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Brewed with the medicinal properties of traditional ayurvedic recipes, lemon ginger tea benefits those who drink it in myriad 1ways. Ginger has been highly renowned for its healing properties since ancient times.
This tea is believed to have originated in China and India. It was used in olden times as a tonic 2due to its many healing properties. The use of lemon ginger tea can be traced back at least hundreds of years if not thousands.
This herb has been used in many homeopathic medicines. Several doctors still use and recommend it as an alternative treatment method for many illnesses and ailments.
A. Lemon Ginger Tea
This herbal infusion of lemon and ginger acts like a tonic that would help you live a longer, healthier, and happier life. The use of this tea can be seen in many generations before us. Not only is it approved by doctors, but parents and grandparents also recommend it across the globe.
You can purchase lemon ginger tea bags or brew the tea yourself with organic lemons and ginger. Please note that the health benefits of herbal teas are accentuated when they are made with fresh ingredients and herbs.
Lemon is celebrated for its high Vitamin C and fiber content. It is packed with antioxidants 3and nutrients that can help your body thrive.
In Ayurveda, lemon was used to treat nausea, indigestion, and stress. It is often used in modern medicine as well. It is found in medications prescribed for scurvy, tinnitus4, and kidney stones.
Ayurveda has referred to ginger as a “universal medicine.” It has a spicy taste. Ginger tea has been associated with a feeling of warmth spreading in the body. This makes it perfect for the treatment of colds and congestion.
Ginger also provides respiratory relief with the help of its aroma. It can be found in modern medicine in syrups, capsules, ointments, essential oils, etc. It is widely used, to this day, for treating arthritis, cramps, nausea5, and even dementia6.
B. Recipe
The recipe to prepare lemon ginger tea is rather simple and unbelievably beneficial. This tea requires a total of 3-4 ingredients.
These include fresh lemons, a 4 or 5-cm-long piece of fresh ginger root, 4 cups of water, and 1 teaspoon of a sweetener of your choice (in this case, honey).
- Pour some drinking water into a clean pan and bring the water to a boil on medium flame. Then, remove the pan from the heat.
- Cut up some fresh lemon slices and ginger root and add these pieces to the hot boiling water.
- Close the pan’s lid and let it rest for about 5 minutes so that the water can take in the flavor and qualities of both ingredients.
- Strain this tea into a cup or a mug. Now, you may add a sweetener to it. You can add 1 tablespoon of honey to the tea or adjust the quantity according to your taste.
- Honey or other sweeteners aid in countering the strong and spicy taste of the ginger, accentuating the fruity taste of the tea. If you prefer not to use honey, you may substitute it with maple syrup.
This recipe is for hot tea made only with lemon and ginger. However, you may also try adding turmeric or green tea bags to it as a variation. You can also try ginger lemon iced tea during hot summer days or lemon ginger tea infused with apple cider vinegar.
Check out this recipe for iced lemon ginger tea – https://butteroverbae.com/ginger-lemon-iced-tea/
C. Benefits of Drinking Ginger Lemon Tea
Taking a hot cup of this herbal tea regularly can reduce the symptoms of several ailments. It can also act as an alternative medicine for many afflictions. 8 ounces of unsweetened and caffeine-free ginger lemon tea consists of:
I. (Zero) Grams of Carbohydrates;
II. (Zero) Calories;
III. (Zero) Grams of Total Fat; and
IV. (Zero) Milligrams of Sodium.
Adding other ingredients may change its nutritional value. Due to the essence of lemon, this tea contains a good amount of Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, and Magnesium. Due to the antioxidant properties of ginger, it also has anti-inflammatory properties and promotes weight loss.
Here is a list of lemon ginger tea benefits –
1. Weight Loss
Drinking lemon ginger tea on an empty stomach first thing in the morning can help reduce the amount of fat stored in the body. This can be the perfect tea for you to drink with a regular exercise regimen and a healthy, balanced diet.
Lemon juice has been proven effective in boosting metabolism, promoting hydration, and flushing toxins from the system. It can also reduce one’s appetite and promote fullness. Due to the high availability of Vitamin C and antioxidants, it also aids digestion.
Ginger increases a person’s energy levels and reduces their appetite, thereby assisting one in a more intense workout and being the perfect partner to your diet. It may also energize certain biological functions, leading to a healthier metabolism.
