Fresh Ginger Tea – The ‘Universal Medicine’

Warm and light with just the right amount of spice, fresh ginger tea is THE staple drink in Ayurveda.

But this is so much more than just a cosy herbal tea! In Ayurveda, fresh ginger is considered the ‘universal medicine’ (vishwabheshaja).

This powerful root has been used for centuries to combat for everything from coughs and colds to digestive upset, menstrual cramps and more! Fresh ginger is an absolute essential in every kitchen cupboard!

Fresh ginger tea is unique as it’s soothing yet invigorating all at once! It’s warm, nourishing qualities soothe an upset stomach and help calm your nerves while it’s fiery kick helps ignite your digestive fire (agni).

Fresh ginger tea can be enjoyed year round, but it’s particularly good on wet, windy and cold days in winter.

It’s so easy to make – simply slice or grate ginger into boiling water! You can make a batch in the morning and sip throughout the day.

Or, bring it in a flask with you if you’re heading out to work or on the school run! It’s also very beneficial to sip alongside meals as a digestive aid and is a great caffeine free alternative to your morning coffee.

Fresh Ginger Tea for Menstrual Cramps

If you have been blessed to get through your life without menstrual cramps, I am so (so) happy for you! But for many of women (including myself!), that’s just not the case.

While some mild cramping is considered normal, intense pain is not (despite it being common).

Ayurveda outlines entire diet and lifestyle protocols to improve the quality of your cycle and relieve painful menstrual cramps.

While ginger tea alone is likely not enough to create significant change, it can be a very helpful part of a more comprehensive plan.

Fresh ginger tea is often recommended as a home remedy as it has antispasmodic and pain relieving qualities, helping reduce cramping and discomfort.

It’s considered a ‘warming anti-inflammatory,’ meaning it balances both Vata & Pitta dosha which are central to painful periods (dysmenorrhea). Fresh ginger is often combined with turmeric to support menstrual health and enhance the health benefits of ginger tea.

Ginger is one of Ayurveda’s favourite digestive herbs. It can help with bloating and indigestion that may flare up around your menstrual cycle too.

Fresh Ginger Tea & The Postpartum Period

After giving birth, your body needs more nourishment and comfort than ever before. It’s particularly important to stay WARM after giving birth to keep Vata dosha balanced. While wrapping up warm and staying indoors is important, it’s also vital to have warm foods and liquids too.

In the postpartum period, Ayurveda recommends focusing on slow cooked soups and stews while sipping on, you guessed it…. fresh ginger tea! This will help rebuild your digestive strength and warm you up from the inside out!

Fresh ginger tea also helps regulate Vata dosha (specifically apana vayu) which becomes seriously imbalanced after giving birth.

While many cultures use ginger during as an anti-nausea in pregnancy for morning sickness and as a galactagogue postpartum to help improve milk supply, it’s always important check with your own health care provider first.

Fresh is Best!

In Ayurveda, there is a big difference between fresh and dry ginger! Fresh ginger, which comes in root form, is warming, heavy and moist. It’s considered more nourishing, soothing and comforting than dry ginger. It’s perfect for helping stimulate digestion without being too harsh on your tummy.

In contrast, powdered dry ginger powder is hot, light, dry and stimulating. It has a stronger, more heating effect than fresh ginger, and can aggravate Vata and Pitta dosha when used in excess.

Dry ginger has its own unique benefits and is usually best suited for Kaphas, while fresh ginger benefits all doshas.

Here’s What You Need

• Fresh ginger slices
• Water

How to Make Fresh Ginger Tea – Step by Step

Step 1: Peel fresh ginger root, add to a small saucepan with 2 cups of water and

Step 2: Bring to a boil over a medium to high heat for 10-15 minutes – pour into your favourite mug and enjoy!

Bonus Tip: While simple fresh ginger tea is amazing by itself, I LOVE adding fresh turmeric root too. This classic combination is known for its powerful antioxidant properties and ability to lower inflammation.

If you want to experiment with different add-ons, try adding a cinnamon stick while it simmers, a squeeze of fresh lemon, a fresh mint leaf or two or a tsp honey to taste (stir in once it’s off the heat and in your mug).

If You Love Fresh Ginger Tea, Try These Recipes Too!

• Healthy Ginger Latte with Cinnamon Swirl
• Ginger Turmeric Lemon Shots
• The Best Rooibos Latte
• Homemade London Fog

Are You Going to Make Fresh Ginger Tea Recipe?

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