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Ginger Tea for Colds and Low Immunity
Instructions
Pour half of the boiling water (250 ml) over the dry linden flowers in a ceramic teapot or thermos. Cover with a lid and let it steep for 15 minutes – this is exactly how long it takes for the linden to release the most of its beneficial substances.
Wash the orange thoroughly under hot water with a brush – the peel may carry preservatives from transport. Slice it into thin half-rings 5 mm thick together with the peel, which is rich in vitamin C and essential oils.
Grate the peeled ginger root on a fine grater – this way it releases the most juice and essential oils. Ginger contains gingerol and shogaol, natural anti-inflammatory compounds.
Combine the linden infusion, the grated ginger, the orange slices and the remaining boiling water in a large thermos or teapot. Let it steep under the lid for 10 minutes – all the components will "embrace" and exchange their aromas.
Once the tea has cooled a little and is just warm (no hotter than 60 °C), add honey to taste. The ginger tea for colds is ready – drink it slowly and enjoy the aroma.
Tips
- 1
The orange can be replaced with lemon (more sour and bright) or skinless grapefruit (a slightly bitter accent).
- 2
Add honey only to a warm drink (40–50 °C) – in hot tea it loses its beneficial vitamins and enzymes and turns into a sweet syrup.
- 3
For an extra soothing effect, add 2–3 fresh mint leaves. I use a similar principle to make rosehip grog.
- 4
Drink this tea during the cold season (autumn–winter) as a preventive measure – it strengthens the immune system and warms you up in cold weather.
FAQ
Can children drink this tea? +
Yes, but halve the amount of ginger (1 cm instead of 2 cm) – it is pungent and may be too sharp for children. Make sure there is no allergy to honey (honey is strictly contraindicated for children under 1 year old). For young children, replace the honey with sugar or jam. You can also reduce the proportion of orange and add more linden – the tea will be "gentler". For teenagers and adults the proportions stay as in the recipe. Do not give ginger tea to children when they have a high fever – it may increase the heat.
What can replace linden flowers? +
Use dried chamomile (a more soothing effect), dried mint (refreshing), ordinary black tea (an invigorating option), green tea (more neutral), hibiscus (gives a beautiful red colour and a touch of sourness) or rosehips (rich in vitamin C). Each base gives the tea its own character. You can use a mix of several herbs – for example, linden + chamomile + mint. The main thing is that all the components are of good quality and not past their use-by date.
How many times a day can I drink ginger tea? +
During an active cold – 2–3 times a day between meals. As a preventive measure in the cold season – once a day, in the morning or evening. Do not drink it on an empty stomach – ginger can irritate the stomach lining (especially with gastritis). Do not exceed 4 cups a day – a large amount of ginger can cause heartburn or allergic reactions. Ginger in large quantities is contraindicated for pregnant women – consult a doctor. People with high blood pressure should also be careful.
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