Honey, too, can increase an individual’s metabolism and generate a sense of fullness in the stomach. It may help you lose tummy fat. Consuming honey, ginger and lemon tea regularly can definitely help you on your journey to lose weight. Lemon ginger tea benefits those who are seeking health and weight loss to a great extent.
2. Antioxidants
Although the properties of both lemon and ginger get reduced when they are boiled, the amount of antioxidants present in this healthy tea is still fairly high.
This protects the cells in our body from free radicals (molecules containing oxygen that have an uneven number of electrons and react with other molecules present in the body, leading to chemical reactions known as oxidation).
Free radicals can often be found in tobacco smokers or those exposed to radiation. Damage caused by these free radicals can lead to serious chronic health problems such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, cataract, etc.
Honey contains vitamins E and C, phenolic acids, flavonoids, and other enzymes that provide antioxidant properties. It is a natural antibiotic that has shown much activity against bacteria.
Lemons have compounds like limonoids, flavonoids, and ascorbic acid, and ginger has bioactive compounds like 6-shogaol, 6-gingerol, and oleoresin responsible for the antioxidant properties they display.
Lemon juice also contains copious amounts of a plant compound called limonene that absorbs and eradicates free radicals, which risk damaging cells in our body. It can also be found in the oil of orange and lemon peel.
3. Boost Immune System
For your immunity, lemon is an absolute must-have in your diet. There is a lot of Vitamin C present in a lemon wedge. Although this vitamin may also be found in other fruits and vegetables like oranges, the special thing about lemons is that they have half the calories and much less sugar than other foods.
This vitamin plays a crucial part in boosting one’s immune system. Not only does it cause White Blood Cells (responsible for preventing and eliminating infections in the body) to work more efficiently, but it also protects neutrophils (the first line of defence of our immunity) from oxidation (an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants).
Thanks to its antifungal and antimicrobial properties, ginger, too, can assist in improving your immunity. It consists of a compound known as “gingerol” that rids the body of viral infections. It can also fight harmful chemicals present in the body. Lemon ginger tea benefits were briefly highlighted during the pandemic.
Lemon ginger tea, when consumed regularly, can not only fight off several diseases but also energize the body to strengthen and improve its immune health. It may go a long way in saving one from dangerous diseases and the chemical-induced drugs that one must depend upon to treat them.
4. Digestive System
The citric acid found in lemons stimulates the secretion of stomach acid that aids digestion and absorption of the nutrients present in food. By flushing out toxins from the body, it protects us from various digestive problems and keeps our digestive system functioning properly.
Lemon can act as a laxative and may be highly effective against constipation. It may also treat indigestion and heartburn. Lemons contain certain fibers like pectin that work as food for the good bacteria in our stomachs. Consuming organic lemon can ensure the growth and balance of these bacteria in the microbiome.
Ginger can greatly affect one’s gastrointestinal motility. It ensures efficiency in the rate at which food exits the gut. It can also ease digestive issues like bloating, gas, or an upset stomach. It can also decrease the pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter (LES).
Honey has properties that can treat diarrhea caused by gastroenteritis as well as stomach ulcers. It also consists of enzymes that act as catalysts that help break down sugar and carbohydrates in the digestive tract. Lemon ginger tea benefits digestion greatly.
Ginger lemon honey tea can be a savior for those suffering from digestive distress. It can be a very hydrating and revitalizing drink. One warm cup of lemon ginger tea is equivalent to a lifetime of smooth functioning in the digestive tract. Lemon ginger tea benefits the gut tremendously.
5. Hair Growth
A fresh lemon consists of Vitamins and antioxidants that can boost collagen production in the body. Collagens account for 30% of the protein that can be found in our bodies. It provides structure to our bones, muscles, and skin.
A boost in the production of collagen can result in considerable improvement in one’s hair health. Adding lemon juice to your tea can prevent dandruff and build-up in your hair follicles.
Ginger can lower blood pressure, thus relaxing the veins throughout one’s body. When the pressure on our veins is reduced, it becomes easier for the blood to flow and circulate properly. Ginger causes blood circulation to increase in the scalp, thereby supporting hair growth.
Ginger can also rid one of itchiness and irritation that might result in hair fall. It also reduces the chances of one growing grey hair prematurely. Fresh ginger prevents infections from developing in the scalp and stimulates healthier, stronger, and longer hair growth.
All in all, Lemon ginger tea can be a terrific tonic for your hair. It will stimulate your hair follicles and rejuvenate your scalp. Lemon ginger tea benefits you by nourishing your body and magnifying your beauty.
