This herb, derived from the root of the ginger plant, is spicy and smells wonderful.  It is this ingredient that gives ginger ale its flavor, and is most well known for treatment of nausea.  But that’s not all ginger can do for you.

Ginger tea is a source of vitamin B6, vitamin C, magnesium and potassium.  The main ingredient in ginger is an antioxidant called gingerol which assists in reducing and/or destroying the free radicals that cause illnesses in the body.  In addition, ginger extract has been used in complementary medicine to reduce inflammation in arthritis as well as ulcerative colitis.

Some benefits of ginger tea:

-          relief of  gas and flatulence

-          lowers blood sugar

-          decreases menstrual pain

-          freshens bad breath

-          wards off cold, flu and sore throats

How to make ginger tea

Ginger tea bags are available for purchase in many health food stores, but the best ginger tea is made fresh from the ginger root.

Tea RemediesGinger Tea Recipe  (with honey and lemon)

1 quart water

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Honey to taste.

2 inch piece of ginger root.

Bring a quart of water (four cups) to a boil.  Peel and slice the ginger root as thinly as you can, and place in boiling water.  Turn off the water and let the tea steep for about 5 minutes.  Add a tablespoon of lemon juice.  Strain tea into teacup, add honey to taste.  You may also shred the ginger root to release more ginger-y flavor quickly.

Enjoy both the warm flavor and the medicinal qualities of this aromatic spice!