Without beating around the bush for very long; yes, of course chai is healthy! That too much coffee is not healthy, we knew that a long time ago. But how healthy the tastiest alternative to coffee actually is, that may be new to you.

Chai as medicine

Ask modern "Chai Wallahs" (someone who prepares chai in India) about the origins of chai and the most common answer is that it has been handed down from generation to generation. And that their chai was made according to grandma's family recipe. The eldest of the family took care of the whole family. She made a daily concoction of plants, tree bark, seeds and spices to heal family members and prevent viruses and illness. Not surprisingly, many of the spices in chai are still known today for their healing properties for colds and flu.

The recipes passed from grandmother to daughter. When British travelers came and brought their expensive Chinese tea with them, they began to grow it in India. It wasn't long before the tea was also added to grandma's chai. Add some milk and sugar (British influence) and the current chai masala was born.

The first chai

The oldest story about chai tells us that chai originated 5,000 years ago in an ancient Asian empire. The powerful emperor who ruled the land was ill for a long time. His illness was unknown, the symptoms worsening by the day. In an act of desperation, he ordered all his court doctors to brew a powerful medicinal beverage.

One of these court doctors sat under a tea bush and received divine inspiration to pick all kinds of leaves, spices, fruits and seeds and boil them for several hours. Finally, he added milk and honey to make the goodness palatable to the emperor as well. After drinking this first chai masala, the emperor immediately felt better and the doctor was richly rewarded.

Is chai healthy

Absolutely! Whether chai has imperial origins or originated with grandmothers, the health influences also continue to this day. Why that is? Because the spices in chai all have their own medicinal properties.

Ginger

With the word ginger, most people have one of these two reactions: NO! or: YES! Something in between hardly exists. For both types of people, we have good news. The ginger in chai is not overpowering, but it does give you that wonderful feeling of spice and heat. Ginger is a universal medicinal root. It is a home remedy for colds, flu, laryngitis and sinus congestion. It calms digestion, helps with nausea, vomiting, gas and abdominal cramps. Ginger helps expel waste products in the body and has a purifying effect. It also helps keep your joints supple and strengthens your bones.

Cardamom

Those crazy little green things that you have to flatten for a while before they release their flavor. Cardamom and ginger always go together in chai. It helps activate your taste buds and creates the flavor explosion you taste when you drink a cup of chai. You can use this beautiful pod for asthma, breathlessness and bronchitis. It helps when you have to cough a lot or with stuck phlegm. Cardamom also supports your digestion, helps with abdominal bloating and heartburn.

Cinnamon

In Sanskrit, this is called "tvak" which means skin, because cinnamon is harvested by peeling off the "skin," the bark, of a tree. Like most spices in chai, cinnamon is known for supporting digestion. It warms and stimulates the kidneys, purifies your blood, balances your blood pressure and strengthens your heart. Cinnamon is also good to use for colds and coughs because it can open the alveoli of the lungs.

Fennel seed

You probably already know this, fennel works on your digestion. In every home remedy for intestinal constipation, there is fennel seed. The tasty, tough seed soothes stomach cramps. It is often recommended to mothers because it can reduce their baby's intestinal cramps. Fennel provides a slight licorice flavor in the chai, astringent to all the flavors without being overpowering.

Clove

A dried flower bud with a bitter taste. It stimulates bowel function and provides fresh breath and healthy gums. Mixed with honey, clove is a remedy for colds and coughs. A balanced chai does not have too much clove, as it can quickly become overpowering. A slight hint of bitterness is enough to spice up the taste of chai!

Black pepper

Black pepper is one of the most popular spices in the world. And for good reason! Black pepper is called "maricha" in sanskrit, which means sun. Because pepper stirs up your internal fire and therefore makes the sun burn in your body. Pepper empowers your digestive system! It boosts your metabolism, burns toxins and helps protect you from parasites. Just a pinch of pepper is enough to bring this about!

Star anise

This beloved star, is the sweet heart of chai. Its mild anise flavor provides the pleasant sweetness in chai. Star anise is known to clear up viruses in the body. It helps with colds and flu and, like cloves, provides fresh breath. This fresh spice removes blockages in the body and clears your airways of obstacles.

Other spices

Each chai recipe is unique, which is why the list of spices is never complete. Some chai wallahs add pimento, nutmeg, saffron or tulsi. These, too, are medicinal spices that support your entire body. Of course, each chai wallah likes his or her own recipe best. And nothing beats grandma's recipe!

The best chai in the Netherlands

We've gathered for you the best recipes from grandmothers and chai wallahs, so you can make the best chai in the Netherlands yourself at home. If you love the kick of cinnamon, Bondi Chai Club Cinnamon is definitely for you. If you have a sweet tooth, grab Bondi Chai Vanilla Honey. Or go for our vegan no sugar, no milk Chai Latte!