Immune-Building Astragalus Chai Ingredients

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) -  Ginger is a strong ally for various types of pain.  It relieves pain through anti-inflammatory actions and has been shown effective and safe at relieving arthritic pain.  Ginger can be used for many different complaints during an upper respiratory system infection including sore throat and congestion.   Ginger also has anti-bacterial properties.  Use of  ginger aides in digestion along with promoting heart health.

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum spp.)- Although we are most familiar with cinnamon as a culinary spice, it has a long list of medicinal attributes.  Its’ spicy, aromatic and sweet taste and warming attributes can ease digestive woes by increasing circulation and moving along stagnant digestion.  This makes it useful for indigestion, gas and cramping.  Cinnamon is a warming spice for chills, colds and diarrhea.  It can increase general circulation and has a strong antioxidant capacity thus decreases inflammation caused by oxidative stress.

Astragalus (Astragalus propinquus) - Astragalus is a sweet herb that is slightly warming.  It is renowned for its beneficial effects on the immune system.  It has been shown to reduce the occurrence of common respiratory illnesses, inhibit tumor growth, and bolster immune system activity in general.  Astragalus has also been shown to have antiviral activity.

Black Pepper (Piper nigrum) - Black pepper is spicy, acrid and drying.  It warms things up!  Black pepper supports healthy digestion.  Its’ warming and stimulating properties have a gentle stimulating and laxative effect.  It can be used for gastrointestinal infections and diarrhea.  Black peppers’ warming and stimulating characteristics make  it useful for a variety of cold and flu symptoms, especially those relating to coldness.  One of the most amazing properties of black pepper is its ability to increase the bioavailability of our herbs and foods.  That means by adding black pepper to our meals or herbal formulas, we will more fully digest and extract the nutrients and other constituents in what we eat or drink.

Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum)- Reishi- long heralded as the elixir of life.  It is well proven to prevent and combat immune system disorders.  It has the ability to help regenerate and protect the liver.  Reishis’ effects include: analgesic, antiallergenic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-tumor, antiviral, hypotensive, cardiotonic, relaxing nervine, expectorant and antitussive, adaptogen, hepatoprotective and immunomodulating.

Clove ( Syzygium aromaticum) - Clove is a warming, drying and penetrating spice.  It’s antiviral and antibacterial actions are helpful when combating upper respiratory infections.  The antispasmodic and anti asthmatic actions also found in clove can calm coughs, symptoms of asthma and bronchitis.

Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) - Cardamom has a long history of use in both food and in medicinal applications. It is a gentle spice that has been shown effective is soothing nervous digestive problems such as nausea.  Cardamom has been used for its antibacterial and antiviral  properties as well as a circulatory stimulant which can support the circulation and cardiovascular system.

‍