Ginger Tea recipe

Ginger Root Tea - great for seasonal colds and general wellbeing...

We went rafting this past weekend, which was a long weekend for school kids due to a teacher work day on Monday. Invited along a boy to join my son. He had a cold before we left, but of course felt well enough to join us. After all, he comes from a long line of adventurers and nothing would hold him back from a weekend of camping, kayaking and spending time with a good friend. In an effort to keep him well, I made a pot of Ginger Tea whenever we were in camp, offering it to him first thing in the morning.  He said it was good, and soothing to his throat and chest. He even filled his water bottle with it to drink during the days on the river. Of course, kayaking on 55 degree water, and practicing rolling his boat several times a day probably did not help him get better. The tea, however, was a supportive remedy, none-the-less!
 
Here's a simple way to make it:

1 quart water
1 piece of sliced fresh ginger root, 3-5 inches long
honey and lemon juice, to taste

Boil the water then turn off the heat. Add the ginger root.  Cover and steep 20 minutes.  Strain, and add honey and lemon juice, if desired.  

One can sip this ginger tea over the course of the day, reheating as necessary or enjoy at room temperature.

According to Linda White, MD, author of 500 Time-Tested Home Remedies, the hot water acts as a hydrator, helping to keep the throat moist as well as thin mucus, making it easier to expel.  As you sip the warm tonic, simple breathing in the steam from the warm liquid helps with decongestion, too.  Ginger is antimicrobial, antiinflammatory, analgesic, immune-enhancing, and an expectorant.

This easy-to-make beverage is good at home or on the road, and a great healing tool during seasonal change.

---