As we shift into fall, the temperatures drop along with the humidity—both indoor and outdoor. Pair this with most people staying indoors and it results in more colds, coughs, and flus and a general meh feeling.
When the leaves start to fall, I start incorporating zesty ginger tea into my daily fall ritual. Every morning, I cut up thin slices of fresh ginger root, add to a pot of water, and simmer for 20 minutes until the water has taken on the scent and taste of the ginger root. Pop in star anise, black pepper corns, and cinnamon for even more synergistic health benefits and flavor.
Ginger is not only warming but I have found that it brings about a general sense of well-being during the colder, darker months—which I know we could all use when it's feeling bleak and darker than normal. It also nourishes and stimulates the gut and helps us deal with colds and flus, oftentimes shortening their duration and intensity.
I find ginger tea to be the perfect combo for the fall season because it keeps the body hydrated and strengthens its inherent ability to ward off cold and flus. If you do catch a cold, ginger tea helps with breaking a fever while increasing blood flow, which is essential for supporting detoxification and overall health.
If you're interested in trying out an herbal folk tonic, try my fire brew recipe with fresh ginger, onion, and apple cider vinegar.
What you need to make zesty ginger lemon tea
- A knob of fresh ginger root roughly about the size of half your palm
- Pint of water
- Fresh lemon zest and juice
- Honey or your preferred sweetener to taste
- Cinnamon (optional)
Directions
- Thinly slice fresh ginger root length wise and add to a small pot of cool water along with cinnamon or other aromatic herbs
- Bring the water up to a boil and turn down to a simmer for 15-20 minutes
- Turn off the heat and strain your ginger tea into your favorite mug. Save the ginger root to use for a second round
- Add juice and zest from half a lemon
- Add honey or your choice of sweetener to taste
- Enjoy and revel in the moment!
Health Benefits Of Ginger Root
Ginger root is an herbal stimulant. It can be used for indigestion, cramps, gas, and nausea. It’s delicious when grated and steeped as a tea with added lemon and honey for colds and flus as ginger acts as a stimulating diaphoretic—meaning that it stimulates perspiration and helps to raise your body temperature, helping to break dry fevers, promote blood flow to cold extremities, and support detoxification.
The fresh root can also be chewed for a sore throat and its antiseptic actions make it useful for food poisoning.
Because ginger increases circulation, it can also be used externally for treating pain, inflammation, and stiff joints. Simmer 5 oz of grated ginger in 2 quarts of water for 10 minutes, then strain and soak a cloth to keep a constant warm temp on the skin. The skin will turn red as circulation increases.
Contraindicated in individuals with existing hot/dry conditions; sometimes contraindicated in pregnancy.
Sources
- The Way of Herbs by Michael Tierra, L.Ac., O.M.D.
- Medical Herbalism by David Hoffman, 2003
- Desk Reference to Nature’s Medicine, Steven Foster and Rebecca L. Johnson
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