When it comes to the question of how to make Ginger Tea, there are a handful of common mistakes that limit the efficacy of this age-old remedy. Few herbal remedies work as well as hot ginger tea for treating symptoms of the common cold.
Here’s what to look for to get the very most out of this popular home remedy in fighting cold symptoms.
Ginger Tea: A Natural Cold Remedy
Ginger Tea for cold symptoms
We all know the symptoms — runny nose, sore throat, and overall discomfort. According to Hildegard of Bingen, when seasons change, we become vulnerable to cold viruses; this is particularly true in the cold seasons, starting on the fall equinox through winter. Most adults can expect to experience cold symptoms 2 to 4 times per year.
We’ve become accustomed to reaching for quick-fixes, over-the-counter cold and flu medicine. It’s easy to forget about effective home remedies to treat of colds. Ginger tea is one of the simplest home remedies for cold and flu symptoms.
As simple as it sounds, answering the question of how to make ginger tea can be effectively resolved by avoiding these common mistakes in preparation.
Prevent Cold Infections with Ginger Tea
In Germany, ginger root generally appears as an ingredient in comfort foods, like pumpkin soup, or various Thai curries. You will certainly find some form of pickled ginger to accompany your sushi. This versatile root also appears in teas, smoothies, salad dressing, cucumbers, or as a refreshing summer Limeade.
Prepare the ginger root as nature delivered, with skin for a Ginger Tea (use organic)
Asian cultures have relied on ginger for thousands of years to treat a host of common health conditions. Monastic Medicine appreciates ginger’s warming effect, which today we know as anti-inflammatory properties along with essential oils to strengthen immune systems.
How to make Ginger Tea: Avoid these common mistakes
Ginger serves as a preventative measure to strengthen defenses against common cold symptoms. It also contributes to strengthening the immune system, once you’ve caught a cold. Here are some ways showing how to make ginger tea, to improve the efficacy of your ginger tea preparation.
Ginger Tea with lemon and honey ingredients
- When preparing ginger tea, cut the ginger root into thin slices before adding boiling water. Thin slices expose more surface area to water and ensure a proportionate exposure of all nutrients.
- Prepare the ginger root as nature delivered, skin and all. After all, the whole root is healthy, even the shell.
- Add boiling water directly to ginger. Unlike the ideal preparation of black and green tea, boiling water can go straight to the ginger. Allow 5 minutes to steep and add lemon and / or honey to taste.
- We prefer organic ginger, when available. Ideally, avoid ginger with exposure to artificial chemicals and processes.
Ginger as an anti-inflammatory and pain-reliever
Ginger does more than strengthen the immune system against the common cold. This age-old remedy also resolves mild cramping and serves as a natural anti-inflammatory and pain-reliever.
Scientists at the University of Georgia have recognized ginger’s efficacy in treating muscle pain and soreness in sports.
Researchers at the University of Miami demonstrated ginger’s pain-relieving properties, specifically for patients suffering from osteoarthritis. This modern clinical trial showed a significant improvement knee pain for patients exposed to a six-week treatment using ginger extracts.
Modern experience supports ancient medicine
It comes as no surprise that modern science supports Hildegard’s klosterheilkunde. We’ve known that for years, but it seems ginger is another example of modern medicine catching-up with ancient remedies.
Ginger has various health benefits
As far back as in medieval Europe, Paracelsus knew and used ginger for gastrointestinal conditions. Modern studies continue to support the application of ginger root, as well as its efficacy in treating mild forms of nausea, vomiting, and dizziness.
Ginger for Digestion and Cleansing
Since antiquity, ginger has had a place in traditional German medicine for addressing cholesterol and blood lipid levels. For general digestion, it also serves as a home remedy for overeating. Ginger contributes to improving digestive issues, diarrhea, and lack of appetite.
Overall, ginger is rich in vitamins and minerals, and may contribute to a weight loss regimen. Alternatively, learn more about the Thai ginger variant called Galangal, which Hildegard considered a remedy for daily living.
Find our comprehensive guide about the health benefits of ginger root here.