Chai, a word synonymous with tea here in the United States, is something I grew up watching my mother drink every morning. Whether she was brewing it herself after waking up early to get us kids ready for school, making my father’s coffee for his morning commute, crafting her own version of chai to match her mood, or indulging in a barista-made version from Starbucks, courtesy of my father’s little coffee runs, she never complained. Well, perhaps only when there was a hint of coffee essence left in her morning chai from making my father’s.

One thing I’ve memorized for a long time and can confidently do is her order from Starbucks, which I’ve memorized since I was nine when I would accompany her on secret shopping trips and Barnes and Noble adventures. And if you are wondering about her order, well it is a Venti Chai Tea Latte Non-fat Extra Hot. It is a very simple order to some but to my nine-year-old mind, it felt like I was casting a spell or reciting the longest line in a play. Her order is so much more than just an order it’s something I can rely on to use when she is sick, sad, happy, working hard, at peace, or just needs a little comfort in her day to make her day just a little brighter. No matter how she enjoyed it, chai always brightened her day a little.

I’ll admit, I never liked chai before. I’ve tried it countless times in various forms, yet it never appealed to me… until recently. I discovered a version that my mother might not appreciate, but it has sparked a newfound obsession and opened the door to my love for chai. My recommendation? The Starbucks Iced Apple Crisp Non-Dairy Cream Chai. It’s refreshing, calming, and truly serendipity in a cup.

I began to reflect on what chai could truly mean. I wondered if there was a deeper significance behind it, or if there were any health benefits to drinking it.

Let’s start with my first venture on the internet. Does Chai Tea have any health benefits? Well, according to Health Line, “Chai tea is a fragrant, spicy tea that may help boost heart health, reduce blood sugar levels, aid digestion, and help with weight loss.” With that said it is also scientifically proven that these health benefits are accurate. So, to answer my own question and maybe some others, yes, it does in fact have a few health benefits some of which are pretty appealing to this writer.

I am not sure about anyone else but the art of reading tea leaves has always captivated my mind. Something you might’ve not known is that reading tea leaves is called Tasseography. What is Tasseography truly though? An article from Harney & Sons Master Tea Blenders states, “Tasseography is a method of fortune-telling or divination that utilizes tea leaves in your cup to provide information about your life”. Ultimately, by reading the patterns left in your cup after drinking your tea you can try and understand what they symbolize and it could give you insight into your life. I personally have not yet tried nor have had my tea leaves read but trust me I would love to have it done.

The last of my findings came from Cai Ghai, who stated, “Chai helps to break these down and further offers a myriad of health benefits, not only physically and mentally, but on a holistic level as well, opening up the seven chakras.” With further research, I was able to find out that the seven chakras are energy centers in our bodies that are believed to run along our spines from the be to the crown of our heads.

In exploring the rich tapestry of chai, from its comforting presence in my mother’s morning routine to its newfound allure for me, I’ve discovered not only a delightful beverage but also a gateway into a world of health benefits and cultural significance that resonates deeply, reminding us that sometimes, a simple cup of tea can hold more meaning than we ever imagined.