I love a good cup of Chai tea….the best is when its actually made from the “real” ingredients & not the powdered stuff most coffee shops sell. Throw in the spices you love & reap the health benefits from them – cinnamon for blood sugar balance & metabolism; ginger for blood circulation, immune booster & digestion; clove & star anise have antimicrobial properties; & cardamom for the antiseptic, antioxidant, digestive & diuretic benefits. You can simply make a caffeine free version by using Rooibos leaves instead of black tea.

1. Bring 2 cups of water to the boil.
2. Add 2 tsp plain black tea (or Rooibos leaves)
3. ¼ – ½ inch sliced fresh ginger, or ¼ tsp dried.
4. 1 cinnamon stick broken or crushed, or¼ – ½ tsp dried. 3 – 4 cloves.
5. Simmer for about 10 minutes.
6. Add 2-3 tsp sugar or honey (Manuka will give added health benefits)
7. Add 2 cups of milk (soy/nut milks may be used).
8. Gently reheat and serve.

Many different spices are used by different cultures including cardamom, cloves, star anise (which contains an active ingredient in Tamiflu—shikimic acid), and black pepper corns.

Enjoy your cup of Chai today!!!