The use of ginger tea to combat bodily ailments has a considerable history in homeopathic medicine, ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine. According to the Physician's Desktop Reference, ginger root has been proven to promote health by increasing saliva and digestive juices, lowering cholesterol, and decreasing inflammation, among others. Aromatic, pleasant tasting and easy on the stomach, ginger tea offers a number of benefits to health seekers.
Ginger Tea for Digestion
According to a 1998 study reported in Healthline, ginger and ginger tea have consistent properties in reducing and suppressing the nausea and vomiting associated with pregnancy and other digestive ailments. According to the study, the chemical compound gingerol, found in ginger root (and a relative to the spicy capsaicin compound found in chili peppers), is the primary anti-nausea agent in ginger and is effective in stimulating appetite, regulating digestion and eliminating stomach gas. For a serving of ginger tea common in traditional Chinese medicine, add 4 tbsp. of freshly grated ginger root to 2 cups of boiling water. Strain the ginger debris from the liquid after two minutes and sip periodically throughout the day.
Ginger Tea for Congestion
According to data compiled by the Physician's Desktop Reference, ginger is a potent agent for clearing blocked nasal passages. A traditional Indian remedy, ginger tea has historically been used to eliminate mucus in the lymph and nasal systems, and therefore also considered a potent home remedy for colds. Generally referred to as a "heating herb," due to its spicy and warming qualities, ginger's fiery properties are helpful for combating coughs, asthma, headaches and other ailments associated with congestion and sinus ailments. To receive maximum stimulation from a cup of ginger tea, drink the liquid soon after it has been set to cool, allowing the heat to lubricate the nasal passages and eliminate congestion.
Ginger Tea and Cholesterol
According to preliminary studies cited by the University of Maryland Medical Center, ginger may also help lower cholesterol and prevent the blood from clotting. These two benefits combine to protect the blood vessels from blockage and such damaging conditions as atherosclerosis---in turn preventing both heart attacks and strokes when consumed regularly. The effect of ginger root when drunk as a tea was linked to reduced levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) types of cholesterol, therefore acting as a suppressant for the harmful types of cholesterol while sustaining HDL "good" cholesterol.
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