SPICED GINGER CHAI TEA

Rich golden-red color, so fall and warming...

OK, I waited long enough to make this zesty drink, and now that the November cold is upon us I cannot wait to share it.This drink is so versatile and can stand to any taste buds.I started by combining a basic ginger tea recipe and a Ginger chai recipe from a raw cook book, but what came up is different and you will know it after you try it.This invigorating power shot,has more zing than an espresso,it will keep you going for a whole day,warm you up instantly,enhance your metabolism,and give you a rosy complexion.

Ginger root contains a whole pharmacy of ingredients with multiple health benefits.It helps digestion, upset stomach, and gingerol, the ingredient responsible for the pungent and delicious taste- is listed in the USDA data of phytochemicals as an antiemetic-meaning it has the property of preventing nausea.


Ingredients:

.1 quart of purified water.
.2 teaspoonfuls of ginger root, finely grated or minced (with skin)
.1 or 2 bags of licorice root tea or 1 teaspoonful of loose licorice root (depending on how spiced and strong of a flavor you prefer;licorice is naturally sweet, so you can skip the sweetener) 
.1 teaspoonful of rooibos loose tea, or a bag of rooibos tea (you can choose to use only one of the teas - licorice or rooibos or both for a richer flavor)
.5-6 whole peppercorns.
.pinch of cayenne pepper 
.sweetener-goes great with honey,if you are not on a sugar free diet. 
.vanilla bean or natural vanilla extract.
.juice of 1 lemon.
.1/2 spoon of bee pollen-(optional-this is great for enhancing immunity)

Heat the water to a boil.In a mean time grind the ginger and juice the lemon. Put the ginger and the herbs  in a tea pot and poor the boiling water over. Quickly add  peppercorn, cayenne pepper, and the vanilla. Let it steep for 5-10 min. The longer you let it steep the stronger it will be.At the end you can add the lemon juice, bee pollen and the sweetener after pouring it in the cups.You can strain the ginger spice tea or pour with the ginger bits and herbs.I don’t mind a few bits in my cup.
 

NOTES: This recipe could serve as a base and you can substitute other teas or herbs. Rooibos has the rich flavor of the black tea, without the caffeine. But really, if you like even more stimulating shot you can use any black tea. Green tea does not go well with the spice, so I don’t recommend it. From the herbs the Slippery elm balm could be another option, especially if you have a chest cold or soar throat.

Leave the brew overnight and ice it the next day 

Also you can add other spices—cardamon, cloves, fennel,or cinnamon according to your taste. I have tried it with Nut meg and All spice and it all works out well. Make it lighter and soothing for evening, or strong and stimulating for the day.  The left over makes a great spiced iced tea--another powerfully refreshing option. 

ENJOY!

NOTE OF CAUTION: -there is such thing as ginger overdose-ginger is a strong medicinal plant and should be used with caution, especially when fresh. From what I've found out the recommended daily doze is no more than 4 grams of fresh ginger a day. People with gall bladder disease and certain other conditions should consult their healthcare provider before consuming fresh ginger root.