I first learned about the spice tea from one of my closest friends from India. On a Friday evening, I was chilling out at her little apartment in downtown Toronto after a stressful workweek. I was exhausted and cold after walking a couple of blocks in arctic Canadian winter and felt like I was coming down with something. As much as I love coffee, whenever I feel under the weather, my taste buds start to detest the taste of coffee. The sweet bitterness and aroma of fresh coffee suddenly seems to become a harsh taste and a toxic smell.
So while I was sitting on her new grey sofa, she suggested Chai (spice) tea to help me unwind and feel more comfortable. I asked her to explain to me how it’s made, and when she cited the spice ingredients, I began to feel the aroma and taste of spice tea! So my response to that was “Sure, this sounds great.” As soon as I took my first sip, I fell in love and hummed in delight. The concoction of aromatic spices had a calming effect, and that wasn’t just because I love the taste of spices! But the flavor of spices in warm milk was refreshing and comforting at the same time. It was so good that even years after I first tried spice tea, I still remember the first sip!
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The benefits of Spice Tea
These days, I drink spice tea frequently and especially when I’m under the weather. I’ve learned to mix a bunch of spices together and create a flavorful drink for those moments when coffee isn’t hitting the spot. I’ve also learned about the amazing benefits of the spices to ease certain ailments and health conditions:
Cardamom
Cardamom lowers blood pressure, due to it’s antioxidant and diuretic properties; certain compounds may fight cancer; slow down and prevent inflammation. It also may protect against digestive issues; treat bad breathe, and may improve breathing by stimulating oxygen update and relaxing air passage.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is loaded with highly potent polyphenol antioxidants. It has anti-inflammatory effects that lower the risk of disease. As well, it may improve key risk factors for heart disease like cholesterol, triglycerides and blood pressure. Cinnamon can significantly increase sensitivity to insulin which lowers blood sugar levels. As well, Cinnamon has antifungal and antibacterial properties to reduce inflection and fight tooth decay
Black pepper
Besides the presence of antioxidants and similar benefits to cinnamon and cardamom, black pepper increases absorption of essential nutrients which promotes gut health, offer pain relief and reduce appetite.
Cloves
Cloves contain fiber, vitamin C and Vitamin K (an important nutrient for blood clotting). Some studies suggest it may help reduce oxidative stress and protect the liver. Studies have shown – in animal – that clove extract and manganese may help reduce bone mineral density but further studies are needed to confirm this benefit.
Nutmeg
According to many, Nutmeg is an aphrodisiac spice that helps promote brain health. It contains components like macelignan said to sharpen the brain and improve memory. Therefore, it can help reduce the risks associated with Alzheimer disease, depression and boost sexual health. It is also known to have a calming effect and was used in ancient times to treat Insomnia. Many articles state that it is used for diarrhea, nausea, stomach spans and intestinal gas!
Bay leaf
Some studies suggest that taking a small dosage of bay leaf daily can help manage glucose and cholesterol levels in people with diabetes. And scientists are optimistic about the healing effects through studies show that the leaf extract can reduce inflammation in wound areas.
Turmeric
Similar to cinnamon, Turmeric has curcumin, a powerful anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant substance that can treat many ailments like heart disease, depression, Arthritis and possibly prevent Cancer. This component helps to boost levels of a brain hormone BDNF which speeds the growth of new neurons and consequently reduce brain degenerative processes.
Saffron
Besides being the most expensive spice in the world, Saffron appears to help treat PMS symptoms simply by smelling it for 20 minutes! It also has aphrodisiac properties especially for people taking antidepressant. The other incredible benefit is that it can curb the appetite and aid with weight loss!
Now that you know all the great health and wellness benefits of spices, let’s go ahead and make some tea:
Spice tea ingredients
4 cloves of Cardamom
1/3 Cinnamon stick
2 peppercorns
3 Cloves
1 Bay leaf
¼ tsp of Turmeric
¼ tsp of Nutmeg
A pinch of Saffron
1 liter of water (4 cups)
1 tsp black tea (optional)
Pour all the ingredients into a kettle and simmer on stove over low to medium temperature until water starts to boil.
Remove kettle from the stove and pour it in cups. For added flavor or to sweeten the tea, add the following options:
Sugar, honey or agave syrup
Milk (I use Almond tea).
I hope you’ll enjoy this recipe as much as I do. Please share your comments and feedback and let me know what you think of it.
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