Fresh Ginger Root Tea
Ginger root tea is a delicious, lightly spiced drink that’ll warm you up on cold days. It is soothing and invigorating at the same time. Simple to make, it has so many helpful qualities to help soothe upset stomachs and ease indigestion. It’s been consumed for centuries and is coming back in a big way! Try it today and see what all the fuss is about!
Ginger tea is a warm drink perfect for chilly weather. It has many health benefits, including aiding digestion, reducing nausea, and soothing upset stomachs. Plus, it’s calorie-free and non-caffeinated!
Ginger root tea has been used for centuries in Eastern medicine for its medicinal properties. It is thought to have originated in China, where it was used as a digestive aid. Ginger root tea quickly spread to other parts of Asia, including India and Japan. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, ginger root tea is used to treat stomachaches, colds, and flu.
Ginger root tea is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. These health benefits are due to the presence of compounds like gingerol and shogaol in ginger root. Gingerol is a powerful antioxidant that can help protect your cells from damage. Shogaol has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects.
So next time you’re feeling under the weather, reach for a cup of warming ginger root tea!
Is It Okay to Drink Ginger Tea Every Day?
Drinking ginger root tea is generally safe for most people. However, some people may experience mild side effects, such as heartburn, diarrhea, and gas. If you experience any of these side effects, it’s best to stop drinking ginger root tea.
What is Ginger Tea Best For?
Ginger root tea is most commonly used as a digestive aid. It can also help reduce nausea and soothe an upset stomach. However, ginger root tea may also be helpful in treating other conditions, such as headaches, colds, and menstrual cramps.
Sometimes ginger is also helpful during pregnancy for those experiencing morning sickness. It is important to talk to your doctor before drinking ginger tea if you are pregnant.
What is the Best Time to Drink Ginger Tea?
Ginger tea can be enjoyed any time of day. However, some people find that it is especially helpful to drink ginger tea after a meal. This is because ginger root tea can aid in digestion.
Otherwise, due to its invigorating effects, many people enjoy drinking it in the mornings to get them energized for the day.
Can You Drink Ginger Tea at Night?
Yes, you can drink ginger tea at night. Some people find that drinking ginger tea before bed helps them to relax and sleep better. However, if you find that ginger tea makes you feel more awake, it’s best to avoid drinking it in the evening.
Where Can I Buy Fresh Ginger?
Fresh ginger root can be bought at most grocery stores. It is usually located in the produce section. You can also buy fresh ginger root online.
Do I Need to Peel Ginger Before Making Tea?
No, you don’t need to peel ginger before making tea. However, some people find that peeled ginger root is easier to work with.
If you choose not to peel the ginger root, make sure to wash it well before using it.
To peel ginger, you don’t need any special tools. Simply use a spoon! It is perfect for removing the skin of the ginger root without removing too much of the actual flesh. Knives and fruit peels often remove a lot of the edible root along with the skin.
Does Ginger Raise Blood Pressure?
There is some evidence that ginger may help to lower blood pressure. One study showed that ginger powder was able to significantly lower blood pressure in people with hypertension. However, more research is needed in this area.
If you have high blood pressure, talk to your doctor before drinking ginger tea.
What Are the Benefits of Ginger Tea?
Ginger tea has many potential health benefits. These benefits are due to the presence of compounds like gingerol and shogaol in ginger root. Gingerol is a powerful antioxidant that can help protect your cells from damage. Shogaol has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects.
Some of the potential health benefits of ginger tea include:
- Aiding in digestion
- Reducing nausea
- Soothing an upset stomach
- Helping to reduce inflammation
- Providing relief from menstrual cramps
- Easing pregnancy-related nausea
However, more research is needed to confirm the health benefits of ginger tea.
Ginger Tea Variations
Ginger-Cinnamon Tea
When making your ginger tea, add a whole cinnamon stick to the pot for a more warming effect.
Ginger-Turmeric Tea
For more anti-inflammatory benefits and an extra-spicy flavor, add some fresh turmeric to your pot. Treat it the same way as the ginger, cut into thin slices and simmered in the same water. It will add a fun orange hue to the tea (and may also stain, so be careful!).
Ginger-Mint Tea
Ginger and mint is a great combination, and it gives a sort of fire and ice dichotomy that is very pleasing. The cooling mint balances the fiery ginger nicely, so add a few sprigs of fresh mint to your mixture before bringing it to a simmer.
How to Make Fresh Ginger Root Tea
Ingredients
1-inch chunk of fresh ginger, peel intact
1 cup water
Optional additions: Sliced lemon, sliced oranges, Honey, or Maple Syrup
Instructions
Place one cup of water in a pot over medium-high heat. While it is heating, slice the ginger into thin slices. You can also slice up your lemon or other fruit if you have it.
Add your ginger into the pot. If you have additional flavorings, such as a cinnamon stick, turmeric, or mint, now is the time to add them. Please note, you should only add ONE of these to any batch of tea, as more than one will muddle the flavor and not turn out well.
Bring the pot to a gentle boil/simmer and allow to steep for 4-5 minutes. You can prepare this ahead of time and pour into a mason jar for storage, or you can pour directly into a tea cup. Either way, you’ll want to use a small sieve to catch the ginger.
Add honey, agave nectar or maple syrup for your desired sweetness, and add a slice of lemon or orange to brighten the flavor and as a nice touch.
The final result is a truly lovely, delightfully spiced, warming drink that you’ll feel all the way down to your toes. It’s great any time of year, but it really shines in the winter time.
Add a little vodka, and you have something slightly reminiscent of a Moscow Mule, which can be fun for Christmas parties.
It is also a great tonic for little tummies, though the spiciness can sometimes be overwhelming and may need extra sweetness and a little extra watering down to balance it.
I hope you’ll give it a try and let me know what you think. Do you have any favorite versions? Let me know!
Fresh Ginger Root Tea
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1- inch chunk of fresh ginger peel intact
- Sliced lemon optional
- Honey optional
Instructions
- Place one cup of water in a pot over medium-high heat
- Slice the ginger into thin slices and add to the pot
- Bring to a boil and allow to steep for 4-5 mins
- Pour into mason jar for later use or directly into a mug.
- Add honey for sweetness.
- Add sliced lemon
Notes
- Other flavorings can be added to the tea while it steeps. Cinnamon sticks, fresh mint leaves or sliced turmeric root (one flavor at a time) are great additions to ginger tea
- Instead of honey, agave nectar or maple syrup could be used.
- Orange slices could easily replace lemon slices if preferred