How to Make Homemade Ginger Tea - Helps with digestion and to Fight Inflammation
Ginger tea is a caffeine-free, antioxidant-packed drink that has many health benefits. It's made by infusing fresh or dried ginger with hot water, allowing the oils to come out of the ginger roots.
You can buy ginger tea bags at the store, however, homemade ginger tea is way less expensive and you know there are no additives. Using fresh ginger also tastes much better and ensures that you have the most antioxidants and nutrients in your ginger tea.
We will discuss the benefits of ginger tea and show you our homemade ginger tea recipe.
Benefits of Ginger Tea
Ginger tea has traditionally been used as a health tonic in Southeast Asia for at least 5,000 years. It has many health benefits that make it a great nutrient and antioxidant-packed addition to your diet.
1. May help to ease digestive discomfort
Ginger tea has been shown to reduce nausea and vomiting associated with motion sickness, pregnancy, and chemotherapy for cancer patients.
It may ease stomach discomfort after eating greasy or rich foods. It may also relieve symptoms of IBD (inflammatory bowel diseases) like Crohn's Disease and ulcerative colitis.
2. Anti-inflammatory
Ginger contains gingerols, phytonutrients that have anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties. Ginger may help to reduce the pain and swelling of osteoarthritis.
3. May help to reduce blood pressure
Ginger may help to reduce blood pressure. It can act as an antioxidant, preventing LDL oxidation that leads to high blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues such as atherosclerosis, heart disease, and stroke.
4. May aid weight loss
Studies have shown that ginger may reduce fat absorption by increasing the breakdown of fats during digestion. Ginger tea is also an excellent drink to boost your metabolism and help you burn off unwanted pounds.
5. Ease headaches and migraines
Ginger is a natural pain reliever. It may reduce the frequency and severity of headaches and also migraines.
6. Antioxidant-rich
Ginger contains antioxidants like gingerols and shogaols, which may help to prevent cancer. Ginger is also high in manganese, potassium, magnesium, vitamin B6, and fiber.
Homemade Ginger Tea Recipe
Here is our recipe using fresh ginger. We find that the taste and anti-oxidant profile of fresh ginger is much better than dried or processed ginger. Plus, it’s easy to make!
You can adjust this recipe based on how much you would like to make (I make a big batch at the beginning of the week), however here is the recipe based on 1 cup of water:
Ingredients
● Fresh Ginger - 1" chunk
● Water - 1 cup
Optional Flavorings
● Cinnamon - 1 stick
● Turmeric - 1" piece
● Mint - Several fresh sprigs
How to Make Homemade Ginger Tea
1. Take fresh ginger, wash thoroughly, and cut into small pieces. No need to peel the ginger, you can leave the skin on.
2. Put filtered water and ginger in a pot and heat on low until water is boiling. If using optional flavorings add them now.
3. Once boiling, remove from heat and let it cool. Using this method, it will cook for at least 3-5 hours. It's ok if it doesn't boil, especially when brewing larger quantities, just as long as it brews on low heat for 3-5 hours.
4. Pour through a strainer once cooled to collect any loose pieces of skin and pieces of fresh ginger.
5. Pour into a sealed container and store in the fridge. It will keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
