Of all the herbal teas and decoctions out there, ginger tea is by far one of the most popular of them all. That refreshing and soothing ginger tea after lunch, yes that’s one of the best feelings in the world, isn’t it?
But where did this herbal beverage come from? Let’s find out, shall we?
Where does ginger tea come from?
As much as regular tea traces its origins to ancient China, ginger tea also has its roots in Asia, more specifically South and East Asia. This potent root has been used as a traditional source medicine for centuries mainly due to its health properties.
Ginger tea has its share of health benefits, let’s take a look at some of the benefits of drinking ginger tea, shall we?
Ing Makhir: Potent Indigenous Ginger Root of Meghalaya
Ginger tea benefits: Is ginger tea good for health?
Ginger is rich in compounds such as gingerol, zingiberene, and shogaols which are responsible for the pungent and potent nature of the root. These chemical compounds are also responsible for the anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties of ginger.
Alleviates motion sickness
As a result of ginger’s anti-nauseating properties, ginger tea is known to alleviate motion sickness, especially after a long car ride. Drinking ginger tea may help alleviate vomiting and dizziness.
Chronic diseases
Ginger tea is known to be a favourite among people suffering from chronic diseases such as hypertension, fatty liver, and certain heart diseases.
Aids in weight loss and maintains cholesterol
Ginger tea is known to be excellent in aiding weight loss as ginger is known to boost the metabolism and burn calories faster.
Ginger tea is also known to reduce cholesterol levels in the body.
Treats common cold and flu
Whenever you come down with a cold or fever, having ginger tea not only soothes your throat from cough and cold, but it also helps in boosting your immunity and help in digestion.
Ginger green tea benefits
Ginger and green tea on their own have ample benefits but works even better when they are combined together.
Both these ingredients have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties but aiding in weight loss is the characteristic makes these two ingredients work so well together.
Ginger black tea benefits
Infusing ginger into your regular black tea is one of the most soothing concoctions you could ever whip up. The refreshing fragrance from both the ginger and the tea leaves is enough to soothe and calm your throat. But that’s not all.
The benefit which comes from infusing ginger into your tea comes in the form of the detoxing nature of both these ingredients. Both ginger and black tea leaves are excellent detoxing agents and work as well together as they do individually. Drinking ginger black tea is known to improve the circulation of blood as well as improving digestion in the stomach.
Ginger black tea is also known to aid in weight loss, boosting immunity and treating mild fever, including cough and cold.
Check out this Ginger Tea Lemonade Recipe
Ginger tea for women’s health
When it comes to women’s health, menstrual cramps can get pretty intense at times and without the use of painkillers to alleviate the pain, it tends to get worse. While popping those over the counter pills may adversely help the cause for a short period of time, they do come with side effects of their own. For instance, most painkillers such as diclofenac, ibuprofen and naproxen have their share of side effects and may cause stomach related problems altogether.
But here’s where ginger’s properties come to the rescue. While it may not be a quick and instant remedy for menstrual cramps, ginger tea is known to help alleviate severe menstrual pain without worrying about the pesky side effects. As a result of its anti-inflammatory properties, ginger is known to be quite effective in this aspect.
Before the onset of the menstrual period, slicing up a piece of ginger and steeping it in hot water, and adding a spoonful of honey to it can do you wonders. It might not be as immediate as pills, but at least it does the trick.
Possible side effects of ginger tea
You must be wondering, “how could something so beneficial for the body have side effects?”. While there may not be hard proof to validate the rumoured side effects of ginger tea but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have any.
When it comes to ginger tea however, the side effects usually arise as a result of over consumption really. As you may already know, too much of anything is bad for you, especially the good things. Hence, everything should be consumed in considerable proportions, and that includes ginger tea.
Here are two of the few side effects witnessed as a result of over consumption of ginger tea:
Heartburns: This is one of the possible side effects of ginger tea, although it is fairly uncommon. Heartburns are usually the result of eating spicy food or an underlying acid reflux. So, it is best to limit the consumption of ginger tea if you have underlying gastrointestinal problems and consult your doctor.
Upset Stomach: Now this one might be hard to believe as ginger is known to help aid digestion but drinking too much of ginger tea can have unwarranted effects on your stomach, including diarrhoea.
Is it good to drink ginger tea every day?
As mentioned above, drinking ginger tea every day can prove to be very helpful for your body. It has the ability to cure common cold and cough in a jiffy and it is also known to be an excellent weight loss management. But as with all things, everything should be taken with due consideration and precaution.
Be wary of the possible side effects and always consult your doctor before going overboard on your hot cup of ginger tea.
Bottomline, drinking ginger tea has been proven to be beneficial for the body as can be seen above. Simply sipping on this herbal tea is enough to relieve you of your day’s stress. Instead of resorting to aerated power drinks, why not indulge yourself in some refreshing and revitalizing ginger tea.
1 comment
Ng guat beng
I drink ginger green tea with lemon n honey consapation