RECIPE: NIGHTTIME CHAI
This nighttime chai has become a staple in our household, so we thought we’d share its recipe…
You’ll need:
1 l filtered water
6 whole star anise
1 tsp peppercorns
1.5 tbsp cardamom pods
2 cinnamon sticks (halved)
1 tbsp fennel seeds
1 tsp cloves
1 5 cm piece of ginger (peeled and grated)
1 5 cm piece of fresh turmeric (peeled and grated) or 2 tsp turmeric powder
1 tbsp burdock root or 1 tbsp astragalus root
Burdock has been used medicinally across cultures as a depurative, or detoxifying herb, to help remove stagnation from the lymph, flush the kidneys and liver, and improve circulation.
Astragalus is an adaptogen herb that has a long and enduring history as a potent immune boosting herb and disease fighter.
Combine all ingredients except burdock or astragalus root in a medium pot and bring to a boil over high heat.
Cover, reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 10 minutes. Add the root of choice and simmer for another 5 minutes.
Remove from heat, steep for an extra 5 minutes, and strain into a bottle or jar, pressing the cooked ingredients to extract as much liquid as possible. Allow it to cool and store in the fridge for up to two weeks.
You can combine about 5 tsp of black tea of your choice when adding the roots to the mix, and turn this into a morning chai!
We enjoy drinking it with hot, frothed oat or almond milk, sweetened with a bit of honey or agave syrup, and sprinkled with cinnamon powder. Ashwagandha powder can also be added.
Drink up and enjoy your night!