The Witty Stride

The Change Is NOW.

A warm hug from Ginger tea

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– Aparna Chatterjee

Ginger has been the king of Ayurveda and Indian cuisine for centuries. Chinese medicine also reveres this root because it restores Yang or heat energy.

Ginger and Ayurveda:

The heating qualities of Ginger tea help treat Vata (airy element) imbalances, such as digestive issues, by improving all three phases of gastrointestinal function: digestion, absorption, and elimination. Vata refers to the fluid entity. Abnormalities in blood circulation, digestion, and other bodily functions fall under this category.

Ginger, known for its aroma and spicy flavor, is also recognized for its numerous health benefits. Sipping ginger tea throughout the day can help support immune function during cool weather. During warmer weather, drinking a cup in the morning or before a meal can strengthen Agni (digestive fire), supporting the Kapha (watery element) dosha. This is because there is sufficient water, which promotes proper digestion and sharpens the taste buds. Ginger tea can slightly increase Pitta (fiery element) dosha, so avoid drinking large amounts if your Pitta is unbalanced. Their average body temperature determines the fiery aspect of their bodies. Additionally, one’s temperament can be considered when determining the Pitta dosha.

  1. Improve blood circulation.
  2. Relieve menstrual discomfort (my pleasure, ladies)
  3. Strengthens immunity.
  4. Relieves stress.
  5. Improve digestion.
  6. Relieve respiratory problems.
  7. Help with weight loss.
  8. Help fight cancer.
  9. Reduce arthritis inflammation.
  10. Protects from Alzheimer’s disease.

Things you will need to prepare ginger tea:

  1. 2 inches of fresh raw ginger (use more or less, depending on how strong you want it to be)
  2. and 1/2 – 2 cups of water.
  3. Juice of 1/2 lime or honey to taste (optional but delicious)

How do you prepare it?

  1. Peel a fresh piece of ginger and slice it thinly to maximize the surface area. It will help release all that potent juice into the water.
  2. Boil the ginger in water for at least 10 minutes. For a more robust, aromatic tea, boil for 20 minutes or more and add additional ginger slices. (It all depends on your taste preferences, FAM.)
  3. Remove from heat and add lime juice to taste and honey as desired.

There you go! It is the warmest hug you can get this winter (if you are a lone wolf!). Start with small doses of ginger and gradually increase as needed. You might not like the taste at first, so add lemon and honey in small quantities, and you’ll have a drink that detoxes, improves immunity, and helps you lose weight.