I’ve got a new addiction. Luckily, it’s actually good for me and it doesn’t cost much to sustain. It’s homemade hot ginger tea, and I’m here to tell you, it is some kind of good. (Even my husband likes it.)
Ginger has been hailed as a healer for centuries by Chinese and Indian medicine. It’s particularly known for its abilities to curb nausea, reduce inflammation, and stimulate digestion. When I drink it, it warms me up inside, eases any stomach discomfort I might be having (which is likely to come from my other addiction—dark chocolate), and makes me feel soothed all over. If my general well-being were a knob on a stereo, then drinking ginger tea would be the equivalent of turning that knob up a notch.
My Husband and I Do It Every Night
Sharing this yummy ginger tea has turned into a nice ritual for Scott and me. We have it nearly every evening. We take turns making it, the smell of it simmering wafts through house, and while we sip it we discuss exactly how much honey is the ideal amount and whether or not a squeeze of lemon makes it even better. Little rituals like this make life even sweeter. And when they’re actually good for you, so much the better.
Try It Yourself
I’ll admit that ginger can be an acquired taste. I didn’t start liking it until just a few years ago. It can be spicy, almost like horseradish, and it has a potent flavor that can be disorienting if you aren’t used to strong spices. If you like ginger ale, ginger snaps, or ginger bread, you’ll probably like ginger tea, but the taste of straight ginger will be much stronger. If you don’t like those things but are still intrigued, go easy on the ginger and a little heavier on the honey and lemon. If you try it, please let me know how you like it (or don’t).
Ginger Tea
- Pick up some fresh ginger root at the store
- For enough tea for two people, peel and slice into thin rounds a 1” piece of ginger.
- Place it in a pot or tea kettle and pour in about 3 cups of water (some of the water will evaporate, so use more than you need).
- Bring the water to a boil, then simmer for at least 10 minutes.
- Scott adds the honey to the water as it’s simmering, I stir it in when I’ve already poured it in the mug. To each his own.
NOTE: Because it is warming, ginger can be stimulating if you’re already a pretty fiery person. If you get night sweats, have acid reflux, ulcers, or chronic acid indigestion, don’t drink ginger tea before going to bed. It’s still good for you, you should just drink it earlier in the day.
Kate Hanley is a regular contributor to Whole Living, a passionate yogi, and the author of The Anywhere, Anytime Chill Guide. She's also founder of msmindbody.com.
From: Tea Time « You Learn Something New Every Day | 3/2/11 at 5:26 pm
[...] *Source: Whole Living Daily [...]
From: Amy | 3/2/11 at 10:23 pm
Ginger also contains substances that work as a natural pain reliever. I have used home made ginger tea to ease menstrual cramp pain, and my husband has even been able to head off a coming migraine by enjoying a large mug with a little honey and lemon.
From: Tiffany | 3/5/11 at 12:55 am
Also try http://www.clearyourcells.com natural tea...works wonders!
From: Yakult Girl | 4/11/13 at 11:28 am
I'm a soda addict and have been looking around for a much healthier drink that I'd like. I've been drinking Yakult but looking to add something new for diversity.