The winter season, when many suffer from common illnesses, is here, so I want to share something to keep your inner and outer fire burning to keep you happy, healthy and full of vitality through these next few months.

In Ayurvedic medicine, agni (Samskrit for fire) is the entity responsible for all digestive and metabolic processes in humans. When our actions are not aligned for our highest good, we are prone to sickness and other ailments. One of the better and simpler ways to keep the agni burning within our bodies is by keeping the digestive tract clean and flowing.

Worldwide since ancient times, cultures have hailed ginger for its culinary and therapeutic properties enjoying a variety of forms such as ginger root, dried whole ginger, powdered ginger, pickled ginger, crystallized ginger and extracted essential oil. Ginger has a hot, zesty bite; yet, it is warm and sweet. It is quite pungent and spicy with a very slight woody flavor, imparting exotic pepperiness.

The root of ginger’s therapeutic benefits are due to powerful bioactive compounds called phenols which possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties scientifically shown to prevent or reduce symptoms of many common ailments. Traditional homeopathy has long utilized ginger to treat constipation, diarrhea, and other ailments of the digestive tract.

In 2017, researchers at the University of Bologna found that a concentration of ginger root demonstrated significant beneficial effects on the intestines due to Phyto-markers 6- and 8- gingerol and 6-shogaol.1 In clinical studies, shogaols in ginger have demonstrated potent anti-cancer potential.2

Obesity is an increasing global epidemic and a major risk factor for a plethora of illnesses including cardiovascular disease, arthritis, and infertility. In 2017, Phyto-therapy Research published a systematic review of dozens of studies that hint at ginger’s anti-obesity effects. The research suggests ginger may enhance weight management by increasing lipolysis and thermogenesis, inhibiting intestinal fat absorption, and suppressing appetite.3

Those of you who suffer from ulcers, acid reflux, heartburn, lower blood pressure and stomach sensitivities should consult your doctor before consuming ginger on a daily basis.

My mother would make this hot ginger tea for my brother and me during the bitter cold winter months in England to boost our immune system by keeping our gut healthy and clean.

Enjoy, my friends, and remember to Love Your Life Healthy.

Healing Ginger Spice Tea

Ingredients:

½ to 1 Tbsp. grated fresh ginger
5 black peppercorns
¼ tsp Chai tea Masala (a blend of hot spices such as cinnamon, clove, cardamom, ginger powder and black pepper)
2 Tbsp. honey
2-3 cups of water or milk of choice

Directions: Bring all ingredients (excluding honey) to a boil on medium to high heat. Simmer for about 15 minutes on low heat and strain. Stir in the honey and your Healing Ginger Spice Tea is ready for cuddles on the couch.

Dipika is a certified holistic health coach and lifestyle practitioner who empowers her professional clients to activate an overall balanced lifestyle of mind, body and soul. She can be reached at (760) 821.3119. www.LoveYourLifeHealthy.com.

References:
1) https://www.researchgate.net/publication/326229471_Formation_of_6-_8-_and_10Shogaol_in_Ginger_through_Application_of_Different_Drying_Methods_Altered_Antioxidant_and_Antimicrobial_Activity;
2) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4369959/;
3) https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ptr.5986