The Ultimate Guide to Ginger Tea
One of the most popular types of tea is herbal tea. This is tea that can be made of any plant fit for human consumption, and so the possibilities for flavours and varieties are endless. One of the most popular varieties is Ginger Tea.
Over the years, interest in ginger tea has grown outside of Asia, with it now being one of the most popular herbal teas in Europe.
It's distinctive flavour and host of health benefits have made it a cupboard staple in many households. In this guide, we discuss the origins of ginger tea, different types of ginger tea, brewing instructions, health benefits and side effects, providing all you need to know about this invigorating tea.
What is Ginger Tea?
Ginger tea, as the name suggests, is tea made from the ginger root. Pure ginger tea uses nothing else, but nowadays ginger is often blended with other ingredients, such as black tea or lemon, to combine and create a variety of exciting brews, while still enjoying the same health benefits and invigorating flavour.
Ginger tea was first brewed in Asia, where it has been used across the continent for its delightful spicy flavour and the associated health benefits. Ginger root is valued in traditional ayurvedic medicine for treating indigestion, reducing nausea, and reducing joint pain. It is commonly found in most chai teas, an iconic Indian drink which has rose to global popularity in recent years.
Explore our Ginger Teas
No. 107 Chai of Madagascar
A marriage of South African honey bush leaves, orange, coco and spices, this exceptional loose leaf tea offers a stunning sweet and fruity infusion.
Our authentic loose-leaf Masala Chai balances bold Assam leaves with traditionally grown Indian spices for an invigorating blend packed with warming flavours.
Our classic Karak Chai is a malty blend of robust Assam black tea mixed with whole aromatic spices, perfect for making a traditional pot-boiled creamy chai with milk and sugar.
Zesty lemongrass and warming ginger combine in this luxury herbal tea, full of antioxidants and soothing properties to help ease your digestion.
Rich in antioxidants, turmeric is the golden child of the superfood movement, and this beautifully balanced aromatic herbal blend raises it to the next level.
No. 301 Assam Chocolate Spice Chai
This loose-leaf black tea from India’s renowned Assam region has been mixed with cocoa and ginger for a complex chocolate spiced chai that’s perfect for winter.
What Does Ginger Tea Taste Like?
Ginger tea tastes spicy and warm, with a subtle earthiness and a natural sweetness. Its flavour, of course, also varies depending on the rest of the ingredients in the blend.
Our Lemongrass & Ginger Herbal tea compliments the zing of ginger with refreshing citrussy lemongrass, elevating and bringing out the best of both flavours.
Our Turmeric Spice leans into the earthy tones of ginger root, imbuing this blend with its warmth and kick.
Ginger is traditionally used in chai, and so all of our chai teas, such as our Masala Chai, our Karak Chai and our Chai of Madagascar contain this spice, which is quintessential to the traditional chai flavour.
For those with a sweeter tooth, ginger herbal teas can be enhanced with the addition of smooth, sweet honey, whilst we recommend brown or white sugar for our Masala Chai and Karak Chai (both of these teas are traditionally drunk with milk and sugar). Whatever your preference, there is a ginger tea for everyone.
What is the Best Time to Drink Ginger Tea?
One of the best things about ginger tea is its versatility; there is no one best time to drink ginger tea!
Despite being non-caffeinated, the natural spiciness of our Lemongrass & Ginger Tea serves to invigorate the body. This tea can help wake you up first thing in the morning, great for those who can’t drink caffeine or are looking to cut down.
Additionally, a cup of ginger tea is an excellent digestif for enjoying after meals, and as it’s caffeine-free you don’t need to worry about it keeping you up late at night after dinner.
Ginger tea can warm you up on a cold winter day, as its flavours are the perfect complement to festive food, but it is also recommended for those who are feeling under the weather or to soothe an unsettled stomach.
Our Lemongrass & Ginger can also be cold brewed in summer for a refreshing drink.
How to Brew Ginger Tea
Brewing tea, whether it’s loose-leaf or teabags, is simple and easy to do. It’s all about making sure you have the right utensils and following the correct brewing times and temperatures.
How to Make Loose Leaf Lemongrass & Ginger Tea
A Step-by-Step Guide to Brewing Loose Leaf Lemongrass & Ginger Tea
What You’ll Need:
- Loose Leaf Lemongrass & Ginger Tea
- 200ml of boiling water (100°C)
- 1 cup or mug
- 1 tea infuser
Instructions:
- Measure 1-2g (a heaped teaspoon) of loose-leaf Lemongrass & Ginger and add them to your infuser.
- Place the infuser in your cup or mug, then pour approximately 200ml of boiling water over the blossoms.
- Allow the tea to brew for 3-4 minutes.
- Carefully remove the infuser from your cup.
- Sweeten with honey or sweetener of your choice, if desired
- Sit back and enjoy your freshly brewed cup of Lemongrass and Ginger tea!
Pro Tip: If you’re making a pot of tea, use 1-2g (a heaped teaspoon) of Lemongrass & Ginger per 200ml of water.
How to Make Lemongrass & Ginger Tea with Tea Bags
A Simple Guide to Brewing Lemongrass & Ginger Tea Bags
What You’ll Need:
- 1 Lemongrass & Ginger tea bag
- 1 cup or mug
- 200ml of boiling water (100°C)
Instructions:
- Place one Lemongrass & Ginger tea bag into your cup or mug.
- Pour around 200ml of boiling water into the cup.
- Let the tea brew for 3-4 minutes to release its full flavour.
- Remove the tea bag (our Triune teabags are fully biodegradable and can be disposed of in household waste or composted)
- Sweeten with honey or a sweetener of your choice, if desired.
- Relax and enjoy your soothing Lemongrass & Ginger tea!
Pro Tip: If making a pot of tea, use one additional tea bag per 200ml of water.
The Benefits of Drinking Ginger Tea
Ginger tea can offer a range of health benefits.
Treating nausea and vomiting
Ginger has been used as a home remedy for generations for treating nausea, especially for women going through morning sickness, but can also be used for those suffering from a stomach bug, those undergoing chemotherapy and other medical treatments which may cause vomiting.
Helping indigestion
Ginger tea is commonly recommended as a digestif after a large meal, as it can help aid digestion and reduce bloating.
Soothing sore throats and colds
Ginger has historically been used to treat colds and flu. It can be particularly useful for treating sore throats, especially when combined with soothing honey (which contains natural antimicrobial properties) and for boosting immunity.
Anti-inflammatory properties
Ginger is full of antioxidants, and so it potentially aids with arthritis and other inflammation related illnesses.
The Side Effects of Ginger Tea
Ginger tea is typically safe for most to consume, although as with all things excessive consumption is not recommended. 2-4 cups a day is a safe amount to consume.
Ginger tea can cause mild side effects, such as minor digestive issues, heartburn and gas.
Ginger may not be suitable for those using blood-thinners or with gallstone disease. If you are unsure about whether ginger tea is safe for you, please contact a medical professional for their advice.
Summary
As you can see, ginger tea has a rich heritage and a range of different uses, whether for health reasons or simply to enjoy its zesty flavour.
Whatever reasons you're looking for, Explore our Ginger Teas and find your new favourite brew.
