Why Ginger is My Savior
By Melanie Kiss
Native to Southeast Asia and China, ginger is now grown in many different countries throughout the world. This root has been used in alternative and traditional medicine for many years. So why is it MY savior? Here’s my story.
In my late teens, I got very sick. I had tonsillitis and refused to go on medication. One of our close family friends who is a health expert advised me to make the following tea. This recipe has been in my use for many years and will continue to do so. Not only is it a major boost for your immune system but it also helps with sore throats, coughs, infections and the list continues. This is my go-to anytime I feel a cold coming on, and my body bounces back as if there was no problem in sight.
Ginger Tea Solve Recipe
- Small ginger pieces or grated ginger (1-2 ounces)
- Boiling water
- 1/2 – 1 lemon
- Ceylon cinnamon
- Cloves
- Honey
While you grate the ginger, fill the cup with boiling water. Let it steep for 5-10 minutes. Only then add the remaining ingredients. Lemon and honey are both sensitive to heat, so adding it last is important to maintain its nutritional value.
Raw ginger is a superfood. Some of its health benefits are as follows:
- Relieves headache and nausea, as well as vomiting that is connected to morning sickness in pregnant women.
- Fights illnesses and infections and induces sweat to help you detoxify.
- Aids digestion.
- Improves gut health and prevents stomach ulcers, according to research published in the Molecular Nutrition and Food Research journal.
- Minimizes pain, for example, joint pain, menstrual cramps (ginger root is known as a vasodilator), and toothaches, due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
There are so many wonderful benefits to ginger, that the list is endless. In addition to its health benefits, ginger adds a wonderful flavour to smoothies, juices, teas, and desserts. I love to cook Indian dishes, and ginger is a must-have in the kitchen.
One of my favorite teas to sip on is the Masala Chai tea. This healthy tea is bursting with flavour.
Masala Chai Recipe
- Small ginger pieces cut or grated
- Loose leaf black organic tea
- Sprinkle of black pepper
- Pinch of cinnamon
- 2-3 cardamom (smushed)
- 1-2 cloves
- Boiling water and milk (half half)
- Honey/Maple syrup or cane sugar
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
Boil the water and stir, while adding the ingredients. Add the milk of your choice to the mixture and let it steep for a few minutes.
As I continue to travel the world and engage in many different activities, I’m always on the lookout for ginger in my surroundings. Even without a blender, I can chew on tiny pieces to provide myself with the health benefits it offers. I hope you enjoy dabbling with this amazing root in your next creative moments in the kitchen, and fall in love with it as I have.
Want to learn more tips to boost your health? Visit our in-house nutritionist at the Extreme Hotel and learn why you should add nutrition coaching to your fitness vacation.
