You may be familiar with ginger as an ingredient and spice, but have you ever tried it as a tea? 

What Is Ginger Tea?

Ginger tea may seem like a new beverage trend, but it has a long history, and drinking it for its health benefits dates back more than five thousand years! There’s nothing fancy going on with ginger tea, it’s just ginger and hot water brewed together to make a warming and spicy beverage; it’s so simple to make that you can whip it up in seconds from the comfort of your own home! 

Why Do People Drink Ginger Tea?

Depending on whether you like the taste of ginger, you may or may not need a reason to drink ginger tea. The bottom line is, for some people, ginger tea is too spicy and a little bitter, but most people aren’t drinking it for the taste alone. The ginger root that we eat is the rhizome of a flowering plant of the Zingiberaceae family, the same plant family as turmeric. Like its orange cousin, ginger is also a potent medicinal ingredient and has been used in ancient medicines for centuries. 

What Is The Benefit Of Drinking Ginger Tea?

Ginger tea is a popular way to consume ginger because it provides all of the benefits of ginger root, wrapped up in a hydrating and stress-relieving hot beverage. Here are just some of the main benefits of drinking ginger tea. 

1. It Can Help To Relieve Nausea
2. It Reduces Inflammation 
3. It Can Relieve Menstrual Pain 
4. It Improves Digestion 
5. It Can Help With Weight Loss 
6. It Can Prevent Oral Infections 
7. It Can Lower Blood Sugar Levels 
8. It Could Prevent Certain Types Of Gastrointestinal Cancers

How To Make Ginger Tea For Maximum Health Benefits 

The best thing about ginger tea is that it is super easy to make. All you need is either fresh or dry ginger and hot water! It really is that simple. 

If using powdered ginger, then start by brewing 2 grams of ginger with 1 cup of boiling water. Simply double this to make two cups, triple to make three, etc. 

If using fresh ginger, then it’s best to grate the ginger first to increase its surface area. Try using 1-2 teaspoons of freshly grated ginger with 1 cup of boiling water to make each cup. 

Leave your ginger tea to steep for about 10 minutes. This will give the ginger a chance to release its flavor and oils and will also let the water cool down to a more drinkable temperature.

What If You Don’t Like The Taste Of Ginger?

Ginger isn’t everyone’s cup of tea (pun intended). If you don’t like the taste of ginger, then try adding in some honey for sweetness, or you could also add in a slice of fresh lemon for some zest or some cinnamon for a more chai-like flavor. Many of these ingredients also have their own health benefits, so you’re getting two in one by combining your flavors!