Considering the many healing properties of ginger, it’s least surprising why ginger tea is one of the most popular beverages globally. Since ancient times ginger root has been used in hot decoctions as a treatment for cold and cough. Aside from being popularly used in cuisine, ginger is also consumed raw in several Asian countries for its medicinal properties and health benefits. Hot tea decoctions that contain ginger juice are popular in the Middle East, China, India and Pakistan. Some of the oldest ginger tea recipes originate from China. In ancient China tea made from ginger root and cinnamon was
used as a cure for respiratory illnesses. Ginger tea is a complete health drink because it is rich in minerals and vitamins. Ginger root is a rich source potassium, calcium, zinc, magnesium, and copper, which are an essential part of a healthy diet. Keep in mind when you consume little ginger tea daily, you’re consuming an elixir for good health.Health benefits of Ginger Tea
Ginger tea for pain and inflammation
Ginger tea is an excellent remedy for pain and inflammation. If you want to get rid of body pain caused by physical exertion. Persons that have back pain or neck pain should consume tea with ginger extracts. Ginger has natural antiseptic properties that provide quick relief. Ginger tea is known to provide relief from muscular strain, sprains, migraines and headaches. Body stiffness caused by strenuous workouts or any other strenuous activity can be relieved with ginger tea. Isozymes, Cyclooxygenase 1 and Cyclooxygenase 2 inhibited in gingerols activate chemicals that are known to reduce inflammation. This beverage is also a effective remedy for arthritis, especially with connecting tissues around the bone.
Ginger tea for mental fatigue and stress
After a tiring day there’s nothing more refreshing than ginger tea. Sipping on a hot ginger decoction reduces mental fatigue. It has a rejuvenating effect. Individuals that are exposed to high levels of stress should make it a point to drink ginger tea. This beverage calms the mind and slows down the pace of rapid thoughts when stressed.
Ginger tea for sperm fertility
Ginger is believed to be a natural aphrodisiac. It is consumed in many cultures to boost libido and improve sperm fertility. Since ancient times ginger root has been consumed to enhance sexual performance. Ancient Greek and Roman soldiers returning from war sipped on a broth made from ginger before going to bed with their partners. Do like the Romans do…now you know why. Research reveals the men consuming ginger tea on a regular basis has a healthy sperm count. Studies further reveal men suffering from erectile dysfunction have shown a significant improvement after daily consumption of ginger tea.
Ginger tea for morning sickness and motion sickness
Ginger tea is an excellent home remedy for morning sickness. Just a few sips of this beverage is enough to get rid of early morning nausea. Similarly, if you get the travel blues while travelling long distances, a great way to keep motion sickness at bay is by having a cup of ginger tea. This beverage helps get rid of nausea and dispels vomiting sensation while traveling. Pregnant women should consume ginger tea in consultation with their doctor to drive away morning sickness at various stages of pregnancy.
Ginger tea for cardiovascular health
A healthy heart is the key to happiness. Ginger tea promotes healthy cardiovascular activity. It helps keep LDL (bad cholesterol) at bay and boosts HDL good cholesterol. Ginger has antioxidants and flavonoids essential for healthy cardiovascular activity. Regular consumption of ginger tea in accordance with a healthy diet minimizes the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Amino acids and minerals present in ginger root help boost RBC (Red Blood Cells) circulation related to hemoglobin. Ginger tea has thermogenic that facilitate enhanced blood circulation, thereby reducing the chances of clogged arteries.
Ginger tea for better immunity
A lot of people around the world have started drinking ginger tea because of it ability to strengthen immunity. When a person’s immune system gets weak the risk of primary and secondary infections is high. Flavnoids and antioxidants present in ginger play a vital role in strengthening the immune system.
Ginger tea for viral and bacterial infections
Ginger tea is a miracle beverage that keeps bacterial infections and viral infections at bay. This beverage is an excellent home remedy for individuals that have a cold, cough, or sore throat. A hot cup of ginger tea has a soothing effect on the throat and loosens phlegm in persons that have chest congestion. Persons suffering from herpes should drink a cup of ginger tea daily for fast healing. Also, individuals that suffer from yeast infections should include ginger tea in their diet.
