Ginger decoction: properties and benefits of the herbal tea with a thousand virtues
More and more often plants and spices prove to be an excellent natural remedy against some cold symptoms and allies of our body for its well-being and health. Among these foods, ginger stands out, a herbaceous plant whose root boasts multiple virtues. Like turmeric, ginger is able to relieve muscle pain and strengthen the immune system. Also, it is part of those super food perfect for fighting autumn and winter diseases, such as colds, sore throats and coughs.
One of the favorite ways to consume ginger is to prepare the decoction, which is an infusion to be left to rest for several minutes, to which it is recommended to add lemon and honey to amplify the benefits on our health.
The properties of ginger
The spicy but at the same time "fresh" taste makes ginger a particularly suitable food to give a final touch or a decisive note to numerous recipes and herbal teas. However, its special taste is not its only quality. Ginger, by now, can now be considered one of the foods that helps our body the most thanks to its multiple properties. First of all, this root is an "excellent ally for its detox action, which promotes weight loss and helps to lose weight by deflating the belly and counteracting water retention.
Then, the virtues of ginger are known as regards its ability to promote digestion, reduce the sense of nausea and calm the inflammations of the intestinal tract. On the other hand, in the case of diseases of the respiratory system, such as colds and coughs, the properties of ginger favor the dissolution of the mucus, also acting against bacteria.
You can find ginger in its original form, as a root, or already sliced or even directly in powder, ready to be added to any recipe.
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the benefits of ginger decoction
The anti-inflammatory, expectorant and diuretic properties of ginger are increased when taken as a decoction, or an infusion based on hot water.The decoction of ginger is one of the favorite natural remedies for coughing and seasonal sore throat or to calm the symptoms of colds. Its warming effect is ideal for overcoming the cold sensation that strikes us especially in autumn and winter and thanks to the virtues of the root it will also strengthen the immune system.
As already mentioned above, this herbal tea helps not only for diseases of the respiratory system. It is also perfect for problems related to the digestive system, because it can promote digestion and soothe the sense of nausea. For this reason, it is recommended for those suffering from gastritis and stomach irritations.
Thanks to the combination with hot water, the diuretic property of the root is also enhanced. The decoction of ginger, in fact, acts directly on water retention, helping to counteract it. In addition, it deflates the belly making it ideal for both fighting the sense of swelling after meals both to stay in shape or lose weight, thanks to the purification of the organism.
How to make ginger decoction
Preparing the ginger decoction is really very simple, the important thing is to pay attention to the origin of the raw materials, preferring organic ingredients. Obviously, however you choose to make it, the protagonist of this infusion is ginger. You do not need the powder, but a fresh ginger root, to which we recommend adding a lemon and a little honey. The recipe for preparing a cup of decoction is the following.
Ingrediants:
- 3-4 slices of fresh ginger
- 250 ml of water
- 1 lemon wedge or grated lemon zest or lemon juice
- Honey (to taste)
First of all, you need to bring the water to a boil with the slices of ginger in it - and, if you want, a slice of lemon - and let it boil for about ten minutes, covering the pot with a lid. After the necessary time, let the herbal tea cool and then take a sieve to filter everything. Once the decoction has been poured into the cup, add lemon juice to taste, if not previously sliced or grated, and honey to sweeten, reduce the spicy taste of ginger and to increase the benefits of the infusion against coughs and colds.
There are those who prefer a little turmeric powder instead of honey, a perfect spice against inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract and known for its action against free radicals.
It is possible to drink the decoction warm or hot, because it manages to move the body's energy making it ideal for warming up during the harshest winters, or cold in the summer, to quench your thirst and promote the detox action of the drink.
The side effects of ginger decoction
Despite the many qualities for our well-being, before taking the ginger decoction we must pay attention to some warnings. First of all, this root, like other medicinal plants and herbal teas derived from them, can conflict with certain medicines, especially those for circulation and anticoagulants. Furthermore, consuming too much herbal tea can not only make digestive results ineffective, but also create problems with the digestive and gastrointestinal systems.
Finally, although it is famous for its calming property with respect to nausea, some doctors advise against drinking the decoction for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Both in this case and in the presence of other pathologies, it is always better to first discuss with a specialist and ask for an "opinion on his recruitment.
For more information on ginger and its properties, consult the Humanitas website.
