Ginger Tea Introduction

Ginger is a perennial tuber or root that is native to Asia but cultivated in the West Indies, Jamaica, and Africa. It is one of the most widely used herbs in the world.

Ginger tea is a beverage in many countries, made from ginger root. In general, the tea is made by boiling peeled and sliced ginger to which honey is often added. Sliced orange or lemon fruit may also be added to give a flavour.

How to Make Ginger Tea

Ginger tea is made by peeling and grating fresh ginger root, immersing it in boiling water, and simmering the tea for 15 to 20 minutes depending on the desired strength. Ginger is also available as a prepared tea -- and can be purchased in capsule and extract form.

To make different variations of ginger tea, you can add just a few slices of ginger tea to a variety of teas. Here are some examples.

• Ginger White Tea
• Ginger Black Tea
• Ginger Green Tea
• Ginger Chamomile Tea
• Ginger Lemon Balm Tea
• Ginger Osmanthus Tea
• Ginger Cinnamon Tea
• Ginger Clove Tea

Ginger Tea Health Benefits

Ginger tea has been used for thousands of years as a herbal tea to treat a wide range of health concerns from nausea and colds to indigestion and joint pain. It is also purported to help boost the immune system and promote cardiovascular health.The health benefits it offers includes:

Treating Nausea: The brew has been used in traditional Asian medicine to treat nausea. Pregnant women report relief from morning sickness after consuming small amounts of ginger root, ginger tea, and ginger ale. When given in large doses, ginger also relieves chemotherapy-related nausea.
Relieving Joint Pain: Ginger has been used to treat joint pain by stimulating blood circulation and has been used to relieve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and Raynaud's syndrome.
Digestive Disorders: The herb can be used to address flatulence, indigestion, and diarrhea. It does this by mimicking some digestive enzymes used to process protein in the body.
Promoting Heart Health: As little as 5 grams of dried ginger a day has shown to slow the production of triglycerides and LDL (bad) cholesterol in the liver.
Treating Colds: Drinking ginger herbal tea is sometimes recommended for relief of cold symptoms because it is said to loosen phlegm and fight chills by spreading a warm feeling throughout the body.
Promoting Heart Health: As little as 5 grams of dried ginger a day has shown to slow the production of triglycerides and LDL (bad) cholesterol in the liver.

Precautions

• Do not take ginger if you have a high fever, an inflammatory skin complaint, ulcers or gallstones.
• If used as a tisane for a cold, nausea or low-grade fever, be sure to keep an eye on your temperature and general feeling of well-being if condition does not improve then consult a professional.
• No safety issues seem to exist in the short-term use of ginger to treat the nausea and vomiting during a term of pregnancy. At the same time, the use of ginger as an herbal remedy in the long-term during the pregnancy is not advised as regular use can trigger side effects in the woman. Ginger may stimulate uterine contractions.
• Ginger is safe to consume in small amounts during pregnancy to alleviate morning sickness but you should consult your doctor first.
• If you know you are going to have surgery you should stop drinking ginger tea for 5-7 days prior to the day of your operation as ginger is an anti clotting agent.
• People taking blood thinners, barbiturates, beta-blockers, should consult a physician before use since ginger may conflict with these medications.
• Ginger can be taken by individuals with a history of gallstones only after careful consultation with a nutritionally oriented doctor as side effects are possible.
• The downside to ginger is that it can also upset your stomach if you have too much so watch the amount that you use.