Ginger tea for digestive disorders
In several Asian cultures ginger tea is consumed to cure digestive disorders. The presence of active ingredients gingerols and shogoals are known to soothe muscles around the stomach. This is done by acid subverting in the stomach. This process regulates proper flow of digestive juices thereby ensuring optimal food absorption. Ginger tea helps treat conditions such as belching, indigestion, bloating, stomach ache, diarrhea, and flatulence.
Ginger tea for menstrual cramps
In several Asian cultures ginger tea that contains a mix of herbs and spices is used to treat menstrual cramps. Ginger tea is also used as a hot compress by women suffering from menstrual cramps. A towel soaked in hot ginger tea is placed on the lower back or stomach. This process helps muscles relax and provides significant relief from cramps during menstruation.
Ginger for prevention of cancer
Studies and research around the world ginger has the potential to prevent spread of cancerous cells. Through research it has been established that ginger can prevent cancer and stop the spread of cancer cells. Although research on ginger in regard with prevention of cancer is in its early stages, several studies have found the use of ginger to be effective in preventing ovarian cell cancer.
Other health benefits of ginger tea
- Ginger tea is an excellent beverage to have while experiencing allergic conditions.
- A hot cup of ginger tea is an excellent remedy for hangovers.
- Consumption of this beverage has helped diabetic nephropathy significantly.
- Ginger tea stimulates appetite.
- Ginger has natural antiseptic properties that get rid of germs. To get rid of bad breath gargle 1/2 cup of warm ginger tea in the morning and before going to sleep.
- Athlete’s foot sufferers can use ginger to get rid of itchy sensation and burning sensation by placing legs in a warm ginger decoction. Ginger has anti-fungal properties that help pain in Athletes foot.
Medicinal properties of Ginger tea
Ginger root is a excellent source of minerals and vitamins. Antioxidants and flavonoids play a vital role in keeping harmful free radicals at bay. Health benefits associated with ginger tea make it a popular beverage around the world. Given below is a list of medicinal properties associated with ginger tea.
- Known to be an excellent circulatory stimulant
- Has anti-inflammatory properties
- Is known to be anti-spasmodic
- Has ant-bacterial properties
- Has antiviral properties
- Increases perspiration
- Is an analgesic
- Is antitussive
- Helps relax peripheral blood vessels
- Is anti-emetic
- Is an anti clotting agent
- Is hypotensive
- Is Expectorant
- Has antiseptic properties
- Has antifungal properties
Facts about ginger tea consumption
Although ginger has a range of health benefits, consuming too much of this beverage can trigger conditions such as belching, acidity, gerd, hiccups, heartburn, indigestion, restlessness and lack of sleep. Ginger tea should be had in moderation. If you are being treated for a specific health condition it is advisable to consult your doctor before you include this beverage in your diet. Although you can have ginger tea chilled, to reap its entire range of benefits of its best to have it hot.
Different types of Ginger tea- Exotic recipes that make you go hmmm
There are different types of ginger tea recipes. Experimenting with ingredients does help create unique decoctions. The use of herbs and spices in ginger tea is common in South East Asian countries. You can either add ginger juice or crushed ginger to make ginger
tea. While crushed ginger is strained after bringing the water to a boil, in many ginger tea variants, crushed ginger is left in the decoction for the flavors to soak in fully. The amount of ginger added should be in accordance with how strong you want your tea.Ginger-lemon tea
This is a refreshing tea at any time of day. It’s simple to make and leaves a fresh aftertaste. You can serve this tea hot or chilled. For this recipe you need
- Ginger (freshly grated) – 2 teaspoons
- Lemon- 1 medium/large
- Herbal tea- 3 teaspoons
- Jaggery- 3 teaspoons
- Water- 5 cups
Take water in a bowl and set to low flame. As the water comes to a boil add fresh grated ginger and squeeze the juice of lemon quickly after adding jaggery. As it simmers switch of the heat and herbal tea powder of leaves. Strain the tea and serve, If you want to serve this tea chilled, let it cool before being refrigerated. You can serve this with a topping of crushed ice.
