My Chai Masala Tea Benefits

There’s something magical about mornings. The world is still quiet, the sun is just beginning to peek through the curtains, and I have a moment to myself before the day’s routine begins. This peaceful part of the day deserves a ritual that’s not only comforting but also sets the tone for the hours ahead. For me, that ritual begins with a steaming cup of chai masala tea infused with my Olive Mush from Olive Tree People!  I love sipping this delicious drink in the quiet without an over amount of caffeine to start my day!

The History of Masala Chai

Traditionally,masala chai, a beloved spiced tea, has a rich history that intertwines culture, tradition, and wellness. Known for its aromatic blend of black tea, spices, milk, and sweetener, masala chai has become a symbol of warmth and comfort. I personally love beginning my day with this amazing blend of spices and warm milk.

Did you know that the term chai simply means “tea” in Hindi, while masala refers to the blend of spices that give this drink its signature flavor?  Though the exact origins are unclear, it’s thought that masala chai was originally a medicinal brew, used to promote health and balance the body’s internal energies.

While tea itself was introduced to India by the British during colonial rule in the 19th century, it was the local Indian people who began infusing the tea with a variety of spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. The use of these spices was believed to help with digestion, circulation, and overall vitality, making masala chai a drink for both pleasure and health.

Health Benefits of Masala Chai

Masala chai isn’t just a delicious treat—it’s also packed with health benefits, thanks to the medicinal properties of its spices. Each component of this tea offers a unique contribution to overall wellness.  I use the Olive Mush as my Masala Chai mix, which contains the same spices as your traditional Masala Chai blend. Here are the spices that are included and the amazing benefits of each.

1. Ginger: One of the most powerful ingredients in masala chai, ginger has been used for centuries in Ayurveda to support digestion and reduce inflammation. It is known for its ability to relieve nausea, improve circulation, and soothe an upset stomach.
2. Cardamom: Often referred to as the “queen of spices,” cardamom not only adds a sweet, aromatic flavor to masala chai, but it also aids in digestion. It helps balance the digestive system, alleviates bloating, and promotes healthy respiratory function. Cardamom is also thought to have detoxifying properties, making it beneficial for cleansing the body.
3. Cinnamon: Cinnamon is well-known for its ability to stabilize blood sugar levels, which is particularly beneficial for individuals with diabetes or those looking to maintain steady energy throughout the day. It’s also a powerful anti-inflammatory and can help regulate metabolism.
4. Cloves: Cloves contain compounds that support immune function and have antibacterial properties. They can help with toothaches, alleviate digestive issues, and even improve circulation, contributing to overall wellness.
5. Black Pepper: Black pepper, though often overlooked, plays a key role in enhancing the bioavailability of other spices like turmeric, making them more effective. It also has digestive benefits and can improve nutrient absorption.
6. Milk (or plant-based alternatives): Traditional masala chai is made with milk, which adds a creamy texture and provides a source of calcium and protein. For those avoiding dairy like me, plant-based milks like almond, oat, or my homemade cashew milk, or soy are excellent alternatives, still providing a smooth base for the tea while contributing to a balanced, health-conscious diet.

Masala Chai Today

Today, masala chai has evolved from a traditional, medicinal drink to a popular global phenomenon. It’s enjoyed in cafes worldwide and has even inspired various trendy versions, such as the iced chai latte. Despite its modern iterations, the core health benefits of masala chai remain the same. Whether enjoyed hot or cold, masala chai offers a comforting balance of flavors and a connection to centuries-old wellness traditions.  

Masala chai is more than just a delicious tea—it’s a wellness powerhouse. The careful blend of spices not only tantalizes the taste buds but also nourishes the body, aiding digestion, reducing inflammation, and boosting immunity. Steeped in ancient traditions, masala chai offers a comforting yet potent way to incorporate healthful ingredients into your daily routine, which I do every morning with my Olive Mush.

Why Chai Masala Tea is so Special

Again, the traditional chai masala tea has remained a staple in so many households for generations and is popular even today like I mentioned above. This flavorful drink is traditionally composed of tea leaves brewed with an assortment of key ingredient pieces, but specifically the aromatic spices, each contributing its own distinct benefits.  Here are some health factors from the tea itself that I find beneficial.  

• Boosts Metabolism—Chai masala tea is packed with spices like ginger, cardamom, and cinnamon, all of which are known to boost metabolism. Ginger, in particular, helps increase the body’s internal heat, promoting faster digestion and aiding in weight management. Cinnamon also plays a key role in stabilizing blood sugar levels, ensuring a steady energy flow throughout the day.
• Rich in Antioxidants—Black tea itself is a rich source of antioxidants, which are vital in neutralizing free radicals and protecting the body from oxidative stress. These antioxidants contribute to overall wellness and can support heart health, improve skin quality, and even slow down the aging process.
• Enhances Digestion—The spices found in chai masala tea (and Olive Mush), like cloves, cardamom, and black pepper, are renowned for their digestive benefits. The digestive enzymes help alleviate bloating, gas, and indigestion. A cup of chai after meals can soothe the stomach and help the body process food more efficiently.
• Supports Immune Health—Chai masala tea is often consumed during the colder months, and for good reason. Many of the spices, such as cloves, cinnamon, and ginger, have natural anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can help boost the immune system. This makes chai a wonderful drink to help ward off colds, flu, and other seasonal illnesses.
• A Natural Stress Reliever—The act of sipping a warm cup of chai masala can be incredibly calming. The soothing spices combined with the warmth of the tea create a sense of comfort, which can alleviate stress and promote relaxation. It’s no surprise that chai masala tea is often associated with mindfulness and moments of peace while still providing more cognitive function without much caffeine.  

