Ginger is, perhaps, the ultimate natural medicine. Not only is it delicious, but it’s anti-inflammatory, anti-parasitic, anti-viral, and anti-bacterial. It is one of the best superfoods to have on hand during cold and flu season. And it’s the main ingredient in ginger tea.
It can’t quite melt the snow, but ginger tea can help fight infection, enhance the immune system, fight off colds and other viruses, improve circulation, relieve pain and inflammation, reduce the risk of kidney stones, and give your body the nutrients it needs to make sure the liver works efficiently. Wow!
It is especially enjoyable in cold weather because it is spicy and very warming. Ginger also alleviates inflammation of the throat, the common cold, congestion and sinus problems. A tea made with powdered ginger and honey does wonder when you feel a cold coming on, but be sure to add the honey after you have removed the tea from the heat.
Ginger tea is also incredibly soothing for stomachaches, indigestion and nausea. You can also find ginger tablets to take on the road for motion sickness.
All About Ginger
In Ayurveda, ginger is considered a digestive stimulant and a carminative (relieves gas). Ginger causes sweating and enkindles agni (the digestive fire). It also neutralizes toxins and helps digestion, absorption and assimilation of food. When you cook with ginger, it makes it your meal lighter, easier to digest and adds a little kick.
Ginger may also be applied externally to painful joints and muscles. It helps the circulation and relieves pain by causing stagnant energy to be released.
For aches and pains, take a ginger bath! Grate ginger and place it in some cheesecloth. Tie the ginger package to the tap so the hot water becomes infused as it comes out of the tap. This ginger bath relieves pain and is both relaxing and refreshing!
A ginger compress is a very useful technique for drawing toxins out of the kidney area, increase the blood circulation in this field, and helping to dissolve hardened masses such as stones.
Always purchase organically grown ginger root, it should not be shriveled. Fresh ginger contains more water and is milder; the dry powdered form is highly concentrated, intense and, therefore, additional penetrating action.
Ginger Tea with Turmeric
The combination of ginger and turmeric is a one-two punch for pathogens and inflammation.
Try this Miracle Ginger Tea today!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of raw, organic, unfiltered honey.
- 2 teaspoon freshly grated ginger.
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground turmeric (or freshly grated if you can find it)
- 1 oz of coconut milk (optional)
- 5 cups of spring water
Preparation:
1) Bring water, ginger and turmeric to a boil.
2) Reduce heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
3) Remove from heat, strain, add coconut milk and honey to taste.
What do you think? Who wants to give the ginger tea a try?
Source:
Ayurveda: The Science of Self-Healing by Dr. Vasant Lad (book)
For more inspiration and healthy recipes, check out
my other health blogs on DavidWolfe.com.
Click here to learn about my online school for Inspired Living!