Chai's roots come from the 5,000 year old Indian Science of Ayurveda, healing with food. You'll find that the ingredients in Chai are used to promote healing and strengthen various parts of the body. Cinnamon strengthens the blood and teeth. Ceylon Cinnamon is soft and light tan colored. Hard, red-brown cinnamon is actually Cassia Bark. Has a real strong flavor. Use what is available to you and adjust the recipe accordingly. Black Pepper stimulates digestion, brings heat, circulation, breaks a sweat, breaks down calcium deposits. Cloves stimulate the appetite. Cardamom opens the nerves, helps digestion. Ginger strengthens the nerves, circulation. Tea catalyzes the spices. Opens the lungs,circulation, anti-oxidant. Lots of new research! Milk helps buffer the digestive tract from the spices and relax the muscle system.