SPICY CHAI LATTE (CAFFEINE FREE)
As we all know, a good Chai Latte is the BEST when the weather starts getting cold outside. But then you think… Ughhh. I can’t have it because of the dairy or sugar.
Giving up our favorite fall drinks because of an autoimmune disease totally sucks! If it’s not the dairy, it’s the sugar that makes these drinks a No-Go (sigh). Well, what about the caffeine in chai tea?
Caffeine and Autoimmune Diseases
Most people don’t know that caffeine is inflammatory, which means for someone with an autoimmune disease, that spells disaster.
The goal for our bodies is to kick in the parasympathetic nervous system and try to keep it there more often than not. You know, it’s the system that is activated when we do deep yoga breathing or get a nice relaxing massage.
The parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for the body’s rest and digestion response when the body is relaxed, resting, or feeding. It basically the opposite of the sympathetic nervous system, which is ignited during a stressful situation. Aka…flight or fight.
Cortisol Levels and Stress
Caffeine induces cortisol levels putting your body into a stressed state. These elevated levels turn on your sympathetic nervous system, which contributes to irregular heart rate, disrupted digestion system, insomnia, and heightened stress levels.
For anyone with an autoimmune disease, giving up caffeine is essential to feeling better and keeping down the inflammation and cortisol levels.
You Can Still Indulge
But just because you have an autoimmune disease doesn’t mean you have to give up your favorite treats. It just means you have to do a few alterations.
In that case… I have a great recipe for a Chai Latte that you can drink and has anti-inflammatory health benefits. And how about kicking it up a notch and making it a spiced chai latte with ingredients like Ceylon Cinnamon, Ginger, Cardamon, Black Pepper, Nutmeg, and Cloves!?
Sharing is Caring
With the holiday coming up this warm spiced recipe makes for a great gift for anyone. This mixes up quickly and easily. Then put the mix into little jars and give with some fun mugs and BOOM… you have a cute gift. Super easy!
Plus it’s nice to give a gift that is healthy and has the benefits of cinnamon and nutmeg, with the comforts of a warm calming drink.
So, from my love of Chai to you… here’s my favorite Spiced Chai Latte! Enjoy and share.
Spicy Chai Latte (Caffeine Free)
Equipment
- Blender
- Sauce Pan
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp Cinnamon
- 3 tbsp Ginger
- 4 ½ tsp Cardamom
- 1 tbsp Black Pepper (omit or reduce for less spicy)
- ¾ tsp Nutmeg
- ¾ tsp Cloves
- 1 cup Almond Milk (or non-dairy milk of choice)
- Dash of Stevia (sweeten to choice, may add 1 tbsp of maple syrup instead)
Instructions
- Mix (shake or stir) together all dry ingredients and store in a jar
- In a stove top safe sauce pan add 1 tsp of Chai Mix
- Add enough water to dissolve Chai mixture
- Heat and stir till dissolved
- Add 1 cup of almond milk and continue heating
- Do Not Boil!
- Once heated pour into blender
- Blend on high for 30 seconds
- Pour into mug... Make sure to get all the foam into the mug as well!
- Sprinkle the foam with Chai mix to finish it off and enjoy!
