Do you like to drink tea? or chai as it is referred to in my place. Another thing I would like to say to people outside India is that it is not 'chai tea' because chai denotes tea and it would be like saying tea tea.
Tea can be medicinal if you prepare it well. I am not referring to the herbal concoctions that the modern health gurus call herbal tea. For example, barley grains are boiled in water and given to people for passing more urine. It is called tea by the health gurus but I cannot imagine it being called a tea. Same for hibiscus or other herbals.
Tea as medicine
When one boils water for tea, try adding a bit of cinnamon powder, cardamom powder, or cloves. These spices enhance the taste for sure but it also acts as medicine. Cinnamon reduces the blood sugar levels. Cardamom is known to regulate blood pressure and cloves are very healthy but remember not to overdo the cloves part. Cinnamon also should be used very minimally.
if you can, powder whole spices at home rather than purchasing spice powders as they may contain unknown stuff or preservatives.
Ginger can be crushed and added to chai. It is also helpful in reducing cough and cold. Ginger should not be allowed to boil in the milk for a long time as it could curdle the milk. It will be better to boil ginger in the water. Then add tea leaves and finally add the milk.
Adding lemon juice concentrate to black tea is good for people suffering from diarrhea. It is a huge relief and also helps calm the stomach.
