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Ginger Tea

Ginger tea is the perfect remedy for a cold.  Ginger warms the body and increases circulation. I have staved off countless colds by drinking this several times a day at the first signs of illness. It is also a very soothing drink to give someone with an upset stomach or nausea.  

4 cups water
A piece of ginger twice the size of the patient’s thumb, sliced thin
Freshly squeezed lemon juice
Honey to taste

Put water and sliced ginger in a 2-quart pot.  Bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer until water has reduced to 2 cups (about 30 minutes).  

This is strong tea!  Strain and pour into cups.  Add a squeeze of fresh lemon to each cup.  Stir in honey if desired.

Makes 2 cups

Therapeutic notes:
In the Asian medicine tradition, ginger is considered to possess “hot” or “warming” attributes. It is favored as a remedy for digestive ailments ranging from upset stomach to diarrhea to abdominal bloating due to excessive gas; said to palliate nausea; and viewed as an all-around digestive aid It is therefore frequently served as a condiment with greasy or fatty foods.

Additionally, it is believed that ginger is beneficial in the treatment of heart, circulatory, and menstrual problems, and is used to treat migraine headaches and arthritis as well.

In the Ayurvedic tradition, ginger is highly regarded as having many diverse healing properties, and is used prominently in treating ailments of the digestive tract. Ginger is also appreciated for its value as a stimulant, enhancing the flow of saliva, for example, making it a beneficial treatment of maladies of the throat, such as laryngitis and sore throat.

9 Comments:

Julia Elman
Does it matter if you peel the ginger or not? Assuming no since the water gets strained, but wasn't sure if that makes a difference in the medicinal purpose of this drink. THANK YOU!
February 9, 2011, 8:19 pm

Cynthia Lair
no need to peel the ginger.
February 9, 2011, 8:31 pm

nina bean
is ward wearing a pink robe?
February 10, 2011, 10:40 am

Nancy Nolan
Same question about peeling the ginger... especially if it's not organic. I wonder what sort of soil ginger root is grown in? Metallic soil?
February 10, 2011, 11:43 pm

Cynthia Lair
Nina - Yup it's pink. Nancy - see above comment. No need to peel the ginger. All soil has metals. If you're worried, pay the extra for organic ginger. But I am not sure what the concern is...
February 11, 2011, 7:45 am

Carol White
I like to add a couple drops of vanilla extract, too. Great for sore throats and stuffy noses.
February 12, 2011, 4:49 pm

Wendy Michael
This was great with a generous bit of honey. Can it be made ahead of time? If so, how long could it be refrigerated?
February 15, 2011, 6:43 pm

Cynthia Lair
Wendy, Yes. Sometimes I make a whole pot and store it in a quart jar in the refrigerator. It will keep that way for at least a week. Probably more.
February 16, 2011, 8:46 am

Jody Ulrich
Interesting ... and very entertaining!
March 4, 2011, 8:46 pm

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