6. Skin Health
Due to its acidic properties, lemon can protect your skin against acne and other skin anomalies. It can also fight against blackheads and break down dead skin cells. Lemon also has properties that rid the skin of fine lines and wrinkles.
It can also fight oily skin and provide a younger, more glowing look to your skin. Lemon also reduces blemishes on the skin and treats sunburns and fungal rashes. It has proven effective in treating psoriasis (dry and itchy patches all over the skin) and can be found in various lotions and creams.
Ginger reduces the appearance of cellulite and has natural anti-aging properties. It can also make scars less prominent and fight off free radicals that cause skin damage. Ginger also evens out skin tone and flushes out toxins. It preserves collagen in the skin and kills bacteria on the skin’s surface.
To exploit its full effects on your skin, you may either drink lemon ginger tea regularly or apply it directly to your skin.
a. First, prepare a cup of lemon, ginger and honey tea. Store it in a glass jar till it cools.
b. Afterwards, you may add lemon ginger tea to ice cube trays and put them in the refrigerator. You can then apply these ice cubes made to your face and skin to reap honey lemon ginger tea benefits efficiently.
7. Nausea
Lemon contains certain neutralizing acids that produce bicarbonates (compounds that help relieve nausea) and stimulate the production of saliva, and provide relief from nausea. It also contains alkalizing agents that help in settling acidity in the stomach.
Lemon juice with a pinch of salt and sugar is a very effective home remedy for countering morning sickness. It is also a very effective and organic alternative to cure nausea in children. Lemon ginger tea benefits kids and adults alike.
Ginger, too, has been used to prevent nausea and vomiting associated with morning sickness or chemotherapy. Fresh ginger promotes emptying of the stomach and activates gastric antral contractions, reducing nausea and vomiting. It also provides relief against motion sickness or sea sickness.
Honey is packed with nutrients and pure glucose that reduce the feeling of nausea. It also soothes the stomach lining and calms irritation in the stomach. It also tends to the dehydration prevailing in the body.
Lemon ginger tea with honey has been an age-old beverage used to treat many ailments. This drink has been curing digestive issues and nausea since ancient times and is still highly efficient, not to mention comparatively cheaper and healthier than modern medicines.
8. Sore Throat
Lemons are considered efficient in dealing with a sore throat, often caused by a cold or flu, as they break down built-up mucous in the back of the throat and lead to pain relief. They also fight off infections. The nutrients and vitamins in lemons boost immunity, leading to quicker eradication of such problems.
Owing to the bioactive compounds and anti-inflammatory effects present in ginger, this herb is essential for safely getting through cold and flu season. Its ability to kill and eradicate the tiny microorganisms that spread in your body fights inflammation and redness in the throat.
Both lemon and ginger tea work wonders in fighting infections and boosting immunity, eradicating diseases and their symptoms of the same. Lemon ginger tea benefits are very prudent during flu season.
They can also reduce discomfort and cure itchy and agitated sensations in the throat caused by hay fever or allergies. Fresh ginger has antihistamine properties that can help in treating allergies to some extent.
It has also been used in olden times to reduce phlegm and throat aches. The properties of warm water infused with honey, lemon, and ginger will surely soothe your throat and make it easier to swallow. Lemon ginger tea benefits include a reduction in nasal congestion.
9. Blood Pressure
Lemon juice contains vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that promote heart health. It decreases the risk of heart disease and lowers blood pressure. It makes the blood vessels softer and induces flexibility in them.
Lemons also prevent the oxidation of cholesterol and ensure that the blood vessels do not clog or turn narrow. Improving our heart and blood vessels, drastically help regulate our blood circulation and pressure.
Ginger helps in lowering the pressure of our blood flow by acting as a natural calcium channel blocker. It prevents calcium from entering the cells of arteries and the heart. Ginger water protects arteries from clots and relaxes the muscles surrounding them.
Ginger water is also extremely rich in potassium, the lack of which has been associated with an increased risk of heart disease and hypertension. It benefits a healthier heart, proper blood circulation, and fighting dehydration.
Lemon ginger tea can probably increase your life expectancy by improving your heart health and providing care to your arteries. Ginger-infused hot water has some properties of blood thinners and can prevent serious cardiovascular diseases and blood clots.
