Doesn't chai tea have caffeine? I am looking for help, so I am truly interested. I can't have any caffeine :(

Many of the store-bought chai teas have a black tea base and therefore contain caffeine, but my homemade version does not. Often I combine it with Cafix, the caffeine-free coffee substitute. It's a nice combination. Again, with lots of milk.

Rob, I just realized why you asked that. The recipe in the link says to use 4 tsp. of chai tea, but they mean 4 tsp. of the spice mix. I was confused at first when I read it.

Susan, that spice combination sounds lovely. I may have to try it tonight.

oh! yes, I did. Sow what is your base?

Rhizo, if you try it let me know how you like it.

Rob, I've made it by itself--a spoonful of the spice mixture in boiling water, then adding milk--and I've used half the amount of spice mixture plus some Cafix powder in boiling water, then adding milk. I guess you could call the Cafix a base, but the tea made with just the spices is good too.

Alisande!

I loved the spice mix! I tweaked it a bit, but not much....less cayenne for me, and I may use less of the tumeric next time. I used it in almond milk last night and in black tea+almond milk this morning.

Those spices have big health benefits, as I am sure that you know. And doesn't it smell soooo good?

Susan, could you please post the recipe for your concoction in detail. I've never had Chai, and never use turmeric, so I'm unfamiliar with any reference as to amounts. I have terrible sleep problems, had a sleep study but was diagnosed with mild sleep apnea only, no CPAP was ordered. Anything that would help me get a better nite's sleep would be great.

Rhizo, I'm glad you liked it! I didn't use cayenne at all, but I used the full amount of turmeric (yeah, it's a lot) because I want the turmeric benefits. I tried drinking it about 90 minutes before bed last night, and it didn't have much of an effect. I think I'll try drinking it earlier in the evening.

Mare, the recipe is at the link I posted in my first message. I made up the spice mix and keep it in a glass jar. Later in the recipe when it says to use "chai tea," they're referring to this spice mix.

I made it without cayenne--I don't know if cayenne affects sleep either way, but you might want to start by leaving it out. I'm sorry your sleep problems are bad. That is no fun. I assume you've done all the usual things like eliminating caffeine (even in chocolate), etc. If you Google turmeric sleep or cardamom sleep, you'll find some interesting info on using these spices in conjunction with milk (any kind) to promote sleep. I hope this will help you.

Wish I'd thought of this last night, as I lie there awake, trying to figure out what I'd done wrong this time. ugh. Not sleeping is irritating.

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-6873/25-Reasons-Why-Turmeric-Can-Heal-You.html

Yum, I'm going to try it with almond milk as a night cap. I think I have all the ingredients. Thanks, Alisande!

Nice to know.

I plan on trying this also and will print it off to give to my neighbor who is having difficulty in getting to sleep. She says she only has one good night a week so hope this helps her!! Thanks!

Thanks Susan. Duh!! Just skimmed right over the link when it was right there under my nose. One of the effects of having sleep issues I guess.

Susan, I meant to tell you earlier that I adore your photograph.

Thank you, Rhizo! My cousin Barbara and I were born one month apart. We live in different states, but we're very close. She's an artist, a widow like me, and has a 2-year-old granddaughter who looks just like her. :-)