Genmaicha Chai Tea - flavored green loose tea

Uses

Serving Suggestion

Genmaicha Chai tea has an excellent light character, due to its green tea base and sweet spices.  It is best enjoyed with an equally light snack, such as a cup of yogurt (perhaps with added peaches, or a drizzle or honey).  Another idea might be some rice crackers with a bit of butter or hummus, or perhaps sweet crispy-rice treats, to bring out the toasted-rice flavor of the tea.

Physical Uses

This tea contains a tummy-soothing blend of green tea, popped rice, and ginger.  Add a little honey and sip it slowly to alleviate nausea.

There are several other potential benefits associated with this tea.  For example, the green tea itself contains antioxidants called catechins, which may help reduce the risk of heart disease and certain kinds of cancer.  In addition, the caffeine content is lower than that in black tea, so it may help improve mental focus without causing the jitters or anxiousness that sometimes occur with higher caffeine amounts.

Furthermore, the other ingredients have health benefits.  First, ginger has anti-inflammatory properties, in addition to the anti-nausea property listed above.  Second, herbalists are familiar with cinnamon’s ability to regulate blood sugar levels (although it requires a great deal to show any effect).  Cinnamon may also have a positive impact on heart health.  Third, Ayurvedic medicine utilizes cardamom to aid digestion and freshen breath.  Next, black and white pepper possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.  Fourth, clove has pain-relieving properties when applied topically (to the skin).  And like cardamon, clove helps to freshen breath.  Lastly, traditional practitioners have used nutmeg for centuries to improve digestion, relieve pain, and lift mood.

Therefore, sipping this tea every day may help relieve pain, inflammation, and bad breath, as well as ease stomach problems.

Metaphysical Uses

Many cultures around the world associate rice with prosperity (and food! which means the same thing).  In addition, green tea symbolizes wealth and prosperity, so the two together are a great symbol of prosperity.  To use this symbolism in your meditation or ritual, simply place some of this unbrewed tea in a sachet/baggie and carry it with you.  Alternatively, brew this tea and sip it, letting the steam carry your whispered wishes to the Powers That Be (by whatever name you call them).

Furthermore, the other herbs and spices in this tea have metaphysical associations.  Traditional practitioners often use ginger for protection and to ward off negative energy.  They also associate ginger with fertility and male virility, due to its large, prominent root-shape.  Next, practitioners believe cinnamon to be an element that brings prosperity, good luck, and protection.   Also, some say cardamom has the power to clear negative energy, and can be used to attract love and promote friendship.   Next, black pepper can be a powerful protective herb.   Pepper appears in many spells and rituals for breaking curses and hexes.   Next, clove has protective properties; numerous rituals employ it to ward off evil spirits.   Lastly, nutmeg is a powerful herb for divination, and appears in many spells related to psychic sight and clairvoyance.

Therefore, this tea would be a powerful stimulant to sip before or during any ritual or work that involves protection, cleansing, or increasing psychic/magick abilities.