10. Other Benefits
Drinking lemon ginger tea post workouts can reduce the chances of soreness and muscle cramps; it also aids with headaches and relieves menstrual cramps effectively. Lemon ginger tea benefits everyone, from children to the elderly, from the common man to celebrity.
Ginger tea has salicylates (a chemical that can also be found in aspirin) that are converted into salicylic acid by our bodies. This prevents nerves from making prostaglandins (lipid autocoids that trigger the body’s inflammatory response). It also eases discomfort and reduces pain in various different regions of the body.
Lemon ginger tea is a highly recommended beverage for pregnant women since it is decaffeinated and helps in reducing nausea. It is considered a very effective treatment for women suffering from morning sickness.
Although it is safe for a pregnant woman to drink up to 4 cups of ginger lemon tea in a day, it may be best to consult your doctor to ask about the right quantity of tea for you to consume. It is important to keep the safety of the baby and the mother before getting tempted by lemon ginger tea benefits.
It is also a recommended beverage for the management of the symptoms of arthritis. Its anti-inflammatory properties can greatly assist in aiding stiffness, pain, and swelling seen in patients with this affliction.
However, ginger lemon tea should not be considered as a course of treatment and rather as a medium for symptom management.
The anti-inflammatory effects of this drink also make it the perfect tea for preventing liver disease and detoxifying the same. If you drink a cup of lemon ginger tea daily, your body will be thoroughly cleansed.
This healthy tea can also prevent gum diseases and whiten your teeth. It can also provide temporary relief from toothache. This drink can also protect you from bacterial build-up around the teeth and gums.
Lemon ginger tea also has effects on cognitive function. This tea helps in the sharpening of the mind and memory. It also increases concentration. Lemon ginger tea also has mood-uplifting properties and can assist in regulating mood swings.
Ginger lemon tea also has cancer-fighting properties. Ginger contains 6-gingerol, a compound that has proven effective in suppressing the growth of cancer cells. Lemon ginger tea benefits those who suffer from serious illnesses and those who may be merely stressed.
Although it may not be efficient when dealing with more complex forms and stages of cancer, this tea can certainly assist in managing the symptoms that accompany cancers like ovarian cancer.
D. Some Tips for Including Lemon Ginger Tea in Your Diet
Lemon ginger tea benefits depend on whether it is served hot or cold. Your preference may vary depending on the weather and season. It can be consumed at any time of the day, month or year.
Although, it may be deemed most beneficial if consumed first thing in the morning. You may even have this tea every day if your doctor approves.
If you feel the taste of ginger is too strong, you may use peppermint to mask it. All you have to do is add peppermint or 5-7 leaves of fresh mint to boiling water infused with lemon and ginger. Let it steep, and strain it into a cup or mug of your choice. Et voila! your mint lemon ginger tea is ready to be served.
If you wish to consume lemon ginger tea for weight loss or digestive purposes, you may want to try adding apple cider vinegar to hot water, lemon and ginger juice and bringing it to a boil. You may also add honey to this brew, which would be perfect for curing an upset stomach.
For preventing diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and issues with blood flow, green tea with ginger and lemon might be a wonderful choice for you. Simply add 1 teaspoon of green tea to a pan filled with lemon and ginger-infused warm water on medium flame and strain once it is boiled.
You can store ginger and lemon tea in the refrigerator for about 2-3 days. Ginger tea, when stored properly, usually lasts about a month in the refrigerator. However, to reap its health benefits to the full extent, it may be best to drink the tea while it is still fresh.
E. Side Effects of Drinking Lemon Ginger Tea
Consuming ginger and lemon tea regularly may also have certain ill effects on your body. For example:
- The tea may interact with your blood thinners owing to ginger’s natural blood thinning properties.
- It may be wise to consult your doctor regarding the consumption of this tea in case you are taking any such medications.
- Ginger lemon tea may also affect your sleeping patterns.
- Some other common ill effects of lemon ginger tea include digestive distress, heartburn, and bloating.
- It can also cause frequent urination due to the properties present in lemon.
- It may be prudent to avoid ginger and lemon tea in case you are a patient with bleeding disorders or diabetes, at least until you get an all-clear from your doctor.
Keeping the pros and cons in mind, it is clear that this tea can cause more good than harm, especially when handled with care. Lemon ginger tea benefits seem to be surpassing any side effects.
The best way to highlight and explain a word of caution regarding this tea may be to point out that too much of a good thing might be bad.
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Last Updated on by Sathi Chakraborty, MSc Biology
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