Why Olive Mush

What if there was a way to simplify your chai experience, keeping its taste and boosting health benefits even further? Enter Olive Mush from Olive Tree People, a game-changing ingredient that can take the place of your regular chai masala tea.  I have been using the Olive Mush mixed with frothed milk, creating the perfect cup of tea–or a rather chai tea latte.  The Olive Mush flavors and aromatic blend of spices match that of not only your typical cup of chai tea, but the masala chai tea!  

The various combinations of spices in the Olive Mush blended with frothed milk makes any tea lover feel like they are drinking an Indian masala chai.  Did you know the base spice ingredients of a cup of masala chai matches the Olive Mush spices?!  Olive Mush not only contains a similar spice blend, but it is in addition, packed with health benefits.  Because of the health benefits, I have been regularly using Olive Mush as my masala chai mix!  It’s the perfect copycat, but with the even more health benefits of masala chai!

While the traditional chai masala tea is a powerhouse, subsituting the unique ingredient of Olive Mush from Olive Tree People can make it simple, yet exceptional. Olive Mush is an innovative product made from high-quality, pure olive oil and olives. It’s packed with healthy fats, antioxidants, and other nutrients that bring numerous health benefits. Let me break down why this ingredient is a game-changer and a perfect easy replacement for your chai:

• Rich in Healthy Fats—Olive Mush is an excellent source of monounsaturated fats, which are heart-healthy fats that help lower bad cholesterol and improve overall cardiovascular health. By incorporating Olive Mush as your chai masala tea replacement, you add an extra layer of heart-healthy benefits to an already nutritious drink.
• Anti-Inflammatory Properties—Olive oil is known for its anti-inflammatory effects, and this is something that Olive Mush retains. The antioxidants in Olive Mush, particularly oleocanthal, provide anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases and promote joint health. Combining the inflammation-fighting power of Olive Mush as well as the digestive benefits, it creates an unbeatable drink for overall wellness.
• Supports Skin Health—Olive Mush, like olive oil, is a great source of vitamin E, which plays a crucial role in skin health. By using Olive Mush as your chai masala tea, you provide your skin with extra nourishment from the inside out. It helps in maintaining moisture, elasticity, and can even combat the signs of aging–the best side effects anyone can ask for!
• Boosts Immunity—The olive oil in Olive Mush has been shown to possess antimicrobial properties, which, like the immune-boosting spices in chai masala tea, can make for a powerful immune system ally. Whether you’re trying to fight off a cold, battling a sore throat, or simply want to maintain a healthy body, this chai latte is a winner.
• Improves Gut Health—Olive Mush is also beneficial for gut health. It contains prebiotics that can help support the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut, promoting a balanced microbiome and better digestive system and overall health. Olive Mush enhances the gut-soothing qualities of the traditional chai masala tea.

The Perfect Masala Chai made with Olive Mush

Now that I’ve talked about the benefits of both chai masala tea and Olive Mush, let me give you my recipe for creating the perfect cup of spicy tea that mimics the traditional Indian tea, but provides even more benefits for your health.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon of Olive Mush (from Olive Tree People)
• 1/2 cup of milk (dairy or plant-based). I use my homemade cashew milk
• 1-2 teaspoons of honey or sweetener of choice (optional)

Instructions

1. Froth the milk—Froth the milk using a milk frother or a whisk. If you prefer a creamier chai, you can also use a milk steamer for a more velvety texture.  I use this frother every morning!
2. Incorporate Olive Mush—Add 1 tablespoon of Olive Mush into the hot frothed milk and stir well to combine. This will create a smooth, rich texture while infusing your drink with the benefits of olive oil and the same benefits as masala chai tea. 
3. Assemble the Chai—Slowly pour the frothed milk and Olive Mush mixture together, creating a beautifully creamy chai. Stir gently, and if desired, add a little honey or sweetener of your choice for an extra touch of sweetness.
4. Enjoy Your Chai—Take a sip and enjoy the warming, comforting flavors of chai masala tea made with Olive Mush combined with the rich, smooth texture of frothed milk. You’ll be experiencing a treat that nourishes your body from the inside out.

From improving digestion and metabolism to boosting immunity and mental clarity, my Olive Mush Chai is a drink that provides a wealth of goodness. By using Olive Mush from Olive Tree People as my chai mix, I have introduced an extra layer of healthy fats, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory properties that enhance both the flavor and nutritional profile of my drink.  Plus it taste just like the masala chai, but without the caffeine content!

Try this innovative twist on traditional chai masala tea, and discover how Olive Mush can elevate your tea experience, making your mornings a little more simple, and turning your cup of chai into a truly nourishing and indulgent treat. I love how drinking chai spices can bring better health one sip at a time!

Want to read more about things I have mentioned in this post?  Check out these posts I think you’ll enjoy.

• Hydroxytyrosol–the new beauty molecule.
• Homemade Cashew Milk–easy dairy free option I love in my chai!

As always, thank you for following along!  If you want more recipes or healthy living ideas brought to your inbox, be sure to subscribe to my newsletter!  I would love for you to tag me @thehendsrudehome over on instagram if you try my simple chia recipe!  Cheers to healthy living!