Herbal Chai (Tea) - cooking recipe

Ingredients

3 1/2 cups cold water
2 teaspoons fennel seeds
2 green cardamom pods
1/2 inch cinnamon stick
2 peppercorns
2 cloves
1/2 inch ginger
1 tablespoon fresh mint leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried leaves)
6 -8 leaves sacred basil (Tulsi)
Seasonings
honey or sugar
milk (to taste)

Preparation

Crush all the herbs and spices coarsely.
Boil the water with the herbs.
(Put 3/4 teaspoon herbs for 1 cup water.) Simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, covered.
Strain; serve hot with milk and honey (or sugar) to taste.
Variation: Let the tea cool down.
Add honey (or sugar) to taste and serve cold on ice, garnished with thin lemon slices.