One of my favorite pleasures in life is tea, both hot and cold, and the more anti inflammatory health benefits the better. Chai tea is one of my absolute favorites, and although most people consume this warm, it can also be just as delicious cold.
As the summer months continue to get warmer, you may find yourself reaching for refreshing beverages to cool off. Recently, one of my clients made me a delicious blend of chai and turmeric tea (so sweet right?!). We had been talking about the benefits of frequently incorporating warming herbs in the diet, such as pepper, ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, fennel, anise, cumin and basil, which support and ease digestion. She then began to experiment and created a tasty anti inflammatory tea which had me begging for the recipe.
Ingredients: Anti Inflammatory Health Benefits
- Chai
Chai is not just a trendy drink, it’s one of the more popular teas that has powerful healing herbs, making it extremely anti inflammatory. It’s very soothing on the digestive tract because of the warming herbs it consists of: cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, ginger, and ground pepper. - Pepper
Incredibly underrated, Pepper, is one of Asia’s most valuable herbs. Pepper’s active ingredient Piperine, can increase bioavailability and absorption of nutrients. In one study, scientists found administering the turmeric along with piperine increased bioavailability by 154%, and reduced the time for absorption by half. Another study found black pepper had the ability to protect against liver damage almost as well as milk thistle. So don’t skimp on the pepper and ensure you use this when consuming turmeric! - Turmeric
This spice and root has traditionally been used in India for thousands of years as an ingredient in cooking, and also medicinally as a strong antioxidant and anti inflammatory agent. Curcumin is the active ingredient in turmeric which boasts all it’s health benefits as a strong antioxidant. It also boosts immune function and in this study has been found to be more effective than traditional anti-inflammatory drugs:“Overall these results indicate that aspirin and ibuprofen are least potent, while resveratrol, curcumin, celecoxib, and tamoxifen are the most potent anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative agents of those we studied.”
- Ginger
Also known as the universal medicine, this root can do wonders for almost anyone for one ailment or another; from increasing circulation, supporting digestion, reducing phlegm in the lungs, to helping with colds, indigestion, arthritis, and even menstrual cramps.
Turmeric Chai Iced Tea
Any of the ingredients can be increased or decreased depending on your taste preference.
- 1 Tsp Cinnamon (my favorite)
- 1 pinch of Clove and Nutmeg
- 1 Tsp fresh Ginger
- 1 pinch of fresh ground Pepper
- 1-2 Tsp. Turmeric (I use this one)
- 1-2 C. water
- Raw Honey (optional) to taste or Stevia (this one in particular is unprocessed, unbleached Stevia- just the dried leaf powder) if you’re avoiding sugar.
- Coconut milk- Can add a small amount if desired. Simmer on stove top 10 minutes, Strain, and add sweetener and coconut milk if desired. Enjoy!
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