Spice and herb Ginger tea
If exotic flavors are your thing, you will love this ginger tea. This tea recipe consists of a number of herbs and spices. This tea recipe has a spicy hot tone to it and brings out the flavor of ginger along with other ingredients. You can have this herbal tea throughout the year but it’s perfect during winters and the rainy season. For this recipe you need
- Water- 4 Cups
- Cinnamon Powder- A pinch
- Green Cardamom- 2 pods crushed
- Ginger- 2 teaspoons freshly grated
- Cloves- 3 crushed
- Darjeeling tea leaves- 8 teaspoons
- Honey- 3 teaspoons
- Mint- A few sprigs
Take 4 cups of water in a bowl and set it to medium flame. When the water reaches a boil add 2 pods of crushed cardamom followed by crushed cloves. As it simmers add 2 teaspoons of freshly grated ginger followed by mint leaves and Darjeeling tea leaves. Switch of the flame and add finally add two teaspoons of honey. Give the tea a light stir and its ready to be served. If you want the strong flavors of herbs and spices do not strain the ingredients while serving this tea.
Ginger Masala Tea (Adrak ki Chai)
This tea (chai) is popular in India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan. This is a masala chai with ginger is served in roadside tea stalls. It has an overpowering taste of ground spice and ginger. This tea contains milk and has a creamy texture to it. No matter what time of day, a cup of ginger masala tea is a mood elevator. It’s amazingly refreshing and has a yummy taste. For this tea recipe you will need
- Milk- 3 cups
- Green Cardamom- 3 pods crushed
- Ginger- 3 teaspoons freshly sliced or grated
- CTC black tea- 5 tea spoons
- Sugar- 7 teaspoons
- Water- 2 cups
Set water on medium flame. As it comes to a boil add 5 teaspoons of CTC black tea followed by ginger, cardamom and sugar. Warm up the milk on another flame and as the tea decoction just begins to simmer add that warm milk and heat on low flame. When you add milk gently stir to mix ingredients. As the masala tea comes to a boil switch off the flame. Strain tea before serving. This tea has a thick consistency because of milk that goes into its making.
Tangy Ginger pomegranate tea
If you want to sip on a divine decoction, it’s got to be tangy ginger pomegranate tea. This tea can be served hot or chilled depending on preference. It’s the combination of pomegranate juice and ginger that gives this tea its unique identity. For this recipe you will need
- Water- 3 cups
- Fresh Pomegranate Juice- 1 cup
- Herbal tea- 3 teaspoons
- Honey- 2 teaspoons
- Ginger- 2 teaspoons freshly grated
Keep the water on medium flame. As it begins to boil add ginger followed by honey and the herbal tea powder. As soon as it begins to simmer add 1 cup of fresh pomegranate juice and stir on low flame. After a while turn off the flame and strain the tea before serving. To serve chilled, cool the tea before it is refrigerated. You can serve this tea with a topping of crushed ice. It depends on preference; I love to squeeze a few drops of lemon on crushed ice. As it soaks in the tea the collision of tangy flavors against the powerful backdrop of ginger is to die for.
Ginger Chamomile tea
This refreshing tea calms the senses and is extremely refreshing. It’s a medicinal/herbal tea what does wonders to stress and anxiety. For this exotic energy boosting tea recipe you will need
- Water- 7 cups
- Chamomile tea- 4 tea bags
- Lemon- Juice of 1/2 a lemon
- Ginger- 1 teaspoon freshly grated
- Honey- 5 table spoons
- Orange peel- 3 strips
Take the water in a bowl and set on low flame. Add to it grated ginger, orange peel and honey. After a while when the water begins to reach a boil add lemon juice and stir gently to mix. Transfer the tea from the bowl to a tea kettle. Steep the chamomile tea bags in the hot concoction. After this strain the tea and serve. If you have chest congestion or a blocked cold add 1 throat lozenge when you are boiling the water to make this tea. The vapor released while sipping tea clears the nasal passage and loosens phlegm in case of chest congestion.