Winter mornings in India do not officially begin when that first cup of hot, steaming chai warms your palms and fogs up your spectacles. It’s more than just a drink; it's an everyday ritual, a mood-setter, and a tiny heater hidden as a cup. While adrak and elaichi usually steal the show, winter is the perfect time to upgrade the brew with something wonderfully bold but underrated- cloves. This tiny, sharp-spiced bud may look unassuming, but just by infusing one into your boiling chai, it transforms the entire experience.
Clove does not just add up to the heat, but also adds to the depth, a cosy cover, and that absolute winter comfort note you did not know your chai was missing. Plus, it also has natural warming and soothing properties, making it ideal for cold mornings and throat-tickling evenings. It is like turning your regular chai into a winter tonic that is stronger, warmer, and extremely comforting.
Clove Warms You From The Inside
Chai during the winter season hits differently, and when you add clove, it is the tiny powerhouse behind that pleasant warmth. Clove has eugenol, a natural warming compound that helps in blood circulation and keeps cold fingers and toes from turning numb. Clove gives chai a deep, spicy fragrance that feels like being covered in a woollen blanket. Add just 1 to 2 cloves when you're boiling water; adding too many will overpower the taste. Perfect for foggy mornings when the world feels slow, and you want a cosy start to your day.
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Helps Soothe Sore throat And Dry Cough
The moment the weather changes, itchy throats and dry coughs show up like uninvited guests. Clove has natural antimicrobial and analgesic properties that help in calming the irritation in the throat and reducing the inflammation. When infused in chai, it releases soothing, warm vapours that feel healing with every sip. To make it more relaxing, add a little ginger and honey, and the tea becomes a home remedy instead of regular chai. Perfect for cough attacks that occur at night, early morning colds or when you want comfort without going for medicine in the first place.
Also read: 7 Healthy Alternatives To Morning Chai
Helps In Digestion
Meals in winter unknowingly get heavy and rich with a variety of parathas, ghee-laden halwa, sarson ka saag, taste all yum, but also result in poor digestion sometimes. Clove produces digestive enzymes and helps in reducing gas and bloating, making chai not just tasty but a smart choice. A cup of chai with infused clove after breakfast feels like your stomach saying thank you. It perfectly balances the rich foods and prevents that post-meal laziness that makes you want to take a cosy nap by 11 AM. You get warmth, flavour and a digestive boost, all without having to do much. Just drop a clove, let it boil, sip and relax.
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Adds Depth And Aroma To Chai
Regular chai can be comforting, but chai infused with clove is a poetry, which is fragrant, bold and worth every sip. The flavour sits deep and spicy, making even the regular cup taste like sipping a hot cup of chai amidst the mountains. Adding just one clove, and every kitchen smells lively, just like winter mornings, woollen shawls and sunshine on the balcony. To make it more full of flavour, add some cardamom or cinnamon, and it becomes a beautiful winter mix.
Natural Immunity Support
Winter means everyone is either sniffling, sneezing or coughing. The antioxidant present in clove and its antibacterial nature help the body fight infections, making your everyday cup of tea an immunity booster instead of just comfort. Drinking clove chai regularly adds a gentle shield that does not work peacefully. Add some tulsi, black pepper or cinnamon to have a stronger winter chai blend. It’s a delicious way to support your body without using any extra supplements.
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