Ginger Tea

Ginger tea, prepared from the roots of ginger, is a popular herbal beverage of Asia. Because of its medicinal properties, it has served as an adequate remedy since time immemorial in treating a host of ailments like a cough, cold, nausea, stomach upset and sore throat.

History and Origin

Ginger has a long history dating back to 5000 years, with the root used in Chinese and Indian cultures as a tonic for curing several ailments. Its medicinal properties came to prominence after it was imported to Rome, while its popularity increased all over Europe even after the Roman empire declined. This herbal infusion has various names throughout the Asian countries like teh halia in Brunei, Singapore, and Malaysia; teh jahe in Indonesia; shogayu in Japan; saenggangcha in Korea and salabat in the Philippines.

Does ginger tea have caffeine

Ginger root tea has no caffeine content, which, therefore, makes it a useful herbal decoction.

Health benefits of ginger tea: What is it good for

Relieves nausea

Ginger is said to be effective in minimizing incidences of nausea because of the presence of shogaols and gingerols that work on the intestine, helping to suppress gastric contractions.

Several studies deduced its impact on lessening motion sickness. Moreover, findings have also shown that taking ginger along with anti-nausea medications decreases the severity of nausea after chemotherapy, though more research is needed to validate the same.

As nausea is also said to be one of the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal, those quitting smoking would get relief from feelings of nausea on sipping a cup of ginger tea.

For weight loss

Since ancient times, this tea has said to be effective in removing the excess body fat, with recent studies further confirming the same. Ginger’s ability in lessening the hunger-controlling hormone leptin, makes it act as an appetite suppressant. It even prevents weight gain because of stress by regulating the cortisol hormone in our body. Moreover, its thermogenic property is further helpful in stimulating metabolism and increasing energy levels, thus making it a good beverage to drink to overcome the fatigue of jet lag. A cup of ginger tea on a routine basis would, therefore, be beneficial in burning down your additional calories.

Cures a sore throat

This infusion is said to be an excellent remedy for relieving sore throat because of its expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties, which help in loosening the mucus accumulated in the throat as well as lessening the pain and inflammation. It also acts as a detoxifier, removing the toxic wastes, fastening the recovery process.

For cold

The anti-viral, anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties of ginger make it an effective remedy for treating cold.

Lessens acid reflux

Besides providing comfort from nausea, ginger also has a positive effect on the digestive system. Because of the presence of gingerols alongside other volatile oils, it helps in stimulating the production of saliva, gastric juice, and bile, easing the digestion process, also relieving irritation of the gastrointestinal tract. It also possesses muscle relaxant properties that aid in releasing the trapped gases in the intestinal tract, hence lessening acid reflux or heartburn, bloating and flatulence. Its anti-bacterial properties are also said to make it useful in inhibiting the growth of H.pylori bacteria that is responsible for stomach infections and ulcers.

In fact, ginger tea with a little honey would have a calming effect on your stomach, also used as a beverage after a hangover.

For a good sleep

Because of its calming properties, this decoction comes with a relaxing effect, relieving stress, also providing a good sleep if taken at night just before bed time.

Anti-diabetic properties

Several studies conducted over a long span of time have shown the effects of ginger in controlling blood sugar particularly for those who have Type 2 diabetes. Research carried out by the University of Sydney, Australia, demonstrated that the presence of gingerols in ginger extracts helped in increasing the glucose uptake into the muscle cells, thus aiding in high blood sugar management. Moreover, another finding reported that two extracts of ginger contributed towards regulating the insulin level by reacting with the serotonin receptors and reversing its effect on the secretion of insulin. However, if you are already on diabetes medication, it is better to consult your doctor before adding this tea as a part of your diet plan.

Comforts headaches

Apart from its anti-inflammatory properties that play a significant role in reducing pain and inflammation, ginger also has the ability in inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandin, which results in pain when in high concentration. In fact, this, therefore, makes ginger root tea useful in relieving headaches. Taking a cup of it just at the start of an episode of a migraine may help in minimizing the intensity alongside reducing the other symptoms like dizziness and nausea.

As a hair rinse

The presence of gingerol acts as an antioxidant, preventing the hair cells from free radical damage. It even helps in making your hair soft and shiny because of the essential oils and minerals present in it. Apart from drinking the tea, it can also be applied topically as a conditioner.

