Remember in childhood, how your grandmother used to brew a cup of ginger tea whenever someone was under the weather?

After all, bestowed with several health benefits,  ginger tea¹ is considered a remedial tonic that can heal several ailments. You will hardly find any household where this remedial tonic has not been made.

However, the process of ginger tea also differs greatly among cultures.

Many ways can explain it, and it might get a little overwhelming if you are a beginner who just wishes to brew a hot cup for yourself or your family.

But do not worry! Stick to the article till the end as we share the easiest way to make ginger tea.

A. Benefits of ginger

Native to Asia, Ginger belongs to the Zingiberaceae family and is considered one of the healthiest spices that can be used daily.

Folk medicine even suggests that ginger may assist in soothing motion sickness and symptoms like dizziness, vomiting², cold sweats³, and mild cold⁴ and cough. Regular ginger consumption can also be against several heart ailments.

To encapsulate, some potential benefits of ginger are

• due to the presence of gingerol; ginger has been used for ages, and its benefits have been approved even in Indian Ayurveda⁵. It is used to fight flu and cold, nausea, headache, and vomiting
• ginger can treat morning sickness, especially during pregnancy.
• Ginger helps reduce weight and burns extra calories.
• Ginger can help fight osteoarthritis, which usually leads to the degradation of joints.
• Ginger can help to regulate blood flow in the body and thus reduce heart-related ailments.
• Ginger is very commonly used when it comes to treating chronic indigestion.
• Ginger with its medicinal and anti-inflammatory improves blood circulation. Ginger treats inflammation, relieves pain, and is a wonderful way of boosting overall health.

People who consume ginger daily are less likely to be prone to cough, flu, and viral fever.

B. Benefits of ginger tea

Ginger had traditionally been used for medical purposes. A warm cup of ginger tea can be your go-to beverage for non-caffeine lovers. It is a calorie-free drink that helps digestion, eases pains in the stomach, and can also help in reducing weight. It also helps women experiencing morning sickness.

Ginger tea helps in detoxification as well as in alleviating inflammation. Ginger tea has antibacterial properties that help in soothing upset stomachs and ameliorating indigestion.

Ginger tea is also a great winter beverage, and it helps people feel warm during chilly winter days. Ginger root relieves sore throat or any flu-related cramps. It can also help in preventing a cold. However, if you have acid reflux or other chronic problems, you need medical advice before drinking ginger tea.

A recent study also indicates a connection between ginger consumption and slowing the process of aging and other degenerative diseases⁶ resulting from oxidative stress and inflammation.

However, more research is required to fully solidify the claims that ginger contributes to the prevention of aging and health problems.

Ginger also helps with swelling and chronic discomfort. It helps in easing problems associated with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

C. Make ginger tea

This immune-boosting, soothing, and flavorful beverage can be easily made with the help of only a few pantry accessories. It can be made at any time but most preferably prepared in the morning or evening to aid as a refreshment.

You will not get a definite answer cause there are different variations of ginger tea, modified according to the taste of people in different regions of the world.

However, the most popular brewed versions are

• Homemade ginger tea: This beverage is prepared with fresh ginger(sliced, candied, and boiled), lemon juice, honey, and occasionally a cinnamon stick. This is probably one of the easiest methods to make ginger tea
• Immune-boosting ginger tea: You can prepare this remedial tonic by adding lemon slices, black peppercorns, ginger root, and honey to boiling water.
• Ginger-turmeric tea: This beverage is bestowed with the medicinal properties of turmeric and ginger. It helps in strengthening the immune system and can work wonders for someone who is under the weather.

The immune-boosting ginger tea is one of the most favorite beverages during the hot season. It can detoxify your system, strengthen your immune system, and help regulate blood sugar levels.

Now coming to the question, here is the most simple recipe.

Ingredients:

• A tablespoon of freshly sliced ginger pieces
• Tea leaves (according to your preference)
• Three glasses of water
• 1 tablespoon of fresh lime juice (optional)
• Honey to taste

Procedure:

1. Over a medium flame, place a small saucepan. Add the three glasses of water and add the freshly sliced ginger pieces.
2. When the water starts to boil, add the tea leaves.
3. Stir the contents for 2-3 minutes, and as you smell the aroma, take it off the heat.
4. Strain the contents into a cup and add honey for sweetness. You can also add the lemon to add a zest to your beverage.

You can even add crushed mint leaves to balance the heat from fresh ginger.

D. How to peel the ginger skin?

Ginger root is bumpy with many knobs, and its skin is fairly difficult.

So, how do you peel the skin, then, you ask?

It can be done with a spoon. A spoon can easily peel the skin from the odd shape of ginger, much better than a vegetable peeler.

However, some people like to keep the skin when making ginger tea. If you keep the skin, rinse it thoroughly before adding it to the boiling water.

E. Can you freeze ginger?

The best way to freeze ginger is to peel, grind, and then scoop it into teaspoon sections. Now measure them on a Silpat-encrusted cookie sheet and pop them in the freezer for about an hour. The frozen ginger should last up to 6 months.

You can use frozen ginger to enhance the taste of detox water, soups, stews, smoothies, stir-fry vegetables, and sauces, or use it as a salad dressing.

F. Conclusion

Ginger tea has numerous health benefits and is one of the most trusted remedial tonics in every household. However, ginger tea can also have a few side effects, especially when consumed excessively.

One can have ginger tea once or twice a day. Excess consumption of this beverage can cause diarrhea, gas, vomiting, heartburn, and nausea.  

Now there you go; hopefully, our article was able to elucidate easily. With this easy guide, brew your warm beverage and let the goodness and deliciousness fill you.

1. Crasta, Sheetal, Philomena Fernandes, and Shynee Paul. “Ginger Tea on Dysmenorrhoea Among Nursing Students.” Journal of Health and Allied Sciences NU 9.02 (2019): 64-75. ↩︎
2. Miller, A. D. “Central mechanisms of vomiting.” Digestive diseases and sciences 44.8 Suppl (1999): 39S-43S. ↩︎
3. Lowenthal, R. M., B. V. Taylor, and B. S. Tan. “Cold sweats.” The Lancet 356.9247 (2000): 2064. ↩︎
4. van Marken Lichtenbelt, Wouter D., et al. “Individual variation in body temperature and energy expenditure in response to mild cold.” American Journal of Physiology-Endocrinology and Metabolism 282.5 (2002): E1077-E1083. ↩︎
5. Mukherjee, Pulok K., et al. “Development of Ayurveda–tradition to trend.” Journal of ethnopharmacology 197 (2017): 10-24. ↩︎
6. McGEER, PATRICK L., and EDITH G. McGEER. “Inflammation and the degenerative diseases of aging.” Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences 1035.1 (2004): 104-116. ↩︎

Last Updated on March 18, 2024 by Namita Soren