the shipping department. She is passionate about providing people with the tools for improving their health and is excited to share knowledge surrounding the formulas and services we have here at the Herb Shop.
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