The captivating history of theAltai Chai brew dates back to the roots of the Turkic people. This recipe, passed down from generation to generation, is a tribute to the wisdom and courage of the ancients, to their ability to take advantage of the treasures of a nevertheless hostile nature, in order to strengthen their body and remain valiant in all circumstances.
The name “Altai” comes from the Turko-Siberian language and means “golden mountains”. Altai stretches between Central Asia, Siberia and East Asia, encompassing parts of China, Kazakhstan, Mongolia and Russia. It is one of the most important mountain ranges in the world. Due to its geographical location and relief, the Altai Republic has a continental climate. Summers are short but hot, while winters are distinguished by their negative temperatures, sometimes freezing, reaching -55 °C.
Furthermore, its lush vegetation (in summer!) makes it the main supplier of medicinal herbs for the whole of Eurasia. Finally, its inhabitants, the Turks, migrated and were at the origin of numerous populations established in the highlands of Central Asia, extending further and further westward to contemporary Turkey, all by adopting Islam during their journey. Those who remained still retain deep ties to shamanism today. Indeed, the shamans of Altai were the first to explore the powers of the region's plants. They have always made great use of it to drug their patients, sometimes even leading them into trance states.
But apart from shamanic practices, it is all the Turkic people who knew and still know how to take advantage of the power of plants growing in their immediate environment. A Siberian proverb says: "if you can't find something to treat yourself within 15 meters of you, it's because you didn't look hard enough!".
Among them, Altai hunters have been consuming adaptogenic plants since time immemorial, in the form of infusions or decorations, in order to resist stress and to be able to hold on, in the intense cold, for 2 or 3 days sometimes, to the pursuit of a highly coveted prey.
Among these adaptogenic plants, let us mention in particular the root of rhodiola rosea, so famous that it is called "Golden root" in English. And of course also the maral root, which takes its name from the great deer Maral, whose strength is said to be due to consuming it abundantly.
We will have understood, ALTAÏ CHAÏ - or "Altai tea" - goes well beyond a simple comforting infusion. Through it, the traditions of Altai are given to us as a heritage, to offer us benefits that are completely useful to us too:
Overcoming Stressful Situations
One of the striking characteristics of Altai Chai is undoubtedly its ability to help overcome stressful situations. The adaptogenic plants present in this recipe act as true allies to strengthen the body's robustness in the face of external pressures and perceived tensions.
Regulation of General Mood
Altai Chai does not just reduce the manifestations of stress; it also acts as a regulator of general mood. Adaptogenic plants have a positive influence on emotional balance, promoting a more stable and peaceful mood.
USE :
In 1 liter of water brought to 90°C, infuse 2 tablespoons of the herbal mixture (using a paper filter for example, or using a teapot fitted with its metal filter, or even with a " french press"), lasting around ten minutes. Note that re-infusion is possible, by extending the infusion time the 2nd time. For those who want to try it, a decoction is even more effective.
The infusion thus prepared can ideally be transferred into a Thermos, in order to enjoy it throughout the day, because it is caffeine-free (however avoid after 6 p.m., for the most sensitive people).
Proceed in this way for a course of 2 or 3 weeks, each time the need arises.
In terms of taste, the presence of pieces of roots, berries and flowers provides woody, fruity and floral notes at the same time. Overall, we can say that ALTAÏ CHAÏ has a truly original artichoke taste.
Julia Ryabchenkova,
"Tea-Triber" for the peoples of Siberia
