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Chai tea is an euphorically delicious spicy tea-based beverage that originates from India under the full name of Masala Chai.  Like coffee, its sort of western counterpart, Chai is traditionally served with milk and sugar.  The differences between these two beverages are, however, not only in their distinctly disparate flavors but also in their caffeine content.

Perhaps your doctor has recommended that you reduce your caffeine intake, or perhaps you’re feeling strung out because dependence on coffee has maxed out your adrenal system. It's highly possible you can no longer find the energy you once had because too much caffeine is sabotaging your much needed eight hours of beauty sleep.

The Mayo Clinic suggests that four cups of joe a day is the healthy limit.  More than four cups can result in insomnia, nervousness, restlessness, irritability and other side effects.

For those of us with things like jobs, families, or grad school homework, giving up caffeine is often not an option.  Besides, caffeine has long been proven to improve memory, alertness, and ward off Alzheimer's disease. The important point to remember is that regulating caffeine is best for your overall health.

This makes Chai a great alternative to coffee; you still get a dose of caffeine (in a healthier quantity) and its warming exotic spices deliver a stimulating kick in the pants at, for example, 3pm, when there is still hours of work to be done in the day.  

Chai also boasts some great health benefits that even coffee can’t compete with! For example:

- Cardamom naturally eases digestion problems and settles an upset stomach. It is also used clinically for its leading medicinal ability to fight halitosis (bad breath).

- Cinnamon increases circulation and awareness. It has antifungal and antibacterial properties, promotes healthier digestion and regulates blood sugar.

- Cloves are another potent herbal antifungal and antibacterial as well as anti-inflammatory.  They’re a herbal super hero, great for people with respiratory or candida infestation problems.

- Ginger has been used by the Chinese for over 2,000 years to ease digestion. Studies have also proven it to be a powerful anti-inflammatory that boosts your immune system, eases pain from arthritis, and may even fight cancer. 

- Black Tea, in addition to having two thirds less caffeine than coffee per serving, is full of powerful antioxidants which can promote better cell regeneration and boost your immune system!

Many varieties of Chai tea bags are on the market today, but for the best flavor of all, here is an outrageous recipe and an instructional video from Dinesh to show how you can easily make Chai at home using our Fresh Organic Chai Masala spice set:

And for those of you who are also avoiding milk and sugar, add stevia and almond milk for an all natural vegan version of chai that is much lower in calories but equally stimulating and sumptuous.