[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]As the weather cools, few things feel more comforting than a warm mug of
ginger tea. This soothing, aromatic drink hydrates the body while awakening the senses. Whether a person is a ginger tea fan or a hesitant bystander, ginger tea deserves a top spot on the beverage list. Let’s explore what ginger tea is, why it is beneficial, how to prepare it and simple ways to enjoy ginger tea. By article’s end, this distinctly flavorful drink will become a regular in the beverage routine.
What is Ginger Tea?
Ginger is an aromatic root from the Zingiberaceae plant family making it a relative of cardamom, turmeric and galangal.
Ginger tea can be made using fresh ginger,
ginger powder,
loose-leaf ginger or ginger tea bags steeped in hot water. Sweeteners are optional – not a requirement. When sipping a cup of decaffeinated ginger tea, a person is drinking a blend of warmth, flavor and centuries-old tradition alongside the variety of amazing health benefits of ginger tea.
What Are 7 Ginger Tea Benefits?
1. Could alleviate nausea and/or vomiting.
Ginger contains bioactive compounds, especially gingerols that may ease nausea related to
motion sickness, pregnancy morning sickness, chemotherapy, and
post-surgery side effects. Gingerol causes the digestive tract to work more efficiently by helping food to leave the gut sooner.
2. Promotes healthy digestion.
Ginger may calm an unsettled digestive system by reducing gas and bloating. There are certain
gastrointestinal conditions such as indigestion, gastric ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease in which ginger may be beneficial in symptom relief. More research is needed to determine if ginger benefits are true for ginger tea.
3. Could relieve pain.
Ginger’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds,
gingerols, zingerone and shogaol, present in the ginger teacup could help.
Studies show that ginger provides menstrual cramp pain relief when taken at the beginning of the cycle and that the effectiveness is comparable to over-the-counter pain relievers.
Pain relief was also experienced by people with migraines, sore muscles after a workout, chronic low back pain and knee osteoarthritis according to other reviews.
4. Could shield from pathogens.
Gingerol and paradol have antimicrobial properties that may
fight bacteria such as
Coli, Salmonella and
Mycobacterium tuberculosis to name a few
. More research is needed. When an infection is suspected, ginger should not replace a health professional who can diagnose and provide proper treatment.
5. Could deter inflammation.
The anti-inflammatory effects of
gingerol, zingerone, and shogaol may offer supportive benefits. Drinking ginger tea could be supportive in slowing down pro-inflammatory markers and hindering enzyme production which may impact diseases such as
rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, lupus, and other inflammation disorders.
6. Could assist in blocking chronic diseases.
Studies indicate that consuming 2-4 grams of ginger daily may guard against and/or aid in better management of
chronic diseases like hypertension,
cardiovascular diseases, provide protection against certain
types of cancer (colon, pancreatic, ovarian, etc.) and improve blood sugar management of
type 2 diabetes. These findings are promising, but more investigation is needed.
7. Supports the immune system.
The antimicrobial compounds in ginger may
support the immune system, diminishing
sore throats and making
nasal passageways While not a cure all, it can be a soothing addition when a person is under the weather.
What are Drawbacks of Ginger Tea?
Most people tolerate ginger well. Some may experience
drawbacks such as heartburn, abdominal discomfort, diarrhea and throat or mouth irritation. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends a maximum of 4 grams daily from all sources. Drinking ginger tea slowly and limiting intake to 1-2 cups is a good approach.
Ginger tea may be contraindicated with certain prescription medications and medical conditions. It is always best to consult a health care provider before starting new herbs and supplements if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, undergoing chemotherapy, thinking about giving ginger tea to a child under the age of 6, or considering high dose ginger in the form of food, drink or supplement.
What are Some Steeping Tips?
Fresh Ginger: Wash, peel and slice a knob of ginger. Pour boiling water over the cut-up ginger slice in the teacup. Let the slices steep for up to 10 minutes to get the full essence of the ginger. Strain. Relax with a refreshing ginger drink.
Tea Bag: Pour boiling water over a ginger tea bag. Let it steep per package directions. Drink while hot in an inspirational mug.
Loose-Leaf Ginger: Add a teaspoon of loose-leaf ginger to infuser. Place infuser in mug. Pour boiling water over it. Steep in boiling water 3-4 minutes. Remove infuser. Sip on a freshly brewed ginger tea.
What are Ways to Enjoy Ginger Tea?
Personalize it. Ginger tea is inherently versatile.
Indulge anytime of the day since ginger tea is naturally caffeine-free.
Enhance the ginger tea experience by adding flavorful ingredients such as:
Pick up flavored tea blends like ginger lemon, ginger chai or ginger green tea. The flavor palates are many!
Ginger Tea Recommendations
Check out these amazing products to get acquainted with or reacquainted with ginger tea.
Buddha Teas Organic Ginger Root Tea
Bigelow Tea Steep Organic Herbal Tea Caffeine Free Lemon Ginger
Private Selection Herbal Tea Orange Ginger Turmeric
Celebration Herbals Organic Ginger Root Tea Caffeine Free
For any questions about ginger, ginger tea or how any other food or ingredient may impact on your health, book a
virtual nutrition counseling session with a registered dietitian, our nutrition experts, to provide guidance and support.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_text_separator title="Featured Products" border_width="2"][vc_row_inner equal_height="yes" content_placement="middle" gap="35"][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="190694" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" css=".vc_custom_1765319927802{padding-right: 7% !important;padding-left: 7% !important;}" link="https://www.vitacost.com/tazo-organic-green-ginger-herbal-tea-bags"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="190693" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" css=".vc_custom_1765319940940{padding-right: 7% !important;padding-left: 7% !important;}" link="https://www.vitacost.com/pukka-organic-lemon-ginger-manuka-honey-herbal-tea-20-tea-bags"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="190691" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" css=".vc_custom_1765319954411{padding-right: 7% !important;padding-left: 7% !important;}" link="https://www.vitacost.com/four-sigmatic-organic-herbal-tea-happy-gut"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]
