It is no surprise that ginger is one of the most commonly used Ayurvedic spices considering its long list of health benefits, unique flavor, and vast array of uses.  Although ginger is often thought of as a cooking spice, it can be used as medicine when taken in the proper context. This extra-potent ginger tea recipe is made for just that.  Taking a stronger dose of this herb increases its healing potential resulting in much more effective results no matter what your healthcare needs may be.

Ginger offers an unparalleled ability to strengthen the digestive fire due to its heating and penetrating properties.  These same qualities also increase the metabolism, stimulate the circulation, flush toxins from the body, remove congestion from the lymphatic system, aid in weight loss, boost the immunity, and reduce inflammation.  Ginger even possesses a unique ability to enhance the health benefits of other herbs when taken together (called Yoga Vahi).  Here is a quick overview of ginger’s long list of healing potentials.

Health Benefits of Ginger

• Increases the digestive fire
• Reduces indigestion, gas and bloating
• Boosts the metabolism
• Stimulates circulation
• Aids in weight loss
• Removes toxins
• Acts directly on the lymphatic system to remove congestion
• Increases immunity; kills unwanted pathogens
• Reduces fever, cold, cough, sore throat and flu
• Reduces pain and inflammation
• Relieves arthritis
• Relieves headaches and migraines
• Calms the nervous system
• Awakens and strengthens the mind
• Increases the potency of other herbs when taken together (Yoga Vahi)

This extra-potent ginger infusion recipe will provide you with a multitude of healing benefits and can be taken on its own or with other herbs.  For the best results, one should make a large batch each morning and drink one cup, 1 to 3 times daily throughout the day.  For more chronic or severe issues, one should take this tea three times daily for at least 30 days or as long as needed. For less demanding needs or for general maintenance, one can simply take as needed. 

**Please read the section below the recipe to find out the best ways to take this infusion for various conditions.     

Extra-Potent Ginger Tea Recipe

Click here for a printable copy of this recipe.

• Doshic effect: Vata↓, Pitta↑↓*, Kapha↓ 
• Makes: 3 cups (double recipe as needed)
• Cook Time: 30 to 60 minutes

*Although heating, this tea will still be very beneficial for Pitta during times of sickness and other various conditions.  Pitta types should avoid excessive use and discontinue if Pitta symptoms arise.

Materials

• Large sauce pan
• Ginger grater (optional)

Ingredients

• Fresh ginger (2″ to 3″ cube), finely grated*
• 6 cups of water
• 2 tablespoons honey 
• 1/2 lemon, juiced (use lime for Pitta)

*If a grater is not available, substitute by finely chopping the ginger by hand.  For the most potent brew, the finer the better!

Click here for a printable copy of this recipe.

Directions

1. Boil 6 cups of water.

2. Reduce the heat to a simmer and add in the grated ginger.

NOTE: If another herb or spice is to be added, add them at this time.  See below for the recommended herbs and spices to add for different conditions.

3. Cover the pot, leaving a small crack to allow the water to slowly evaporate.

4. Simmer here until only 3 cups of the liquid remain.  This may take anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes depending on how low the simmer is.  The longer the steeping,  the stronger the infusion and therefore the more potent the healing benefits will be.

5. Once you have reached the 3 cup goal, strain out the ginger.

6. Let the brew cool slightly and then add the juice from a 1/2 of a lemon and 2 tablespoons of honey*.

*Honey should never be heated above 108 degrees, so make sure to cool the tea appropriately before adding.

NOTE: You can double this recipe if desired.  The tea can be stored in an airtight glass jar and refrigerated for up to 1 to 3 days. 

The Best Methods To Take the Ginger Infusion For Various Conditions

DAILY HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Drink one cup of the ginger infusion each morning on an empty stomach.     

WEIGHT LOSS

Drink one cup of the ginger tea infusion 3 to 4 times daily.  The best time to take for weight loss will be first thing in the morning on an empty stomach, between meals and again before bed. 

Tip: For extra potent results, add 10 to 20 peppercorns to the infusion process. 

DIGESTION

Drink one cup of the ginger tea infusion 3 times daily.  The best time to take for digestion will be about 15 minutes before each meal. 

Tip: For extra potent results, add in 1 teaspoon each of fennel and coriander seed to the infusion process.  

DETOXIFICATION

Drink one cup of the ginger tea infusion 3 times daily.  The best times to take this tea will be first thing in the morning on an empty stomach, mid-day and again before bed.  This recipe can be used to enhance a cleansing program or for your daily detox needs.  

Tip: For extra potent results, add in 1/2 teaspoon of Chitrak powder to each cup of ginger tea before drinking. **Add the Chitrak powder after the ginger tea is complete and do not strain the Chitrak out. 

IMMUNITY 

For treatment of a cough, cold, flu or fever take one cup of the ginger tea infusion every 2 to 3 hours. For cold prevention take one cup of the ginger tea infusion 2 to 3 times daily between meals or as often as needed. 

Tip: For even more powerful results add in 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder to the infusion process. 

CIRCULATION

Drink one cup of the ginger tea infusion 1 to 3 times daily, as needed.  The more severe the circulation issue, the larger the daily dose should be.  The best times to take this tea will be first thing in the morning on an empty stomach, mid-day and again before bed.   

Tip: For even more powerful results add in 2 to 3 cinnamon sticks to the infusion process.

LYMPHATIC CONGESTION 

Drink one cup of the ginger tea infusion 1 to 3 times daily, as needed.  The more severe the congestion issue, the larger the daily dose should be.  The best times to take this tea will be first thing in the morning on an empty stomach, mid-day and again before bed.

Tip: For even more powerful results add in 2 tablespoons of Tulsi leaf to the infusion process.

INFLAMMATION 

Drink one cup of the ginger tea infusion 1 to 3 times daily, as needed.  The more severe the inflammation issue, the larger the daily dose should be.  The best times to take this tea will be first thing in the morning on an empty stomach, mid-day and again before bed.

Tip: For even more powerful results add in 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder to the infusion process.

ARTHRITIS 

Mix one teaspoon of organic, high quality castor oil  with one cup of the ginger tea infusion.  Do not add in the honey or lemon.  Take this before bed each night for a minimum of 10 days, or as long as needed.   

MENTAL FATIGUE AND FOG 

Drink one cup of the ginger tea infusion twice daily.  The best times to take this tea will be first thing in the morning on an empty stomach, and again mid-day around 2 pm. 

Tip: For even more powerful results add in 1 tablespoon of Brahmi leaf to the infusion process.