Nettle Chai Tea for the Weary

There's no other experience (besides being in labor, perhaps) that calls for insane amounts of energy and stamina like the entire process of moving.

This would be our third move in over three years, and this time, I knew what to expect.  Through the month of March, I set to work packing, armed with adequate rest, a daily dose of cod liver oil, and... nettle chai tea.

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That's right, move over coffee.  This move called for nettle-infused spiced tea.

Knowing my energy reserves would take a real hit, I snagged frequent rest breaks over sips of this stimulating and immune-boosting beverage.  I packed that house, and then cleaned it from top to bottom while running on this black fuel.

Even though the move is over and we've settled down again, I still drink nettle chai for all its benefits. Only now I take it "green."  Decaf green.  Here's what you'll need:

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Nettle Chai Tea

by the Nourishing Herbalist

Ingredients

• 6 cups filtered water
• 1 T. ginger, chopped
• 1 T. cardamom pods
• 2 T. cloves
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1/2 t. black peppercorns
• 2 black or green tea bags
• 3 T. dried nettle leaf
• 1 t. vanilla
• honey, preferably raw
• milk, preferably raw

Instructions

1. Bring ginger, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, peppercorns, and water to a gentle simmer on the stove.
2. Turn off the heat after 30 minutes and add tea bags, nettle, and vanilla.
3. Remove tea bags after 3-5 minutes, but continue to steep the tea for 5 more minutes before straining into mason jars and storing in the fridge.
4. When ready to serve, warm the desired amount with milk and honey (to taste). Enjoy!

Details

Prep time: 10 mins Cook time: 35 mins Total time: 45 mins Yield: 6 servings