Step 1

In a kettle pan or saucepan, add the water. Peel the ginger and then crush the ginger and cardamom in the mortar-pestle. This is important otherwise you won't get the flavor of ginger and cardamom in the tea.

Step 2

Add the crushed ginger and cardamoms to the water.

Step 3

Add the lemongrass in the water. I usually cut it into many pieces. So chop them and add to the water.

Step 4

Also, add the mint leaves and holy basil leaves to the tea.

Step 5

Boil this water and herb mixture for 7 to 8 minutes or till the color of the water changes to a mild yellowish hue. This change of color of the water will be due to the ginger releasing its juices and flavors in the water.

Step 6

Add sugar or your preferred sweetener and simmer for 1 to 2 minutes more. You can choose to omit the sugar if you prefer.

Step 7

Now, add the tea powder or tea bags and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes or till the water gets a deep hue of red. Tea powder or tea bags can be omitted to make a herbal tisane.

Step 8

Add milk. Simmer the tea for 2 to 3 minutes if you are using regular milk or soy milk. Skip the milk if you prefer.

Step 9

If you are using almond milk or cashew milk, then just stir the milk with tea and remove from the kettle. Heating further would cause the cashew or almond milk to become slimy and split.

Step 10

Strain the Herbal Tea through a strainer right into the cups.

Step 11

Serve the Herbal Chai hot as is or pair with snacks.