Anti-fungal properties

Due to its gingerol and shagelol content, ginger acts as an antimicrobial agent, inhibiting the growth of Candida, E.coli and other harmful microbes entering the body. Hence a cup of ginger tea taken on a regular basis may minimize chances of E coli and yeast infections.

Relieves endometriosis

As it contains gingerols and salicylates, ginger has blood thinning properties, helping in preventing the clotting and clumping of blood cells, which is a common occurrence in this condition. Certains symptoms of endometriosis like nausea and bloating which are a part of this condition may also be minimized on drinking the tea.

For men’s health

Ginger, with its aphrodisiac properties, is said to be one of the most useful herbal remedies for men with erectile dysfunction. It prevents the cortisol build up, high levels of which may result in this condition. It even helps in maintaining the cholesterol and blood pressure levels, as the increase in both may lower the flow of blood to the penis, affecting a man’s sexual health.

Dissolves kidney stones

It is said to be effective in breaking down kidney stones as well as minimizing its formation because of its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, besides its gingerol content. If you are troubled with kidney stones, drinking a glass of this tea on a daily basis alongside medications may have a positive effect on them. However, consult your doctor while taking the tea as a measure for dissolving stones.

How to make or prepare ginger root tea

Ingredients

• Ginger root ( 1-inch length)
• Filtered water ( 2 cups)
• Honey (1 or 2 tbsp.)

Directions

• Slice the ginger root diagonally into 4 or 5 pieces
• Take a saucepan and fill it with water
• Add the sliced roots
• Simmer for about 15 minutes until the mixture attains a dark color, and you get the smell of ginger
• Strain the decoction
• Add honey to sweeten

Homemade ginger tea from ginger powder

Ingredients

• Ground or powdered ginger (1/4^th teaspoon)
• Boiling water (1 cup)
• Honey or sugar

Directions

• Boil a cup of water
• Add the ginger powder
• Simmer it for 10 minutes
• Allow it to cool
• Strain the tea and add sweetener

Honey lemon ginger tea for cold

Ingredients

• Ginger root
• Lemon ( half)
• Honey (2 tablespoons)
• Water (2 cups)

Directions

• Peel the ginger root skin
• Cut it into four or six thin slices
• Add water and ginger to the pot
• Boil for about 20 minutes
• Strain the tea into a cup
• Squeeze the lemon to the infusion
• Add two tablespoons of honey
• Stir well

This decoction combined with the juice of one orange would be highly useful for stabilizing the blood sugar level after consuming alcohol.

You can also prepare a ginger turmeric tea to get relief from cold by adding one-fourth spoon of ground turmeric along with ginger. Another variation for cold would be a ginger honey cayenne tea, where you would need to add about one-fourth to half teaspoon of cayenne in the pot along with ginger before heating.

Ginger milk tea

Ingredients

• Water (2 cups)
• Freshly grated ginger (2 tablespoons)
• Black tea (2 bags)
• Honey (2 tablespoons)
• Milk (1/2 cup)

Directions

• Boil the water and ginger in a pot for about 20 minutes at medium heat
• Lower the heat and simmer for approximately 3 minutes
• Remove the mixture from the oven and add the tea bags
• Let it be for about 3 more minutes
• Strain the tea
• Add honey and then milk
• Serve it

You can combine ginger with a host of other ingredients to cure several ailments. Ginger lemongrass tea would act as a great stress reliever; ginger peppermint tea soothes the stomach while ginger hibiscus tea is good for your overall immune system.

Safety Precautions

Side effects

Though it is not said to have any known side effects, overconsumption may result in digestive disorders, nausea, vomiting and other adverse health hazards.

Is ginger tea safe while pregnant

Ginger root tea is possibly said to be safe to consume in moderate amounts when pregnant as it helps in relieving morning sickness and also helps in proper digestion. However, it is also known to have labor inducing properties, thus consult your doctor before consuming it. Ginger tea is also said to be safe during breastfeeding, but avoid drinking it without medical advice.

Where to buy

You can get ginger in all grocery stores, while the tea can be available online or in shops selling herbal teas.