MicrobiYUM Chai

2 tablespoons loose leaf Earl Grey tea (or 3-4 Earl Grey tea bags)

4-5 green cardamom pods, lightly crushed

4-5 whole cloves

3 cinnamon sticks

1-inch piece of fresh ginger, thinly sliced or 2 tsp dry ginger

1 cup raw milk or milk of choice (almond milk, coconut milk, etc.)

1 cup spring water

1-2 tablespoons honey, maple syrup, or monk fruit sweetener (adjust to taste)

In a saucepan, combine the raw milk (or milk of choice), cardamom pods, cloves, cinnamon sticks, and ginger slices.

Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow it to simmer for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the spices to infuse into the milk.

Add the spring water to the saucepan and bring it to a boil.

Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to low and add the Earl Grey tea leaves or tea bags. Let it steep for 3-5 minutes, depending on how strong you prefer your tea.

Strain the chai mixture into your serving mugs, removing the spices and tea leaves.

Stir in honey, maple syrup, or monk fruit sweetener to taste. Adjust the sweetness according to your preference.

Optional: Garnish with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon on top or a cinnamon stick for an extra touch.

Ginger: The inclusion of fresh ginger has known anti-inflammatory and digestive properties. It may help soothe the digestive tract, alleviate nausea, and contribute to overall digestive well-being.

Cardamom: Cardamom has been associated with promoting digestive health. It may help relieve symptoms of indigestion, bloating, and gas, contributing to a more comfortable digestive experience.

Cloves: Cloves have antimicrobial properties and may aid in maintaining a healthy balance of gut bacteria. They are also traditionally used to address digestive issues like indigestion and bloating.

Cinnamon: Cinnamon has been studied for its potential to help regulate blood sugar levels, which can indirectly support gut health by contributing to overall metabolic balance.

Earl Grey Tea: Black tea, like Earl Grey, contains compounds such as polyphenols that may have prebiotic properties, promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.

Raw Milk: Raw milk contains probiotics and enzymes that support gut health.