Ginger Tea is just plain good for you!

     Well its almost Christmas 2011 and I am sure there are a bunch of you getting sick with the change in the weather. So let me tell you what I added to my garden last spring. Ginger! Easy peasy too, I got a root from the grocery store and put it in a pot and now at the end of the growing season I have doubled what I started with, so next spring I will add to it, Yes I think I will have a very large patch of ginger because I have fallen in love with the tea I make from the root. I have tried many ginger teas but they all  have pepper in them which makes them bitter after using the tea bag a 2nd or 3rd time. With fresh ginger I not only don't  have that issue, I know that what I'm getting is fresh and not processed in any way I know exactly whats in it.
This is a copy from another site that will explain the health benefits of ginger. I did not write it and am only borrowing it to spread the knowledge,

http://www.boost-immune-system-naturally.com/health-benefits-of-ginger.html
Ginger and the Immune System

•strong antioxidant
•Antimicrobial (kills bacteria - including salmonella) - internally and topically as an antiseptic
•two natural antibiotics are found in ginger
•contains anti-inflammatory agents
•helps eliminate congestion
•contains zingibain that dissolves parasites and their eggs
•ginger root tea eases some throat pain
•kills cold viruses
•inhibits production of cytokines which cause pain and swelling
•combats chills and fever
•ginger inhibits 5-LO enzymes, the only food for prostate cancer cells , prostate cancer cells die in one to two hours without this enzyme
•gingerol (an extract of ginger) inhibits pancreatic cell growth
•beneficial to prevent constipation-related cancer
•an effective ani-tumor agent in leukemia cells
•an extract of ginger causes lung cancer cell death
•gingerols inhibited the growth of Helicobacter pylori associated with dyspepsia, peptic ulcer disease and the development of gastric and colon cancer
•ginger extract raises significantly the thymus index, spleen index, percentage of phagocytosis, and thus improves the immunologic function relating to tumors
•gingerol inhibits cell adhesion, invasion, motility and activities of breast cancer cell lines
•gingerol induces viability reduction (killed) gastric cancer cells
•a ginger extract causes apoptosis (cell death) of breast carcinoma cells
•ginger inhibits cell growth and modulates angiogenic factor in ovarian cancer cells
•6-shogaol (component of ginger) induces cell death in colorectal carcinoma cells
•compounds of ginger inhibits proliferation (stops growth) of ovarian cancer cells
•a component of ginger suppresses metastasis (stops the spread) in any type of cancer cell including leukemic, skin, kidney, lung, and pancreatic cancer cells - one of the most exciting and powerful health benefits of ginger!

Ginger and Circulation
•stimulates circulation
•may help prevent heart attacks
•has natural blood thinning properties
•lowers blood cholesterol levels
•cleanses and stimulates blood
•prevents internal blood clots
•may prevent TIA’s (mini strokes)
•therapeutic properties for hypertension

Ginger and Digestion
•cleanses colon
•reduces colon spasms and cramps
•helps clear gas
•relieves indigestion
•excellent for nausea, vomiting and motion sickness
•stimulates production of digestive juices
•helps bowel disorders

Ginger and other Body Systems
•lungs: helps with respiratory problems, eases asthma symptoms
•helps eliminate hot flashes
•relieves headaches
•promotes menstrual regularity
•helps with morning sickness
•helps reduce inflammation of arthritis
•supports kidney health
•topical gingerol provides protection against UVB-induced skin disorders
•reduces the severity of post chemotherapy nausea

Ginger and its Nutrients
•high in potassium
•manganese which builds resistance to disease, protects lining of heart, blood vessels and urinary passages
•silicon which promotes healthy skin, hair, teeth and nails
•helps assimilate calcium
•also contains Vit. A, C, E, B-complex, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium, iron, zinc, calcium, beta-carotene

Other Facts and Health Benefits of Ginger
•was listed in U.S. Pharmacopoeia from 1820-1873
•British research has found ginger to be as effective as drugs at relieving nausea after surgery
•Patients with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis studied at Denmark’s Odense University got relief from pain and swelling after taking ginger daily for three months
•gingerol promotes healing of inflammation and minor burns
•may prevent transient ischemic attacks (TIA’s) know as mini strokes
•Israeli researchers found that standardized ginger extract has dramatic effects on cardiovascular health, lowering cholesterol levels and preventing oxidation of LDL which contributes to cholesterol deposits on artery walls

Ginger Recipes/Uses
•Suggested use is 1/3 tsp. ground ginger or 1 tsp. fresh ginger root in food or drink up to three times daily
•Motion Sickness - drink tea or juice mixed with 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger one-half hour before traveling
•Add in juicer to fresh raw fruit or vegetable juice
•Add to smoothies - See My ‘Ginger Berry Smoothie’ Here in Easy Healthy Smoothie Recipes
•Add fresh to Asian stir fry dishes, marinades, fruit salad dressings
•Add ground ginger to breads, cookies, spice cakes, pumpkin pie.


This is my system for making tea with ginger root. Like I said its easy and oh so yummy. Get a root from the grocery store and keep it handy this season for emergencies or grow it or use it every day.

Stay well this season and Merry Christmas
Namaste
Merilee