Ginger Tea

Health benefits

Ginger is very good for you. Of course, while ginger has many potential health benefits, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional before using it for medicinal purposes, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions or are taking medications

Fresh ginger is so tasty with a stronger more vibrant flavor (and much tastier than if it was brewed from a store-bought tea bag).

Fresh ginger has slightly more health benefits than dried ginger tea bags as well. Fresh contains higher levels of gingerols, a key active compound with anti-inflammatory properties.

So, let’s take a quick look at the health benefits of this tea or ginger water.

Ginger is famous for its digestive health benefits. Even as a kid I was told to drink ginger ale to reduce nausea. It’s the gingerols, active compounds in ginger, that help reduce nausea and vomiting. It also can help relieve bloating, gas, and indigestion. 

It may lower cholesterol levels and improve blood sugar control, reducing the risk of heart disease. 

Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties which can help reduce pain and swelling associated with arthritis, menstrual cramps, and muscle injuries. It also has antioxidant properties, which can protect cells from damage.

It may also help boost the immune system and fight off infections, which is super helpful during the cold and flu months. This is one of the many reasons I added ginger to my Cinnamon Sore Throat Tea.

How to make

Ginger tea is a great non-alcoholic and caffeine free drink. It’s also pretty much calorie free unless you add sweetener.  Whether you choose to drink it in the morning to wake up (maybe instead of your morning coffee), for an afternoon pick me up, or as an alcohol-free night cap, this drink is the perfect sipper.

You can even serve it over ice in the summertime as a refreshing tall drink. Maybe add a splash of sparkling water to it for a makeshift ginger ale.

It’s super simple to make using just a few ingredients. Plus, there are many ways to change up the flavors, which I’ll talk about later.

Basically, you’ll just boil the ginger in water for a little while and strain out the fresh ginger.

I give you amounts for the tea, but you really can’t overdo the ginger, so feel free to experiment and add as much ginger as you want, or keep it simmering for as long as you want. Fresh ginger can be spicy, so play around with the amount of ginger you use or steep it for longer if you want a spicier tea.

Also, make sure you buy ginger root that’s firm and free from mold.

Does the ginger need to be peeled?

Since you’ll be straining the ginger out of the tea, you don’t have to peel it.

I always seem to buy too much ginger, so I like to peel it, chop it, and store it in the freezer. That way it’s ready for any use.

If you decide not to peel it, make sure to give it a good wash and scrub to remove any dirt that may still be attached to the root.

The easiest and safest way to peel ginger is by using the edge of a spoon to gently scrape off the darker brown skin. Just lightly press the spoon against the ginger and drag it along the surface to remove the peel without taking away too much of the ginger itself.

Storage and make ahead

Ginger tea is great to make ahead, so double or triple the recipe as you like.

Store the pre-made tea in an airtight container or pitcher in the fridge for up to a week. You may see some sediment form, that’s just some of the ginger. It’s safe to drink, or you can strain it through a cheesecloth if you like.

Drink the premade tea cold or reheat it in the microwave or on the stove.

You can also store any leftover ginger root by peeling and chopping it, then placing it in a storage bag in the freezer for longer storage.

Changes to the recipe

Here are some delicious flavors you can add to your ginger tea.

Once it’s brewed, stir in some sweetener like honey or maple syrup to keep it vegan. Brown sugar also goes well with ginger.

Add in some citrus with a thin slice of lemon, lime, or orange. Meyer lemons are lovely in the tea.

Add in a little spice with

• cinnamon (add a cinnamon stick to the pot while brewing, or sprinkle in some powdered cinnamon),
• turmeric (fresh or dried),
• mint (add a few mint springs to the tea while brewing or garnish with some fresh mint),
• cardamom pods
• fruity sweetness: add some dried fruit like apple, dates, apricots, raisins, or mango

More ginger recipes

If you follow my blog, you already know I’ve been on a big ginger kick lately. Here are some of my recent adventures into ginger: Ginger cookie bars, ginger mocktail, and gingerbread cottage cheese pudding. And if you love ginger ale, check out my reviews of different brands of ginger ale on Facebook.