Is Indian tea anti-inflammatory? Unpacking the benefits

December 17, 2025 •

3 min read

According to a 2021 study, the curcumin found in turmeric, a key ingredient in many Indian teas, can significantly reduce inflammatory markers like CRP. But does all Indian tea have anti-inflammatory properties? The answer lies in the specific blends, particularly those rich in spices, which contribute powerful antioxidant and inflammation-fighting compounds.

Quick Summary

This article examines the anti-inflammatory potential of various Indian teas, from spice-rich masala chai to green tea. It explores the active compounds in common ingredients like turmeric, ginger, and black tea that reduce inflammation and discusses how these traditional brews support overall health.

Key Points

Masala Chai Spices: The combination of turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves in masala chai creates a powerful anti-inflammatory effect.
Turmeric's Curcumin: Turmeric contains curcumin, an active compound with significant anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.
Black Pepper's Role: Adding black pepper to turmeric-based teas, like masala chai, dramatically increases the body's absorption of curcumin.
Tea Leaf Antioxidants: Both Indian green and black tea contain polyphenols and catechins that reduce oxidative stress and inflammation.
Ayurvedic Blends: Traditional Ayurvedic teas like Golden Milk and CCF tea use a holistic combination of herbs to soothe inflammation and aid digestion.
Holistic Benefits: The benefits extend beyond inflammation, with many Indian teas supporting digestion, immunity, and overall metabolic health.

The Anti-Inflammatory Power of Masala Chai

Masala chai is perhaps the most famous Indian tea blend, and its anti-inflammatory benefits come directly from its robust spice mixture. The synergistic effect of these spices, steeped together with black tea, creates a potent brew known for its healing properties.

Key Anti-Inflammatory Spices in Masala Chai

Turmeric (Haldi): The star anti-inflammatory agent, containing the active compound curcumin, which is renowned for its ability to reduce pain and inflammation. The addition of black pepper to chai significantly enhances the bioavailability of curcumin, making it more effective.
Ginger (Adrak): This zesty spice contains gingerols and shogaols, which inhibit pro-inflammatory chemicals in the body. Ginger is a natural remedy for joint pain, nausea, and general inflammation.
Cinnamon (Dalchini): Rich in cinnamaldehyde, cinnamon has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that help balance blood sugar and reduce inflammation.
Cloves (Laung): Containing the powerful compound eugenol, cloves are highly effective anti-inflammatory agents with high antioxidant capacity.
Cardamom (Elaichi): Possesses impressive anti-inflammatory effects and aids in reducing several inflammatory markers.

Green and Black Tea: The Base for Anti-Inflammatory Benefits

While the spices in masala chai provide a concentrated anti-inflammatory effect, the base tea leaves themselves (from the Camellia sinensis plant) also contribute significant benefits.

Green Tea's Potent Catechins

Indian green tea is minimally processed, preserving its high concentration of polyphenols and catechins, especially epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). These antioxidants help reduce oxidative stress and lower inflammatory cytokines. Daily consumption of Indian green tea can support a healthy immune system and combat chronic inflammation.

Black Tea and Theaflavins

Studies show that Indian black tea also has significant anti-inflammatory effects. Its polyphenols, specifically theaflavins, can inhibit inflammatory mediators. Research on Indian black tea (Sikkim variety) has demonstrated its inhibitory activity against various types of inflammation.

The Ayurvedic Perspective: Holistic Anti-Inflammatory Blends

Beyond just a beverage, many Indian tea preparations are rooted in Ayurvedic principles, designed to balance the body and soothe inflammation. Preparations like Golden Milk and CCF (Cumin, Coriander, Fennel) tea are prime examples.

Comparison of Common Indian Anti-Inflammatory Teas


Tea Type	Key Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients	Benefits	Best For...
Masala Chai	Turmeric, Ginger, Cinnamon, Clove, Cardamom	Pain and swelling relief, improved digestion, boosted immunity	Joint pain, arthritis, cold/flu symptoms
Golden Milk	Turmeric, Ginger, Cinnamon	Reduced chronic inflammation, joint pain, brain health	Chronic diseases, arthritis, boosting immunity
Green Tea	Catechins (EGCG), Polyphenols	Lowering oxidative stress, gut health, weight management	Skin health, overall inflammation, brain function
CCF Tea	Cumin, Coriander, Fennel	Digestive comfort, relieving bloating, soothing inflammation	Gut health, bloating, improving nutrient absorption
Tulsi Tea	Holy Basil	Stress-induced inflammation, respiratory issues, immunity	Stress relief, respiratory ailments, regulating blood sugar

How to Incorporate Anti-Inflammatory Indian Teas

There are numerous ways to enjoy these beneficial brews. For a simple and soothing cup, a loose-leaf Indian green tea can be steeped for 3-5 minutes. To make masala chai, simmer a mix of spices (ginger, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon) with black tea and milk. For Golden Milk, combine turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, and black pepper with a milk of your choice. These additions not only enhance flavor but also maximize the anti-inflammatory effects through synergistic actions.

For a deeper dive into the science behind traditional spices, consider exploring the research published by the National Institutes of Health, such as the paper on turmeric's benefits.

Conclusion: A Traditional Remedy Backed by Science

Yes, many Indian tea preparations are highly anti-inflammatory, primarily due to the potent spices and antioxidant-rich tea leaves they contain. While the base black or green tea provides its own set of polyphenols, the addition of ingredients like turmeric, ginger, and cloves elevates these beverages into powerful, natural remedies. Incorporating these traditional teas into a daily routine can offer significant benefits for combating inflammation, improving digestion, and boosting overall well-being. By understanding the specific ingredients and their effects, you can choose the right Indian tea to support your health goals.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Masala chai's anti-inflammatory properties come from its spice blend, which typically includes ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and black pepper. Each of these spices contains bioactive compounds that help fight inflammation.

Indian green tea is rich in polyphenols, particularly a catechin called EGCG. EGCG is a powerful antioxidant that helps neutralize free radicals and reduce pro-inflammatory chemicals in the body.

Yes, Indian black tea contains polyphenols called theaflavins, which have been shown to inhibit inflammatory responses. Research on certain varieties of Indian black tea has confirmed its significant anti-inflammatory effects.

Black pepper contains piperine, a compound that greatly enhances the absorption of curcumin from turmeric. This makes the anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin far more effective when combined with black pepper.

Golden Milk is a traditional Indian beverage made with turmeric, ginger, and other spices warmed in milk. Its strong anti-inflammatory properties come from curcumin and gingerols, which help reduce inflammation and joint pain.

Yes, ingredients common in Indian teas, such as turmeric and ginger, have been studied for their potential to alleviate symptoms of arthritis, including joint pain and stiffness, by reducing inflammation.

Yes, herbal preparations like Tulsi (Holy Basil) tea and CCF (Cumin, Coriander, Fennel) tea are known for their anti-inflammatory effects. Tulsi helps with stress-related inflammation, while CCF tea supports digestive health and reduces inflammation.