Keep Allergies and Ailments at Bay With Ginger

ginger-tea
Written by Asha McLaughlin

This fall, swap your pumpkin spice latte for a warm cup of ginger tea to keep away allergies and ailments and boost your metabolism.

Ginger tea is a wonderful remedy for a number of ailments. It helps boosts immunity and helps people feel invigorated, alert and refreshed. It only makes sense to have this homemade beverage on a regular basis. If you like caffeinated teas, you might also try adding a few chunks of fresh ginger to your favorite black tea bag.

Benefits of ginger tea

  • Analgesic and anti-inflammatory: Sipping ginger tea is effective for relieving minor pains because of the analgesic properties in ginger.  It’s also an anti-inflammatory and can help sooth sore throats, inflamed muscles, respiratory problems and even arthritis.
  • Good for women: Ginger tea has been found to give women relief from menstrual cramps and symptoms associated with PMS. It gives respite from fatigue during that uncomfor able time of the month and helps women to feel rejuvenated.
  • Improved blood circulation: The presence of compounds like gingerols is found to help improve blood circulation, which in turn helps maintain overall body health. In particular, ginger helps maintain a healthy heart and cardiovascular system. It also helps to balance blood sugar.
  • Remedy for stomach problems: There’s a reason you often see sick people reaching for ginger ale to accompany their saltines. Ginger contains phenols, which react positively with the stomach and intestines. It effectively relieves vomiting, nausea, diarrhea and other stomach-related disorders, and reduces gas and bloating.

Ways to use Ginger

Fresh ginger root is tasty and good for you, but not always convenient. Therapeutic, high-grade essential ginger oil is also effective. Just one drop in a mug with hot water and honey can hit the spot when you are on the go. Another way to try using ginger is by boiling a large pot of water on the stove with cut-up ginger chunks, some cinnamon sticks and a few cloves. It will add a lovely aroma while also cleaning the air in your home.

Origins of Ginger

Ginger comes from the same family as turmeric and cardamom, and has been used throughout history for many health aliments. As far back as 5,000 years ago, Indians and ancient Chinese considered it a tonic root for all ailments. Today, this powerful spice is best known for its effectiveness in improving digestion and intestinal health. It also has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving abilities and anti-viral properties to help fight off the flu and common colds.

About the author

Asha McLaughlin

Asha is a long time yoga & meditation teacher as well as a natural health educator at Bloom Wellness, in Williamsburg. She teaches public classes and offers private sessions - she can be reached at essential.asha@gmail.com.