Peppermint Moringa Maca Chai
A friend was visiting me one morning recently and asked what that milky green stuff was in my mug. This is the tea I gave up drinking coffee for. For me, coffee was giving me unnecessary anxiety. I read an article a few years ago that several people in a test group gave up either coffee or tea first thing in the morning and noticed their anxiety symptoms disappeared. Caffeine first thing in the morning on an empty stomach also spikes cortisol production. So if you love your coffee first thing in the morning. Do yourself a favor and have a piece of toast or some fruit first.
I still love the taste of coffee, but I find the taste of decaf coffee is really gross. It has a strange chemical flavor to me. Many coffee substitutes simply aren't quite right. So, I decided to go a completely different route and make a caffeine-free type of chai.
This post may contain affiliate links.
I did find Teecchino Hazelnut Roasted Herbal Tea about a year after I started making this, which is probably as close to coffee as you're going to get for a substitute. I also brew 2 tsp roasted barley and 1 tsp chicory per cup in my coffee maker, which also has a similar flavor to coffee. I like to drink it after dinner. It's a digestive tea, so it can help with indigestion. I also started drinking it because roasted barley helps break up calcium-based kidney stones, something I used to get every few years because I apparently adore calcium-rich foods, and my multivitamin that had calcium in it was actually slightly overdosing me every day. I gave up my multivitamin with this tea in my diet; I really don't need a multivitamin.
I don't advise giving up your multivitamin unless you know for a fact your diet is balanced enough to give it up. It took me years of studying and learning how to plan my meals to get my nutrients through my food every day. I do still take a few vitamins and herbal supplements. Until commercial farms start putting nutrients back in the soil, everyone needs at least a few supplements. My multivitamin I used to take was just overkill on calcium for me.
Peppermint is an overlooked herb; it actually has a lot of health benefits. I try to incorporate it into a lot of my food. It contains essential compounds such as calcium, iron, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, copper, manganese, Vitamin A, B3, B6, and C. It's been shown to relieve respiratory issues from seasonal allergies to the common cold. Eases menstrual symptoms. Heals chronic wounds. Relieves muscle spasms and pain. Soothing systems of IBS. Relieves headaches and migraines. Improves skin and hair health and strength. Boosts energy levels. Relieves nausea and heartburn. Reduces stress and anxiety and helps overall cognitive health. Protects against cavities and bad breath.
Moringa Oleifera or also known as the Tree of Life, is known for many health benefits. It contains essential compounds such as vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, and C, and minerals like calcium, potassium, iron, magnesium, and phosphorus. I know what you're thinking: why am I taking another calcium supplement? Calcium in its more natural form doesn't seem to bother me. I think the natural magnesium in it helps a bit, too. The real benefits are that it reduces oxidative stress, which some people call antiaging. It can treat edema anywhere in the body. In research, it has been shown that Moringa contains compounds that reduce fat buildup in liver cells (think fatty liver disease). It contains niazimicin, which has been shown to help suppress the production of cancer cells. It's antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory. It contains Quercetin, which may prevent lipid formation and inflammation. Along with cholesterol-lowering properties could help prevent heart disease. It regulates blood sugar and blood pressure. It's been shown to contain compounds that help manage or prevent airway constriction or inflammation (asthma). Improves eye health. Because one serving contains your daily iron minimums, it can help with different types of anemia.
Lepidium Meyenii, more commonly known as Maca or Peruvian Ginseng. It's a type of cruciferous vegetable that is an adaptogen and has been cultivated in the Andes for over 2000 years. Though most supplements use only the roots, the whole plant is edible. It's been famous as a fertility treatment, and it does boost LH (Luteinizing Hormone), which is essential in ovulation, menstruation, and other reproductive health. It supports overall hormonal health by also promoting HPA (Hypothalamic, Pituitary, Adrenal) and HPG (Hypophysis, Pituitary, Gonad) axis health. It's also been shown during menopause to support hormones such as FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone), estradiol, progesterone, and adrenocorticotropic hormone. It also supports women's health with iron, iodine, Vitamin C, magnesium, zinc, amino acids, and essential fatty acids. It helps regulate thyroid health. Because of its support of HPA/HPG, it boosts libido. It helps boost energy without being addictive like caffeine. It can help with symptoms during menstruation, cramps, bloating, and mood swings etc. Supports bone health. Supports focus and overall cognitive health. Safety concerns, most issues I have seen have to do with the source of the powder. Don't buy Asian sources; a lot of times, they are cut with fillers and other herbs. Always buy from native Peruvian sources. Start with a low dose; high doses can actually have the opposite effects. Don't take Maca powder after noon. It is a stimulant and can cause insomnia.
Peppermint Moringa Maca Chai
1 tbsp dried peppermint leaves or 1 tea bag
1 tbsp moringa leaves
1 tbsp maca powder
1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
1 inch of ginger
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp of ground cinnamon
3 cloves
1/4 tsp ground cardamom
4 cups of water
Makes 3 servings.
If you have a Miomat, put all the ingredients in the Miomat. Ensure the grinding cylinder is securely attached. Select the Soy Milk setting. If you don't have a Miomat, use a medium pot and place all the ingredients inside. Bring the temperature of the tea mixture up to 203°F/95C for 20-25 minutes. Strain the tea mixture. Let it cool before storing in the fridge.
To keep the body in good health is a duty... Otherwise, we shall not be able to keep our minds strong and clear.
- Buddha
Comments
Post a Comment