Do you love the cozy, spiced warmth of a chai latte? If so, you’re not alone! It is a favorite for many who seek comfort in a cup or the famous chai latte. But what makes this blend on spices so special, and how can you enjoy its rich flavors beyond your typical brew? Today, I’m diving into the story behind chai, sharing potential health benefits of its key ingredients, highlighting our cozy signature tea blend, and giving you an easy recipe for our chai overnight oats that will energize your morning!
What Is Chai? A Brief History
Chai, or masala chai, has its origins in ancient India, dating back over 5,000 years. Initially used as an Ayurvedic remedy, this spiced drink was designed to boost health and energy. It wasn’t until the British colonial period that black tea was added, transforming chai into the milk-infused drink we know and love today. Over time, it evolved into a beloved beverage around the world, enjoyed for its warming flavors and cultural richness.
The Potential Health Benefits of Chai Ingredients
The potential health benefits of the ingredients is one of the reasons chai is so loved and used by so many. Here’s a closer look at what each key spice brings to the table:
Black Tea
It is now well documented that black tea polyphenols have potential to perform an antioxidant function to neutralize the harmful effects of elevated levels of free radicals, and thus drinking black tea reduced the chances of onset of numerous chronic disorders (PubMed).
Cinnamon
Cinnamon has been used as a spice and as traditional herbal medicine for centuries. The available in vitro and animal in vivo evidence suggests that cinnamon has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antitumor, cardiovascular, cholesterol-lowering, and immunomodulatory effects. In vitro studies have demonstrated that cinnamon may act as an insulin mimetic, to potentiate insulin activity or to stimulate cellular glucose metabolism (PubMed).
Ginger Root
Ginger has a long history of use in various forms of traditional and alternative medicine. It’s been used to aid digestion, reduce nausea, and help fight the flu and common cold, to name a few of its purposes. The unique fragrance and flavor of ginger come from its natural oils, the most important of which is gingerol. Gingerol is the main bioactive compound in ginger. It’s responsible for many of ginger’s medicinal properties (Healthline).
Cardamom
Often referred to as the “queen of spices,” cardamom is rich in antioxidants and can support detoxification and digestion. In Ayurvedic medicine, people use cardamom for its detoxifying properties (Medical News Today). One study involved people with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease who were overweight or had obesity. The participants who took green cardamom supplements had improvements in markers of liver health compared with those who took a placebo (Study).
Cloves
Clove represents a very interesting plant with an enormous potential as food preservative and as a rich source of antioxidant compounds. It’s proved biological activities suggest the development of medicinal products for human and animals uses and confirm why this plant has been employed for centuries (PubMed).
Black Pepper
Black pepper, and its alkaloid component piperine, have associations with many health benefits, including anti-inflammatory effects and potential cancer-fighting properties. (Medical News Today).
Our Cozy Signature Blend
At Sage Skye Herbals, our Cozy Chai Tea is a labor of love, created to wrap you in warmth and wellness. This loose leaf blend features a balanced mix of China Black F.O.P. Tea, Assam Black Tea, Cinnamon, Cardamom Seed, Cloves, Ginger Root and Black Pepper. Perfect on its own or used in recipes, our chai embodies the essence of comfort. All of the ingredients are ground to ensure the maximum flavor and benefits in every cup!
Recipe: Chai Overnight Oats
Want to enjoy chai’s flavors beyond the mug? This chai latte overnight oats recipe is an easy, nutritious breakfast infused with the cozy taste of chai. If you are a chai latte lover than we think you will love these overnight oats!
This recipe is for one single serving size, feel free to adjust recipe as needed depending on how many servings you want to make. I typically make 3-4 jars at a time to meal prep breakfast to store in the fridge for my husband and I. It makes breakfast quick, healthy and easy! Also feel free to use toppings, my favorites for these oats are pecans, walnut and stewed cinnamon apples.
Ingredients:
- ½ old fashioned cup rolled oats (I typically use these)
- ½ cup milk of your choice (almond, oat, or dairy)
- ¼ cup brewed Cozy Chai Tea (strong brew, cooled)
- 1 tbsp chia seeds (optional, for extra fiber)
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey, to taste
- Sprinkle of cinnamon
Instructions:
- Brew ½ cup of Cozy Chai Tea using 1 teaspoons of the blend and let it cool.
- In a jar or bowl, mix the oats, milk, brewed chai, chia seeds, maple syrup, vanilla and cinnamon.
- Stir well, cover, and refrigerate overnight (or at least 4-6 hours).
*In the morning, give it a good stir and add extra sweetener if desired. You can then top with a pinch of cinnamon and your favorite toppings like pecan, stewed apples or fresh fruit.
*you can add toppings before you store. I recommend giving the oats a good stir, add your toppings, then cover and store as normal.
Enjoy a breakfast that’s as energizing as it is delicious!
Final Thoughts
Chai isn’t just a drink; it’s an experience created from a beautiful blend of nature. From its storied past to the nourishing properties of its spices, every cup tells a story. Whether you’re sipping on our signature cozy blend or indulging in chai overnight oats, this blend invites a sense of comfort, health, and warmth into your life.
Have you tried incorporating chai into your recipes? If so, let me know in the comments, and share your favorite ways to enjoy this classic blend!
