Ginger tea is a drink made by steeping fresh or dried ginger in water. It’s an herbal beverage and doesn’t contain any caffeine.

Ginger used in tea is the root of a flowering plant and it can be eaten raw or cooked. It’s spicy so a little goes a long way.

Ginger tea made from scratch, using fresh ginger, may seem like a lot of work, but it’s actually quick and easy using a couple of shortcuts.

5 GINGER TEA HEALTH BENEFITS

1. Contains Antioxidants

Ginger is an excellent source of health-promoting antioxidant compounds. This mainly includes gingerols, parasols, and shogaols, according to an 2019 article.

Antioxidants protect your cells by minimizing free radicals and oxidative stress, a major cause of chronic disease.

2. Reduces Inflammation

The antioxidants in ginger also have anti-inflammatory effects on the body. They work by reducing certain proteins, called pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are involved in inflammation.

This may help manage inflammatory diseases, like rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

3. Minimizes Nausea

The next time you’re feeling nauseous, reach for a hot cup of ginger tea. According to the 2019 article, ginger can ease nausea caused by surgery, medication, motion sickness, or pregnancy. 

Ginger also helps control other digestive issues like gas, bloating, stomach cramping, which often appear with nausea.

4. Manages High Blood Pressure 

One of the biggest risk factors for heart disease is high blood pressure, or hypertension.

Ginger can reduce the risk by increasing substances that widen blood vessels, ultimately improving blood flow and reducing pressure.

5. Protects Brain Function

The health benefits of ginger extend to your brain, too. According to a 2021 article, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of gingerols and shogaols can protect your neurons, or nerve cells.

This may reduce the risk of neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, as well as other memory disorders.

INGREDIENTS 

  • 2 cups water
  • ½ lemon thinly sliced
  • 1 inch fresh ginger root
  • 1 tablespoon honey

INSTRUCTIONS

  • Peel and grate ginger.Peel one inch piece of fresh ginger root and grate into a teapot.
  • Add lemon slices and hot water into the teapot. Cover and steep for 5 minutes.Use filtered water for the best quality ginger tea. I like to set my electric kettle with a temperature setting to 208°F.
  • Strain solids and pour hot tea into a teacup. Add honey to taste.

NOTES

  • Add as much or little ginger as you like since it can get too spicy. For a serving of 1 cup of water, I’m using an half inch of ginger root. If you want a milder taste, use less ginger.
  • You can grate ginger ahead of time and freeze it. Store it in a resealable plastic bag, flattening it before freezing. When you need some grated ginger, snap off a piece.
  • Instead of sliced lemons, you can also use the juice from half a lemon.
  • For a refreshing summer drink, make it iced by cooling the drink down, then adding ice.
  • Avoid buying fresh ginger root that’s shriveled and dry. Look for one that’s plump and firm. Ginger is usually sold by weight don’t be afraid to break off a piece of the freshest ginger root in the pile if it’s too big.