Products
Chai teas are available, for example, in pharmacies, drugstores, in tea and grocery stores in numerous varieties. Available products include tea blends, tea in tea bags, instant teas and syrups (concentrates).
Ingredients
Chai actually just means tea. What is meant is masala chai, which means spiced tea. The tea is very popular and widespread in India. It consists of the following ingredients:
- Strong black tea (for example, Assam).
- Spices such as cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, pepper, star anise, fennel, nutmeg, bay leaf.
- Milk
- Sugar or honey
Chai teas are commercially available in numerous varieties and in the West also contain, for example, turmeric, cocoa, rooibos, vanilla, licorice and caramel.
Effects
Depending on the exact composition, chai has stimulating (stimulating), digestive, health-promoting, and carminative properties, among others.
Fields of application
As a stimulating and beneficial stimulant.
Dosage
Traditionally, the ingredients are prepared as a decoction, that is, boiled up. In the process, the ingredients of the plant parts pass into the milk water. The black tea is added later. For the exact procedure, we refer to appropriate recipes.
Undesirable effects
Possible adverse effects include allergic reactions and digestive problems. The sugar may contribute to the development of tooth decay and obesity. The caffeine in black tea may cause various side effects (see there).
