Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is one of my favorite herbs to have on hand and I only wish I was able to grow it in the garden because I would grow it by the dozen. Although it is very good in cooking I mostly love it for its medicinal purposes. Its medicinal purposes came in mighty handy last week when I caught the nasty bug that has been going around.
I have found over the years that ginger is amazing when it comes to loosening chest and nasal congestion. When I feel a cold coming on or when my sinuses are giving me grief I brew up a pot of ginger tea with lemon and honey. This concoction is not only good for congestion but is also good for warming the body up on cold winter days and nights. It also tastes really yummy!
Ginger + Lemon and Honey Tea
- Slice up a 1-2 inch piece of ginger root and place in a pot of water (about 4-6 cups- I never measure how much water I use)
- Bring the water to a simmer
- Cover and simmer for 20-30 minutes
- Strain into a cup, add a squirt of lemon to each cup and honey to taste
That nasty bug I caught last week, it actually turned into bronchitis over the weekend for me so I have been drinking lots of liquids these past few days and this tea is by far my favorite to have sitting next to me.
Ginger root can actually be grown as a houseplant and I tried that once many, many years ago. It made an attractive plant with its lance shaped leaves- almost like bamboo. Someday I will have to try that again. That is if I ever can spare a piece of the root.
I actually find ginger to be quite fascinating when it comes to the staggering amount of medicinal purposes this rhizome has. For instance the powdered root has different medicinal aspects compared to its fresh counterpart. I’m sure this will not be my last post on this useful herb in fact I have a yummy recipe for gingersnap cookies that I have been meaning to share and will do so here soon.
To all of our good health. Cheers!
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Not to mention ginger is seriously tasty. It is good in savory dishes, in sweet dishes and as you said in beverages. Is there anything more versatile? I just wish it was hardy here.
I wish it was hardy here too Daphne. If it was it would be a staple in my herb garden! -Cynthia
I didn’t know that about ginger, that’s good information to have.
It is good to have on hand during the cold winter months. As soon as I feel a sniffle coming on I start to drink this tea. -Cynthia
Good information. I wonder if you can drink it iced during summer. (I’m wishful thinking for sunny weather.)
Hi Grace- think ginger ale! That is one of my favorite beverages during the warmer months.
-Cynthia
I always think of it as a nausea remedy – chewing those ginger candies they give you sometimes at Thai restaurants got me through a very long stretch of morning sickness when I was pregnant (basically the entire time). I love candied ginger, and just read that you can grow your own ginger roots from a piece you get at the grocery store! If you’re interested, email me and I’ll type out the directions. Or you can just get the book – “Ask Ciscoe” by Seattle garden expert Ciscoe Morris. I’m going to make some of that tea tonight, I have a chest bug that has been sitting there annoying me for way too long. Thanks!
Hope you start to feel better here soon Karen. I also used some ginger chews for morning sickness when I was pregnant with my daughter. Amazing how it does actually help! -Cynthia
Ginger tea or water with a chunk of root in it overnight in the fridge makes a terrific drink in the heat of summer, it keeps you from getting sun sick. In the winter I put ground ginger in my socks to stay warm and in a bath, nothing feels better. Along with the fresh root at the grocer I buy ground in large quanitities from Azure Standard out of Dufur, Oregon. Great post, about a beautiful and incredibly useful plant.
Hi Lanny, I’m pleased to hear you enjoyed this post.
I never thought of putting ground ginger in your socks- I’ve heard of doing that with cayenne but like the idea of ginger much better! I also have not heard of Azure Standard but seeing that I am not too far from Dufur, Oregon I think I might have to look into them. Thanks for mentioning them! -Cynthia
oh i love me some ginger tea. also love it combined with mint tea. i personally skip the lemon and honey but love the taste and “zip” it has.
Hi Lori- I’m not the biggest mint tea fan when it is by itself but combined with ginger I bet would be really good! I’ll have to remember to try it this year once my peppermint is ready for harvest. -Cynthia
Hi Cynthia, Great recipe! I am a ginger lover too. I learned a cold remedy from my Indian friends, essentially the same thing. lemon slice, ginger, black pepper corns, boiled in black tea. YOW! I guess it’s just another twist on the hot toddy.
From what I have read on ginger over the years it has been used for this purpose for quite awhile in many countries. I have not heard of adding the peppercorns before though. I imagine that brew would have quite a kick to it! Maybe one day I’ll have to try that out. Thanks for sharing.
-Cynthia
PS Actually made the ginger tea last night and feel so much better today! You are a miracle-worker!
I love tea and this sounds so very yummy…I’m going to have to give it a try! Thanks, Kim