Herbal Masala Tea: An Ayurvedic Spice Blend for Digestion and Wellbeing

Herbal tea masala is made from household spices we commonly add to tea: ginger, black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon and clove. ~Dr. Raghav Thukral

Masala tea is a traditional Indian beverage with many traditional health benefits. A cup a day can be a warming, digestion-friendly part of a healthy routine. Although there are many versions, the core spices stay the same, and you can adjust them to your taste and constitution.

What Each Spice Does

• Ginger: warms digestion, eases nausea and gas.
• Black pepper: stimulates digestion and improves the absorption of other nutrients.
• Cardamom: soothing for the stomach and freshens the breath.
• Cinnamon: warming; studied for its modest effects on blood sugar.
• Clove: warming and aromatic, traditionally used for digestion and sore throats.

How to Make Masala Tea

• Lightly crush 2 cloves, 2 cardamom pods and a small piece of cinnamon.
• Add them with a few slices of fresh ginger and 3–4 black peppercorns to 1½ cups of water.
• Simmer for 5 minutes, then let it steep for a few minutes.
• Add a little milk and black tea (or skip the tea for a caffeine-free spice brew) and bring to a boil.
• Strain and sip warm. Keep sugar to a minimum, or skip it.

To make a dry masala blend, grind equal parts dry ginger powder, black pepper, cardamom and cinnamon with a few cloves, and store it in an airtight jar. Use a quarter teaspoon per cup.

What About Weight Loss and Hormones?

A spiced tea without sugar can replace sweetened drinks and support digestion — both helpful when you are managing weight or hormonal conditions such as PMOS (formerly PCOS). But no tea melts fat or balances hormones on its own. Lasting results come from your overall diet, activity, sleep and stress management.

Who Should Take Care

These spices are warming. If you have acidity, ulcers or a strong Pitta constitution, use less ginger, pepper and clove, and avoid drinking it on an empty stomach. If you take blood thinners or diabetes medicines, keep amounts to culinary levels.