Quick Summary

Elaichi tea is a rich, aromatic beverage prepared by infusing milk, tea, water, and cardamom. It is treated as a comfort and health drink in many Indian households.

Introduction

Do you know that green pod that resides in your spice drawer? The one that, when opened, yields a sweet, almost floral aroma?

This is cardamom, or as most Indians refer to it, an elaichi. If you haven’t put it in your tea yet, you are missing out on something good.

Elaichi tea is not popular solely because of its excellent taste, although that is part of it. Elaichi has been served in Indian households for generations as a remedy for everything from indigestion to sluggish mornings.

Unlike many old-school home remedies, this one works.

Let’s talk about how to make elaichi tea correctly and why you should keep this spice close at hand to add to your cup regularly.

What is Elaichi Tea & What Makes It Special?

You should know what you are working with before getting started. Elaichi tea is a sweet, healthy blend of black/milk tea with cardamom.

The natural oil from the spice creates an aromatic taste that aligns with the benefits of cardamom tea, making it ideal for slow, mindful moments.

Now what type of elaichi should you use? There are two major varieties, green and black. Green elaichi is the standard you would use in tea. They are lighter and sweeter compared to black elaichi.

A single elaichi pod contains small black seeds, which have essential oils such as cineole, limonene, and terpinene.

These oils are what give elaichi its flavor profile, and it’s one of the reasons why elaichi has always been associated with health.

Depending on how you want the flavor to come out, elaichi pods can be crushed and even ground.

But importantly, elaichi is not just about flavor. Elaichi has been used as a spice in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries because it is classified as a warming spice, which means it supports digestion, clears the respiratory passage, and sends a “mood-lifter” to take the edge off life for even a little while.

Pretty good resume for such a little pod!

The spice provides instant freshness, warmth, and comfort to the beverage. Being a healthy element itself, this spice builds on the taste and brings forth elaichi tea benefits.  
  

How to Make Elaichi Tea: The Classic Method

Two cups of Indian elaichi chai tea served with cardamom pods, cinnamon sticks, and black tea leaves on a wooden table

Alright, time to know how to make elaichi tea for real. Suppose you haven’t made elaichi tea before, not to worry.

Really, the approach is simpler than you think, and there’s still some forgiveness based on your taste.

What You’ll Need:

  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup milk 
  • 2 teaspoons loose black tea leaves
  • 2-3 green elaichi pods
  • 1-2 teaspoons sugar 

Steps:

  1. Start with a couple of elaichi pods. Smash them lightly with the side of a knife. A mortar and pestle can work too. You don’t need to grind them to a powder; you just want them open so that the little black seeds peek through. That’s where the true flavor is hiding.
  2. Pour cold water into the saucepan. Boil it on medium heat, crush the pods, and drop them into the boiling milk and simmer for a minute. You’ll notice the aroma lift, warm, almost floral. Now, put the tea leaves in. 
  3. Once it reaches a boil, lower the heat and keep it there for a few minutes; that brief simmer ensures the proper fusion of tea and cardamom. It matures into something you can actually sit and enjoy versus just gulping for the day.
  4. Pour in the milk and watch it closely because milk can boil over faster than you can say “milk,” and always when you look away. Turn the flame to low and let it simmer for another minute after it starts boiling.
  5. Taste and add sugar if you want. Some prefer just a touch, others a full spoonful or two. Stir well till it melts into the tea.
  6. Now, strain the tea into a cup. You can freely tweak it by adding a pinch of cinnamon or some grated ginger for more flavor. But truthfully, cardamom by itself does the job beautifully.

The Elaichi Tea Benefits You Will Actually Notice

It’s not just the taste people are vying for; it has numerous health benefits as well.

Let’s dive into the elaichi tea benefits:

1. Freshens Your Breath Naturally

In several cultures, you can chew an elaichi pod after enjoying your meal. This small tradition will keep your mouth fresh with its flavorful taste. 

You can still get that freshness without having to chew on the elaichi pods.

When you drink elaichi tea, you still get that fresh feeling, and you do not have to chew on anything. Your mouth feels cleaner, and you can keep fresher breath for some time.

2. Helps Digestion After Heavy Meals

Have you ever felt (uncomfortably) full after dinner? Elaichi is carminative, so it helps in releasing gas and reduces bloating.

It can stimulate digestive enzymes and regulate bile flow for better digestion. 

That is why there is a small dish of fennel seeds or elaichi after dinner at most Indian restaurants. A cup of elaichi tea after lunch, and your stomach is set, you have no qualms going to the toilet!

And it’s way more fun than taking an antacid.

3. Boosts Your Mood and Reduces Stress

Here’s something that might surprise you: elaichi has compounds that may work as antidepressants.

It may also help lower stress and anxiety, partly because it smells nice and partly due to its neurotransmitter effects.

There’s a reason why people usually long for this beverage to decompress and relax. The spice gives a soothing feeling, further showcasing the elaichi tea benefits. 

4. Eases Cold and Congestion

When you’re sick or congested, the natural oils in elaichi can act as a decongestant and help soothe the throat.
Toss in some ginger in the hot tea when you’re feeling sick, and it’s a soothing combination that seems to work magic.

5. May Help Regulate Blood Pressure

Several studies indicate that elaichi may have a beneficial impact on blood pressure, though this may derive from it being a mild diuretic or simply the health benefits from its high amounts of antioxidants.

Either way, do not rely on tea for the treatment of hypertension, but there is no harm in adding elaichi to your regular diet. 

Tips to Make the Best Elaichi Tea 

If you want a cup of good elaichi tea, keep these tips in mind: 

  • You want to find pods that look bright green, feel a little firm, and are not dried out or shriveled. If they seem dull or limp, skip them.
  • Do not overdo it. Start with two pods, see how you like it, and adjust next time if you want.
     
  • Store your elaichi correctly. Keep the pods away from light and heat in an airtight container. That way, the flavor lasts a lot longer. And here’s a tip—grind elaichi only when you’re about to use it. Ground elaichi loses its punch pretty quickly.
  • Try different teas: While black tea is traditional, elaichi tea is also quite lovely and refreshing, made from green tea, as well as a decaffeinated alternative using rooibos.

Conclusion

So long story short, the process of learning how to make elaichi tea is fun and easy because once you’ve tried it, it’s going to be one of those things you’re going to wonder why you didn’t start doing earlier on.

It’s warm, fragrant, comforting, and full of health perks that really work.

Whether you’re slurping it right away, in the morning, as a post-heavy meal pick-me-up, or just because you need something cozy, elaichi tea has your back.

Also, it’s one of those minor rituals that makes your day a smidge better.

Try the premium range of tea blends of Halmari Tea and enjoy your evening with a cup of cardamom tea.

For that, crush those pods, and let the soft fragrance fill your kitchen, and enjoy a cup of something that’s been bringing comfort to people for centuries.