Monsoon is one of the most pleasurable seasons of the year. Just imagine: rain-laden clouds hovering in the sky and a piping hot cup of tea by your side – isn’t it the best combination ever? Tea is to the rainy season, what Shah Rukh is to Kajol in DDLJ (probably more important than that). Pardon the exaggeration, but we hope you got the point. Sipping on a hot cup of chai not just relaxes and warms one up, but it also helps us in improving our health.
Now, everyone has a special ingredient that they use, to give their monsoon tea aka barsaat ki chai, a unique twist. We asked seven people to share with us that one ingredient which makes their tea special during this season and why it is a part of their chai recipe.
“Black pepper is something that we add to our tea. But this is mainly for medicinal purposes during monsoon.” – Tarika Singh
Benefits: This spice is extensively used in tea to cure common cold and sore throat. It’s antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties make it a great medicinal spice. Black pepper also helps relieve sinusitis.
“I know it sounds weird. But, yes, we do put garlic in the tea, especially during monsoon. It does not contain milk but water, lemon, ginger, and garlic. One can also add honey as per their taste at the end.” – Shobha Verma
Benefits: Apart from being a natural antibiotic, garlic also reduces bad cholesterol and helps regulate blood pressure in those suffering from high BP (blood pressure). So, expect a happy heart after drinking this.
“We add elaichi (cardamom) to our tea throughout the year. But we enjoy it the most during monsoons.” – Meenakshi Pandya
Benefits: Of all the special tea ingredients, after ginger, this spice is one of the most common. Cardamom can help cure and prevent flu symptoms, improve blood circulation, neutralise dental bacteria and more.
“My dadi used to add tulsi (basil) to the tea during the rainy season and we all loved that flavour. It gives the drink a refreshing taste. She also told us that it had medicinal properties.” – Kanchan Shah
Benefits: Tulsi is one of the most readily available ingredients in Indian households. It is known for healing headache, cold and cough, fighting acne and preventing diabetes. It is also a rich source of Vitamin K.
“I prefer making milk tea with some lemongrass in it. The fragrance and the flavour it gives my beverage is something I crave during this season. Everyone should try it, it’s quite addictive.” – Smita Jain
Benefits: Lemongrass gives one’s tea a refreshing taste and fragrance. The ingredient is good for curing stomach ache, nausea, fever and even cough.
“We’ve been drinking tea with ginger in it since childhood. Not only does it give the beverage a kick but also helps in providing heat to the body.”- Sunila Kadam
Benefits: Ginger has multiple benefits. Right from fighting common cold to relieving nausea to improving blood circulation and digestion; it is an excellent medicinal spice.
“Adding a small piece of turmeric in the usual ginger tea that we make at home, is something that my mother taught me. I have been following it ever since. It keeps us away from many illnesses.” – Shakuntala Kadam
Benefits: Turmeric is full of antioxidants and boasts of anti-inflammatory properties. It also helps in digestion, improves brain function and lowers the risk of heart diseases. Adding turmeric to tea maximises its antioxidant power.
