As a child, the few times I had an upset stomach my mother would always give me a “natural tonic” of homemade ginger tea. Occasionally she would add honey and lemon to sweeten it. I loved it. It soothed my stomach upsets quickly, and soon I was back to my old self, full of energy.
My mother used a variety of natural remedies for my brother and me. She was a strong advocate of natural healing. Back then, I didn’t know why ginger worked so well. I was just happy it did. As I became older, I looked into the reasons why ginger was effective for a variety of ailments. What I found out was intriguing.
Ginger is a rhizome (underground stem.) It is harvested year-round. The longer it stays underground, before it’s harvested, the hotter an spicier it gets which makes it even more effective.
Health Benefits of Ginger
For centuries, ginger (usually called “ginger root”) has been used as an extremely effective remedy to heal a variety of ailments; digestive disorders, diarrhea, the common cold, menstrual cramps, fungus, heart conditions. It’s also been used to loosen phlegm, relieve gas, and to soothe sore throats. Over the years, it’s natural healing powers has caught the attention of science. Researchers have used Ginger effectively in certain cancer prevention. The healing powers of ginger are amazing.
When I was pregnant I briefly experienced morning sickness. I say “briefly” because once I started drinking ginger tea on a daily basis, the nausea I had been experiencing vanished. Ginger tea, quickly became my “drink of choice.” I loved ginger so much, I started using it regularly in the various vegan dishes I’d prepare.
Ginger reduces mentrual cramps
I start drinking Ginger tea a few days before my menstrual cycle. If you’re experiencing cramping, this can be, an effective way to eliminate menstrual cramping naturally.
Why is Ginger effective?
Ginger contains volatile oils which is believed to contribute to the medicinal effects of ginger. My mother was definitely on to something with ginger tea! When my seven-year old daughter has had a mild stomach upset I’ve made her ginger root tea also.
I’ve included a healthy recipe for ginger tea below. Occasionally I add the leaves of mint or lemon balm. Served hot or cold, it’s a delicious and soothing drink, with the added bonus of being great for the digestive system.
Ginger Root Tea
- 4 cups of water
- 2-3 inch piece of fresh ginger root
- optional: stevia, honey, or lemon
Instructions
- Scrub the Ginger root and cut it into thin slices.
- Bring the water to a boil in the teapot
- Add Ginger
- Cover the teapot, reduce heat, and let simmer for about 20 minutes.
Serve and Enjoy!
Natural Ginger Soda
If I want a fizzy drink, I’ll purchase naturally carbonated soda and add my ginger root tea. I sweeten it to taste to create my own “homemade ginger ale.” That’s the quick way I make Homemade ginger ale. The longer way, involves fermentation, stay tuned as I’ll be posing my fermented homemade ginger ale next week. I’ve already created the article, the only thing left for me to do is publish it.
A little about me:
A few years ago, I decided to go back to college to pursue another degree; Masters degree in Traditional Naturopathy. Being a natural health advocate, my focus is looking for natural ways to cure the variety of health related ailments. Of course, the natural approach isn’t always possible. I also believe if we take action before issues arise, by reclaiming our health, we can avoid many of the health related issues that are prevalent today.
I do think, the foods we eat, the amount of exercise we do, and our emotional health is closely tied together. If we’re deficient in one or more areas, it can have a negative impact on our health.
