The onset of winter makes us yearn for a warm embrace, feeling of being loved and protected.

During this time, the ‘Vata’ and ‘Kapha’ doshas are heightened, and tend to diminish the digestive fire which leads to reduced immunity, low metabolism, lethargy, drowsiness and a feeling of heaviness in the body. That is why, we crave for a warm cup of tea, soups or freshly prepared cooked meals to rekindle the digestive fire, remain active and well balanced.

Butterfly Ayurveda’s aromatic and flavourful Masala Chai has the ability to promote internal warmth and keep the digestive fire burning. It consists of warming, rich and healthful spices such as cinnamon, ginger, cardamom and clove that strengthen the immunity and boost digestive strength.

Butterfly Ayurveda’s aromatic Indian Masala chai awakens the senses and uplifts one’s mood, leaving one craving for more.

What ingredients make our Masala Chai, the Tea of Choice?

Our Masala Chai is an eclectic blend of Assam black orthodox tea leaves and selected herbs and spices. Read below to learn the benefits of the masala chai ingredients.

1. Assam Black Tea Leaves

Assam tea is frequently referred to as a classical black tea and has a deep rich, tart, and malty flavor and dark brownish hue. It is named after India's northeast region of Assam, which produces the majority of the world's tea. This tea is known to be high in antioxidants and protects the body from free-radicals. The presence of polyphenolic compounds helps reduce cholesterol levels, protects the heart, and supports the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut. It also helps balance the ‘Kapha’ dosha.

2. ‘Banaphsa’

One of the most useful medicinal plants, ‘Banaphsa’, is used as an antipyretic, for relieving inflammation, and also as a diuretic. It can ease body pain and headaches as well as respiratory issues like cold, cough, asthma, and nasal congestion. Each part of this plant is used for different purposes in the traditional medicinal system. The leaves of this plant could be helpful in treating disorders linked to the ‘Vata’, ‘Pitta’, and ‘Kapha’ doshas.

3. ‘Lavanga’

Cloves are dry, closed buds from an evergreen tree with a strong, bitter flavor. They are also referred to as ‘Lavanga’ in Sanskrit. The consumption of cloves is known to improve the immune system, liver health, digestive strength and one’s reproductive health. They are high in antioxidants and help protect against the growth of cancer cells, kill microbes and also promote insulin production in the body. Cloves also comfort aching teeth and gums when applied topically. It helps balance the ‘Vata’ and ‘Kapha’ dosha.

4. ‘Dalchini’

Cinnamon, also referred to as ‘tvak’ in Sanskrit and ‘Dalchini’ in Hindi, is a highly aromatic and advantageous spice that is extracted from the cinnamon tree's bark. It imparts a sharp and a minimally sweet flavour to our taste buds. Cinnamon consumption positively supports the digestive, circulatory, nervous, and reproductive systems of the body. It is frequently used to increase appetite, get rid of ‘Ama’/toxins and to warm the body.

5. ‘Adrak’

Fresh ginger root has a strong, sweet flavor and is also referred to as ‘ardrakam’ in Sanskrit. It is regarded as the "universal medicine" in Ayurveda. It can ease hiccups, supports healthy lung function, and encourages pain-free menstruation. Most importantly, it promotes healthy digestion, eliminates the unwanted endotoxin build-up in the body and improves circulation. It helps pacify the ‘Vata’ dosha.

6. ‘Kali Mirch’

Black pepper, also known as ‘Kali mirch’, is a spice with a hot, pungent flavour and warming, drying, and stimulating properties. This one can definitely warm you up on the coldest days. It also supports the respiratory, digestive and the circulatory systems. For instance, black pepper supports the lungs and eliminates ‘Ama’ from the body while encouraging hunger, nutrient absorption, and healthy elimination. It improves the metabolism of the body and also helps in weight loss.

7. ‘Elaichi’

Cardamom is a wonderful spice that promotes healthy circulation while also preventing indigestion, bloating, gas, and an upset stomach. It also supports healthy enzymatic reactions, preventing all digestive errors. Additionally, it is effective in controlling blood sugar levels, improves oral health, relieves hiccups, and calms the respiratory system as well. It helps balance all the doshas in the body.

Masala Chai benefits over regular tea

1. Masala Chai Balances ‘Tridoshas’

The wonderful herbs incorporated in the Masala Chai helps pacify the ‘Tridoshas’. The ‘Vata’ and ‘Kapha’ doshas (Air and Water element) are balanced by the hot potency of the herbs and the ‘Pitta’ dosha (Fire element) is balanced by the bitter flavour of herbs like cloves.

2. It clears away the endotoxin build-up

Endotoxins/ ‘Ama’ are products of improper digestion that get accumulated in the body tissues. ‘Ama’ accompanies the ‘Vata’ dosha that impacts the metabolic pathways, resulting in abdominal distension and pain. When the body's ‘Pitta’ levels are disturbed, the digestive and metabolic systems are affected, causing indigestion, heartburn, diarrhea, inability to absorb nutrients, and high inflammatory levels.

Additionally, due to the turbid, sticky, and slimy nature of the ‘Kapha’ dosha, it clogs the major systems of the body like the circulatory system, urinary system, digestive system etc.(or ‘Srotamsi’). The hot potency and ‘Tridosha’ balancing character of the herbs in Butterfly Ayurveda's Masala Chai helps in effectively preventing the conditions leading to ‘Ama’ build-up.

3. Promotes robust bio-fire

‘Agni’ is the Sanskrit word for fire. In Ayurveda it is referred to as the digestive fire, which is needed so as to carry out the various biochemical pathways of the body. When the ‘agni’ goes out of balance, our metabolism and digestion are disturbed, leading to a rise in metabolic disorders. The herbal concoction in Masala Chai benefits the body by igniting the ‘Agni’ aiding in healthy digestive reactions.

How to make your steaming cup of Masala chai?

FOR MASALA CHAI TEA BAGS:

1. Bring fresh water to a boil.
2. Pour the boiled water (ideally 98°C) into a cup, add the Masala Chai tea bag, and stir.
3. Let it brew for two minutes.
4. Stir well, add milk (optional) and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
5. Add sugar [optional] as per taste.

FOR MASALA CHAI LOOSE TEA:

1. Put fresh water to boil.
2. Add 2 grams of loose Masala Chai to hot water, at 98 degrees Celsius.
3. Let it brew for 2 minutes.
4. Stir well, add milk (optional) and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
5. Add sugar [optional] as per taste.
6. Strain into a cup and enjoy the herbal masala chai.

Takeaway

While maintaining the immune system and a healthy metabolism is of utmost importance, one must also take the time to uplift their mood and improve their energy levels. What could be better than a tasty cup of Masala chai from Butterfly Ayurveda in the morning that not only boosts your mood but also helps reduce excess fat, strengthens your immune system, and aids in the digestion and treatment of common cold and cough. So, now is a great time to stock up on our spicy and flavourful Masala Chai and enjoy this winter season blissfully.