Turmeric Chai Tea
4 February, 2019 by Life Rituals
Chai simply means “tea” in Hindi, and masala chai means “spiced tea”. Popular in India, where street vendors are kept busy serving thousands all day long, this 5,000+ year old drink originated as an Ayurvedic tonic.
Our Organic Turmeric Chai Tea has different ingredients to the classic Chai and its also Caffeine Free. Its a real winter warmer aromatic, spicy, smooth & uplifting with organic ingredients Cinnamon; Ginger root; Turmeric root; Liquorice root; Orange peel and Clove.
You cannot open Facebook or instagram without without seeing turmeric pop up somewhere…. you will see everything from turmeric smoothies to turmeric porridge, and one of the biggest caffeine free trends of the moment a turmeric latte !
As a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Herbalist I am very familiar with the traditional application of this spice. Turmeric is a member of the Curcuma botanical group, which is also a part of the ginger family. It is commonly used in India not only in cooking but as a source of dye and food colouring because of it’s beautiful bright yellow colour; Its also used during ceremonies – The Haldi (turmeric) ceremony is an old pre-wedding ritual. The bride and groom are slathered with turmeric paste and then bathed to “beautify” them before they get married.
TURMERIC IN TCM
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), turmeric or Jiang Huang is:
Very WARMING to the body; which helps to treat blood stasis, and promotes the flow of Qi. In TCM we believe that when Blood and Qi are stuck, there is pain. When obstruction is removed, pain is relieved.
Traditional use: Shoulder pain), rheumatic pain, chest and hypochondriac (rib area) and menstrual pain.
Turmeric is not for everyone as its quite heating and herbalists will moderate this effect by prescribing it in conjunction with other herbs, however there is scientific research which confirms that most notably the curcuminoids in turmeric has an anti inflammatory effect. Mostly these trials used standardised doses of extracted curcuminoids and NOT the whole powdered spice which is far better for someone who suffers with acid reflux for whom the powder would aggravate this condition. Also when you use the whole powder, you cannot guarantee how much of the curcuminoids are present when you use its much better to opt for a high strength turmeric extract that delivers standardised measured doses of curcuminoids. We use Biocare Curcumin at Life Rituals. https://www.liferituals.co.uk//product/microcell-curcumin-plus/
When given in a therapeutic dosage (much much more than a cup of tea) in Chinese Medicine it is advised to avoid it during pregnancy, during heavy menstruation or if you have a heat or Yin deficiency heat body constitution. If you are suffering from an inflammatory condition and unsure whether curcumin is for you can consult Jo for some advice regarding acupuncture treatment and herbal medicine with Jo at Life Rituals.
A SIMPLE WAY TO GET TURMERIC INTO YOUR DAILY ROUTINE
At Life Rituals we like our own chai in the traditional manner, combining it with almond milk (or whole milk if you prefer) and no sugar as the cinnamon and liquorice are naturally sweet. Making chai takes a few more minutes than steeping a regular cup of tea, but your efforts will be rewarded.
We enjoy turmeric tea latte-style, with a creamy almond or soy milk base. If you don’t want it quite as rich, you can make and then add milk at the end, as you would with English tea or coffee. Turmeric tea is so easy to make.
HOW TO MAKE LIFE RITUALS ORGANIC TURMERIC CHAI with milk.
Makes 2 cups
- Bring 2 cups of water to a boil.
- Add 4 teaspoons of Life Rituals Turmeric Chai Tea.
- Boil uncovered for an additional 5 minutes.
- Add 2 cups of whole milk (or milk substitute – we like almond), and bring to a boil again.
- Remove from heat immediately (before it boils over) and steep covered for 5 minutes.
- Strain and enjoy it hot, or chill it in the fridge for a yummy ? iced chai.
WHAT ABOUT IN THE SUMMER?
If you’re thinking you would like turmeric tea, but are getting into the warm weather summer groove, you can keep a jar of your turmeric tea in the refrigerator and have a glass over ice any time you feel like you could use a pick-me-up. It’s just as tasty! Other Life Ritual Organic teas that are great cold are Cleanse and Detox Ritual, Energising Ritual.
THE RITUAL OF MAKING TEA _ AND RELAX
Tea making is a small ritual which signal the body and mind that it is time to unwind and rest, and a warm cup in your hands makes you feel warm and cozy. We think its a perfect dessert or afternoon tea time treat.
CAFFEINE FREE
The good news is that if your one of those people who are sensitive to caffeine then we have plenty of other delicious life rituals tea blends like Digestive Ritual; Cleanse and Detox Ritual, Bedtime Ritual, and Protection Ritual; that do not contain any caffeine.
Put the kettle on and relax …