Try this Digestive Chai Tea recipe as a part of a healthy holiday meal.
Digestive Chai Tea Recipe
This decaffeinated herbal drink is very flavorful and always a
favorite with guests as an after-dinner tea. In the summer, try
iced chai for a change. And if you are having iced or hot chai
during the day, you can always make a mildly caffeinated chai—just
omit the peppermint and add 1 to 2 tablespoons of black tea and
steep for 3 minutes before straining the mixture. Too much caffeine
can lead to insomnia and increase blood pressure in some people,
but judicious amounts invigorate the nervous system and help
cleanse the body of wastes by increasing water release from the
kidneys. The three seeds in the recipe are effective for preventing
gas and gastric distress, the licorice has a soothing and
immune-boosting effect, and the orange peel and peppermint promote
optimum digestion and provide healthy antioxidants.
• 8 cups water
• 2 tablespoons fenugreek seeds (Trigonella foenum-graecum)
• 2 tablespoons fennel seeds (Foeniculum vulgare)
• 2 tablespoons caraway seeds (Carum carvi)
• 1 tablespoon orange peel
• 3/4 teaspoon chopped licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons peppermint leaves (Mentha piperita)
1. Pour the water into a large pot. Place the seeds, orange peel,
and licorice root into the water, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
2. Remove from the heat, add the peppermint, and allow to steep,
covered, for 10 minutes. Strain and drink. Serves 6.
Christopher Hobbs, L.Ac., A.H.G. is an herbalist and botanist
with more than thirty years of experience with medicinal herbs.
Beth Baugh has been integrating medicinal herbs into natural foods
cuisine for more than twenty years.
Read the article Healthy Holiday Feast Recipes for more healthy holiday dishes.