Ashwagandha Chai: A Functional Tea We Need Right Now

Unless you’re big into herbal teas and remedies, you may not have heard much about the benefits of Ashwagandha, Rhodiola, Chaga mushrooms, and Maca. What these herbs have in common is that they’re in a class of botanicals known as primary adaptogens [1]. Alongside green tea (which also has adaptogenic characteristics) they’re helping to take functional teas to a new level, one which fits our high-stress lifestyles right now. 

Adaptogens are stress busters. First classified in the mid-20th century by a soviet scientist researching ways to minimize the stress response in active combat aviators, help manage both stress and hormone balance. The balancing response of adaptogens is non-specific, that is to say, they help bring the body back to center, regardless of which direction the source of the stressor came from [2]. Both men and women are realizing that emotional energy directly impacts physical energy and health. Solutions for stress relief and hormone balance are in high demand for many demographics, from athletes and busy urban professionals to the elderly.

We set the goal to create a powerhouse ashwagandha herbal chai - 100% organic adaptogenic herbs, and free of caffeine and any flavors, fruits or florals. The result of the year-long development process behind this herbal chai is simple in name only. “Adaptogenic Chai” contains Roasted Dandelion root, Chaga mushroom, Ashwagandha, Rhodiola, Cardamom Seeds, Cinnamon, Slippery Elm, Cascara Shells, Ginger, Raw Cacao Nibs, Cloves and Maca. 

This complex blend of twelve adaptogens is both amazingly delicious and fantastically grounding. (I can tout it this way because I’m not the developer!) Its aroma is honeyed and spicy. The flavor is grounding, sweet, and well-rounded, yet earthy. Its sweet peppery notes are reminiscent of a gingersnap cookie. There’s a slight underlying smokiness coated with notes of maple syrup. Most importantly, this adaptogenic herbal tea is formulated with the goal of helping you find your center, whatever the circumstances. 

Below are some of the traditional uses for each of the twelve elements of Adaptogenic Chai:

Roasted Dandelion Root: Rich in Vitamin A, dandelion is commonly used to stimulate digestion and in support of the body’s natural detoxification and anti-inflammation processes. [3]

Chaga mushrooms: Rich in fiber and nutrients including melanin and Vitamin D, Chaga has historically been used to support a healthy immune system. [4]

Ashwagandha: An important herb known for promoting vitality in traditional Ayurveda. Though caffeine-free, it is commonly used as an energy, cognition, and mood booster. [5]

Rhodiola: One of the strongest adaptogens, traditionally used in nordic and Russian folk medicine to ward off fatigue and improve mood and cognitive performance. [6]

Cardamom Seeds: Used for centuries in Ayurveda to improve mood, promote relaxation, as well as to support digestion and respiratory health.   

Cinnamon: Antioxidant-rich and traditionally used to support balancing blood sugar levels. [7]

Slippery Elm: A mucous-promoting herb, it has been traditionally used as a throat soother, and to promote healthy bowel tissue.  

Cascara Shells: A powerful natural source of antioxidants, these berry shells increase perceived energy and may promote a healthy brain, memory, and mood. 

Ginger: Traditionally used to support digestion and relieve symptoms of nausea. [8]

Raw Cacao Nibs: Rich in antioxidants and flavonoids, they may help stimulate the brain, alertness, and promote an improved sense of well-being.

Cloves: In Chinese and Ayurvedic traditional medicine, clove was used as an aphrodisiac, as well as to improve oral health and breath.

Maca: Sought after for is reputed libido, fertility, mood, and memory-boosting effects. Scientific research on this herb from the Peruvian highlands has focused on its efficacy in supporting sexual function and as a promising adaptogen in mitigating the effects of UV radiation and osteoarthritis. [9]

REFERENCES:

[1] Lian-ying Liao, et al. A preliminary review of studies on adaptogens: comparison of their bioactivity in TCM with that of ginseng-like herbs used worldwide. Chinese Medicine  2018; 13: 57.

[2] Brehkman and Dardymov, New Substances of Plant Origin which Increase Nonspecific Resistance. Annual Review of Pharmacology Vol. 9:419-430 (Volume publication date April 1969

[3] He W, Han H, Wang W, Gao B. Anti-influenza virus effect of aqueous extracts from dandelion. Virol J. 2011;8:538. Published 2011 Dec 14.

[4] Kim YR. Immunomodulatory Activity of the Water Extract from Medicinal Mushroom Inonotus obliquus. Mycobiology. 2005;33(3):158–162.

[5] Singh N, Bhalla M, de Jager P, Gilca M. An overview on ashwagandha: a Rasayana (rejuvenator) of Ayurveda. Afr J Tradit Complement Altern Med. 2011;8(5 Suppl):208–213.

[6] Li, Y., Pham, V., Bui, M. et al. Rhodiola rosea L.: an Herb with Anti-Stress, Anti-Aging, and Immunostimulating Properties for Cancer Chemoprevention. Curr Pharmacol Rep 3, 384–395 (2017).

[7] Qin B, Panickar KS, Anderson RA. Cinnamon: potential role in the prevention of insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes. J Diabetes Sci Technol. 2010;4(3):685–693.

[8] Nikkhah Bodagh M, Maleki I, Hekmatdoost A. Ginger in gastrointestinal disorders: A systematic review of clinical trials. Food Sci Nutr. 2018;7(1):96–108. Published 2018 Nov 5.

[9] Gonzales GF. Ethnobiology and Ethnopharmacology of Lepidium meyenii (Maca), a Plant from the Peruvian Highlands. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2012;2012:193496.