One of my favorite drinks in the universe is Ginger Tea, particularly when mixed with Peppermint Tea.

But there is a catch.  It’s not just any Ginger Tea.  I’ve tried Ginger Tea from normal health food or grocery stores and it’s been horrific in comparison.

The Ginger tea I drink comes from a very special farm in Oregon, Mountain Rose Herbs, which sells organic high quality herbs. It is basically dried up chopped pure ginger root which has not been harmfully treated, heated, or otherwise damaged in the ways that many herbs do get damaged while they are being processed.  Even though these herbs are not made specifically for use as tea (they are used for natural remedies and medicinal purposes) the tea that can be made from them is unlike any tea I have found elsewhere.

One of the health advantages of using loose-leaf tea is that you don’t have to use a teabag which has likely been bleached or otherwise chemically treated.

In any case, when you use real, pure, organically grown herbs to make your tea (which have not been heat dried or otherwise mistreated) you will not only see a big difference in health benefits, but in the taste of your tea.

My favorite mixture is ginger with peppermint, both mixed together with boiling water poured on top.

This drink can actually become addictive and it isn’t even toxic or unhealthy.  In fact, ginger is one of the healthiest substances on earth.

Here are just a few of the nutritional benefits of ginger:

  • Increases circulation (wakes you up, makes you feel alert, and helps get needed vitamins to all parts of your body).  It is thus used against circulatory disorders.
  • Helps to handle respiratory infections such as in colds and flues
  • It is very good for all-nighters – i.e., when you have to stay up late and work without sleep.
  • It can be very good for relieving nausea (as in pregnancy or motion sickness)Ginger has been said to help relieve menstrual cramps
  • Ginger has natural anti-stress qualities
  • Ginger is a good mouth freshener and can be used against bad breath
  • Ginger assists in digestion and is often used to combat stomach trouble (it is very powerful when used in conjunction with peppermint and fennel)
  • Ginger oil used in massage has anti-inflammatory properties and has thus been used to help relieve arthritis.
  • Ginger relieves gas and bloating
  • Ginger helps lower harmful cholesterol
  • It relieves headaches
  • It has been said to have anti-cancer properties and anti-plague properties

Again, organic high-quality ginger works much better than inferior varieties; it tastes better and has far better nutritional qualities.

Ginger can be used in a variety of ways.  One popular drink amongst the more robust of us is the “ginger shot” which is juice produced by putting ginger through a juicer along with some apple.  But watch out – this is a very strong drink.

Ginger is great when juiced along with other juices such as apple, carrot, etc.  You can experiment with it and see what you like the most.

If you have a cold or a flu, you can try boiling a bit of garlic with your ginger tea and then adding lemon and honey.

Ginger can also be added to other foods, such as in stir-fries, or salad dressings.

It is also a good coffee substitute.  It does not contain caffeine but contains invigoration qualities nonetheless.  The steam of boiling ginger or ginger tea also gives off a very pleasant fragrance which you can use to freshen your home.

For many centuries, ginger has been used for its therapeutic and stimulating properties.  It is widely available, inexpensive, and a pleasure to use.

Ginger tea can be made by shredding or cutting ginger and pouring hot water over it, or (even better) by simering the ginger to make the tea.  The tea can be prepared in the same way from dried shredded ginger.