Ginger Tea

Herbal and spice teas are considered as some of the earliest beverages created. Given the medicinal properties and the zesty flavor it provides, ginger remains a popular ingredient among the health conscious.

What is Ginger Tea?

Ginger tea is a traditional drink made by steeping fresh grated ginger in boiling water. There are various kinds of ginger tea made across the world. But in its simplest avatar ginger tea is nothing but a concoction of hot water and freshly grated or crushed ginger.

While ginger remains the key ingredient, various ingredients like lemon, oranges, sugar, palm sugar, milk, spices and herbs are also used in some versions.

Did you know that ginger is a close cousin of turmeric, galangal and cardamon? Ginger is more than a flavor enhancing culinary spice. It is a powerful antioxidant, and antifungal ingredient that enriches the body.

This aromatic spice with Southeast Asian roots was introduced in Europe around 800 AD. However, it has been featuring in Asian, Indian and African dishes and alternative and folk medicine for over 5000 years.

Ginger Tea Benefits

Ancient Ayurvedic writings mentioned ginger as an universal medicine for healing and improving the over all well-being. Indian households have consumed ginger tea from hundreds of years.

Caribbeans use it to cure many health issues including colic and constipation. The Burmese consider ginger an effective aid against flu while the Japan swear by its ability to boost blood circulation.

Here are some uses of consuming this tea:

• A hot cup of ginger tea is a great monsoon and winter drink. It keeps your body warm, builds immunity, keeps you away from cold, flu and cough & detoxifies the body.
• It works on the digestive system. Improves appetite, digestion and helps in better absorption of nutrients from the food we consume.
• The anti-inflammatory gingerol in this rhizome can cure headaches, provide relief from arthritis, and migraines and reduce high blood pressure.
• Ginger tea can prevent nausea and vomiting, especially from morning sickness during pregnancy. It can be comforting against menstrual cramps.
• It is a fat buster and helps in weight loss efforts too.

Ginger Tea Recipe

This 2 ingredient ginger tea recipe is simple to make but the benefits are immense. I have made this for my family for more than 20 years. And we love it not because it tastes delicious or pleasant but because it’s a healing drink and gives an instant relief from cold, seasonal flu & allergy symptoms.

If you are trying to fight cold, flu and cough or trying to find relief from arthritis make the basic version with ginger and water.

We also love this with lemon juice, honey, orange juice, calamansi juice or grapefruit juice. If you are a spice lover, then ground spices like cinnamon, star anise or even black pepper will add a zing to your tea.