Herbal Chai (Tea)

This herbal Chai contains more then one herb. This is my contribution to the weekend herb blogging hosted by Anh of Food lovers Journey . She has a lovely blog and I couldnt stop myself from contributing.

The first herb is Tulsi. The Tulsi (also known as Tulasi) plant or Holy Basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum) is an important symbol in many Hindu religious traditions. The name "tulsi" means "the incomparable one". Tulsi is a venerated plant and devotees worship it in the morning and evening in India. The aroma of tulasi is divine.

Tulsi as an Ayurvedic medicine

Tulsi’s extracts are used in ayurvedic remedies for common colds, headaches, stomach disorders, inflammation, heart disease, various forms of poisoning, and malaria. Traditionally, tulsi is taken in many forms: as an herbal tea, dried powder, fresh leaf, or mixed with ghee(clarified butter). Essential oil extracted from Karpoora Tulsi is mostly used for medicinal purposes and in herbal toiletry. For centuries, the dried leaves of Tulsi have been mixed with stored grains to repel insects.

Its aroma is distinctively different to its close cousin, the Thai Basil which is sometimes wrongly called Holy Basil, in shops and on the internet, but they can be distinguished by their aroma and flavour. Holy Basil is slightly hairy, whereas Thai Basil is smooth and hairless, also Holy Basil does not have the strong aniseed or licorice smell of Thai Basil; and Holy Basil has a hot, spicy flavor sometimes compared to cloves
(For more info ask wiki)

The second herb is fennel seeds. It is a aromatic seed usually used as mouth freshner. But it is also used in Indian food for its unique aroma and strong taste. Fennel seeds also have a lot of medicinal properties.

Third herb is Ginger, I need not say much about this herb as many of you know about it. Ginger and its extracts aid digestion, help relieve stomachaches, flatulence, and promote circulation.Powdered ginger is very effective in treating motion sickness. It’s especially given to kids for proper digestion. Fresh mashed ginger root, when applied to burns, eases the pain.The combination of Pepper, ginger along with honey or cane sugar relieves sore throat, cough and cold.

The fourth is cardamom. Cardamom has a strong, unique taste, with an intensely aromatic fragrance. It is a common ingredient in Indian cooking, and is often used in baking. In India, green cardamom (A. subulatum), or "elaichi," is broadly used to treat infections in teeth and gums, to prevent and treat throat troubles, congestion of the lungs and pulmonary tuberculosis, inflammation of eyelids and also digestive disorders. It is also reportedly used as an antidote for both snake and scorpion venom.
(Source Wiki)

Ingredients

1cup of water
1cup of milk
2tsp tea powder
3-4 leaves of tulasi
1pod crushed cardamom
1tsp roasted and crushed fennel seed
1tsp grated ginger
sugar.


Preparation

Boil all the ingredients in water for 5 minutes or more and then add milk to this mixture and bring it to a boil. Strain the tea and enjoy. This tea is good for weight reduction, muscle and joint pain. It is very refreshing and aromatic with all the blend of herb and spices. I am serving the tea with some Kaju Pakodis (Cashew savory snack).
I got some dried leaves of tulasi packed from India. Nothing can substitute Tulasi but those who find it difficult to get tulasi can use cloves instead.