|  | Diet Nutrition | Nutrition

What are the Hot Ginger Tea Benefits?

It soothes, it heals, it relaxes, yet it motivates. It encourages social interaction, and in some countries, stops time in order to foster a few moments of de-stressing. Tea is an ancient and long-cultivated drink, usually derived from plants such as herbs, as well as spices and roots. Ginger, a rhizome native to Asia, is considered an excellent flavoring, stimulant and deterrent for diarrhea: in fact, it is such a versatile substance that a hot cup of ginger tea can either perk you up, or calm you down.

  1. Nausea

    • It makes sense that ginger is a favorite ingredient in settling stomachs: ginger ale and ginger beer are popular folk remedies. Hot ginger tea is also an antidote for nausea, especially for pregnant woman experiencing prenatal sickness

    Common Cold

    • Hot ginger tea loosens mucus, phlegm and congestion, allowing you to breathe more easily. It also relieves sore throats. The warmth of the tea and the natural essence also soothes and warms the body, helping to fight off fever and chills.

    Digestion and Joints

    • Although it's not exactly a laxative, drinking hot ginger tea can help regulate and ease your digestive system; it helps break down proteins while also fighting diarrhea. In addition, the herbal effect of hot ginger tea soothes joints and relaxes muscles.

    Caffeine and Calories

    • Ginger in its pure form is caffeine-free, so tea varieties are quite often caffeine-free as well, unless infused with such. Tea naturally contains 0 calories, unless milk or other small sweeteners are added. Even then, the calories are extremely minimal, making ginger tea an easy, health-conscious beverage.

    Recipe

    • Ginger in tea form is generally considered an oolong tea, which includes the qualities of both green and black tea. While ginger tea bags are available in many stores and coffee shops, a stove-top concoction with natural ingredients will maximize the health and nutritional benefits of ginger tea.
      To make ginger tea, peel four to six thin slices of raw ginger; the thinner you slice it the more flavorful tea you will have. Boil in about 1 to 2 cups of water for about 10 minutes. Again, the longer it boils, the more flavorful it will be. You can add more ginger as well. After removing it from the heat, add lime juice and/or honey to sweeten it slightly. Keep in mind, however, that sweeteners may aggravate a sore throat, so for common cold antidote purposes, stick to ginger and water.

Nutrition - Related Articles