Super Fertility Chai Tea
My n=1 experience + confounding variables
I’ve personally been drinking this Super Fertility Chai Tea blend since day 1 of my most recent cycle and I experienced a significant increase in cervical mucus production from 6 to 9 days (a major sign of fertility health)! Now I do have to disclose, this was also done concurrently with decreasing overall carbohydrate and sugar intake while focusing on eating seasonal carbs like berries and cherries on my and while doing a social media break (significantly less stress in the time of a pandemic!).
The Ingredients
The herb of “100 spouses”, Shatavari has been revered in Ayurvedic Medicine as a potent herb supporting both female and male hormones. Some doctors call it “the adaptogen of the ovaries”. An adaptogen is an herb that supports one’s ability to adapt to stress, something so many of us are constantly working to manage. Another adaptogen I use in this drink mix, is Ashwagandha. The Sanskrit word “ashwagandha” translates as “the smell of a horse,” (ashwa—horse, gandha—smell), which refers to its ability to bring you the strength and stamina of a horse while nourishing the female and male reproductive and nervous systems.
You can find the recipe for the masala chai powder I make below (listed after the Super Fertility Chai recipe) but if you want to minimize steps, I highly recommend the Blue Lotus Masala Chai. Alternatively you can make this a golden milk instead of a chai, you can find my recipe for Golden Milk here.
Glycine is an amino acid that is conditionally essential in pregnancy meaning that we can produce sufficient amounts to survive in a non-pregnant state, but that once pregnant, needs go up and we rely on the diet for intake. If you’re not consuming glycine-rich foods like bone-in, skin-on meats, feet, bones, bone broth, cartilage, collagen powder or other whole parts of the animal, it’s likely glycine may be an increased need. Glycine powder has the added characteristic of tasting sweet so it’s a fun way to support the body’s glycine stores while also adding some flavor to the beverage.
Supplements in recipe to order through Wellevate:
Shatavari powder (Bayan Botanicals)
Ashwagandha powder (Bayan Botanicals)
Glycine powder (Now)
Alternative to chai: Golden Milk (Gaia Herbs)
These herbs and supplements can be taken by capsule, but I much prefer enjoying the flavors in my foods when possible. Please consult a qualified health practitioner before consuming herbal supplements as there may be contraindications.
Super Fertility Chai
Shatavari and Ashwagandha are both considered potent adaptogens for the body and ovaries. Support hormonal balance with this adaptogenic chai!
Ingredients
3 tbsp shatavari powder
3 tbsp ashwagandha powder
2 tbsp chai powder (or golden milk powder)
2 tbsp glycine powder (optional, based on need or sweetener preference)
2 tbsp coconut milk powder or cream (optional)
Preparation
1. Mix everything into a jar
2. Heat water on stovetop and add a 1 tbsp serving of the herbal powder to hot water.
3. If using coconut milk powder or cream, add it now.
3. Simmer on low for 10+ minutes.
4. Enjoy a cup daily!
Masala Chai Powder
October 2019
The colder days of the season are really setting in and our bodies are seeking any source of heat. Did you know that what you eat can literally warm you up or cool you down? Chai tea contains spices that are naturally warming and enjoying a cuppa is just so cozy in the Fall!
I set out to create a recipe to mimic the Blue Lotus Masala Chai that my dad adores. Between the time I introduced him to it (about 4 years ago) and now, he's probably had at least 10 tins of it (each tin makes 100 cups, do the math ;) ). So I decided to save my parents some money and teach him how to make it himself. Though we need to find a way to make it into more of a powder, I'd say it's pretty similar. You can find the whole spices/herbs in the bulk bins at your local natural foods store or you can order them online at Mountain Rose Herbs.
Masala Chai Tea Powder
Ingredients
3 tbsp whole cloves
1/4 cup green cardamom pods
2 cinnamon sticks
1/4 cup dried ginger pieces
1 tsp nutmeg
3/4 cup cardamom black tea (you could also use plain black tea)
Preparation
Combine the cloves, cardamom, and cinnamon in a small pan and dry roast on a medium heat for 1 minute.
Transfer into a plate and set aside to cool completely.
Once cooled, add the toasted spices along with the dried ginger, grated nutmeg and blend in high-powered blender or spice grinder to a smooth powder.
Store the chai tea powder in an air-tight container. Use 1-2 tsp to make a 16 oz cup of tea using hot water, whole milk, or a non-dairy alternative.
