Ginger Lemon Honey Tea & Golden Milk
The cold season is here and with its arrival our immune system has returned from the summer vacation. Now it has to work hard to keep our bodies fit and healthy - but we can support it with a few simple (and really tasty) drinks.
A recipe for everyday use that not only tastes fantastic hot: tea with ginger, honey and lemon:
Ginger Lemon Honey Tea
Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects were attributed to ginger in traditional Chinese medicine. The root tuber was not only prescribed to treat rheumatism, muscle pain, heartburn or colds, but also to stimulate intestinal function, gastric juice and salivation. The ingredients have a positive effect on our metabolism, which burns our calories and can thus help to lose weight in the long term.
Caution during pregnancy: Excessive consumption of ginger can trigger contractions early! However, mothers who are breastfeeding benefit from the miracle root because ginger stimulates milk production, which is particularly important for those who cannot produce enough milk themselves. The essential oil contained in ginger, gingerol, has a relaxing effect on the stomach and intestines, which can relieve flatulence (especially in babies).
But not only ginger is a true miracle: the lemon is full of healthy ingredients such as vitamin C (actually up to 50 mg of vitamin C per 100 grams of lemon), potassium, calcium, magnesium, citric acid and pectin. All these substances are a great support for the immune system. Vitamin C also improves iron absorption in the body, which is also important for a strong immune system.
Last but not least: The good honey! In addition to vitamins such as vitamin C and thiamine, it contains anti-inflammatory enzymes, trace elements and minerals such as iron, zinc, copper, potassium and sodium. The antioxidants it contains can have a positive effect on heart health and lower blood pressure.
ingredients for
4 servings of ginger-lemon tea
1 to 2 cm fresh ginger
1 lemon
1 tbsp honey
1 liter boiling hot water
10 sprigs of thyme (optional)
Simply cut the ginger into wafer-thin slices or grate it into must on the moistened ceramic grater (for more intensity). Keep turning the tuber a little and grating it from different sides so that more pulp remains on the grater than the fibers. This way you only need half as much ginger and you can rinse the rest that is stuck with hot water in the teapot or tea sock.
Squeeze a lemon and add the juice to the teapot. Pour the hot water into the pot and steep as desired. We recommend at least three minutes, but you can leave the tea sock or ginger pieces in the teapot and use them for a second and third infusion. Now the ginger-lemon-honey tea can be sweetened with honey as desired. Of course you can also use sugar or sweetener. However, the healthier - and also tastier - alternative to sugar are natural substances such as agave syrup, maple syrup, coconut blossom sugar or stevia.
Our tip: In the case of diseases of the respiratory tract and to relieve a stubborn cough, simply add a few sprigs of thyme to the pot.
Another true miracle cure for the body and a simple recipe for cold days is the Tumeric Latte, also known as Golden Milk:
Golden Milk
The golden milk, also known as Haldi Doodh, originally comes from Indian Ayurveda and has many positive effects on our health and well-being. The most important component, the curcumin contained in turmeric, not only gives the Indian drink its color, but has always been known in Ayurvedic medicine for its healing and anti-inflammatory properties. Due to the analgesic, antibacterial, diuretic and antiseptic ingredients, the tuber is used as a natural remedy for diseases such as cystitis, joint pain, fatigue, digestive problems and much more. The golden milk is also the ideal companion for a detox cure, as it is said to stimulate the function of the liver. The turmeric latte is also said to be a real help against insomnia. But not only that! The fact that the golden milk has a digestive effect and is said to help against cravings makes the drink the ideal supporter for a diet.
Though turmeric takes center stage, the other spices in golden milk are also health-boosting! Both ginger and cinnamon are known for their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
You don't need much for the creamy-sweet and slightly spicy milk:
ingredients for
2 servings of golden milk
400 ml oat, almond or coconut milk
2 tbsp fresh turmeric root
2 tbsp fresh ginger
1 cinnamon stick or 1 g cinnamon powder
1 pinch of black pepper
1 pinch nutmeg
1 tsp coconut oil
2 tablespoons honey or other sweetener
2 cardamom pods (optional)
You can use turmeric and ginger either as a powder or freshly grated. We recommend always grating turmeric and ginger fresh, as not only does the taste develop better, but there are also more healthy ingredients in it than in powder form. If you don't want to get yellow turmeric fingers, you can hold the root in a cloth when rubbing or put on gloves.
Now boil your preferred milk in a saucepan, turmeric, ginger, pepper. Add nutmeg, coconut oil and cinnamon stick. Mix everything well, put the lid on and let it simmer for 5 minutes over medium heat. Before the hot milk is poured into the cups, add some honey to the pot and stir one last time.
Our tip: The essential oils contained in cardamom help with stomach pain and flatulence. Slightly crush two cardamom capsules and add to the golden milk.