Spicy Golden Ginger Tea

I was an avid English Tea drinker, but ever since discovering just how delicious Ginger Tea is, I've now converted to this much healthier tea!

I was troubled by a nasty bug that affected my respiratory system in a bad way and was looking for healthier drinks. Someone suggested Golden Milk, a rich healing Turmeric drink made with Coconut Milk, but I only had dairy Milk, which I am avoiding because it creates mucus.

I wanted to spice up the Ginger tea and add extra healing properties. Having a keen interest in the healing powers of nature's bounty, I thought of spices that have healing properties and would complement Ginger. After searching through my spice drawer, and doing a little research, I decided to add Turmeric, Cinnamon, Cayenne Pepper, and Black Pepper.

I found Garlic next to Ginger in the refrigerator, and know it has many health benefits, but that would be absolutely ghastly in a refreshing spicy ginger drink!

I cannot imagine cooking without the addition of any spices. Spices not only enhance food but also have impressive and unexpected healing powers.

Ginger...the main ingredient

I use fresh Ginger root in many dishes - tea, of course, spicy curries, stir-fry, sweet and sour sauces, and ginger powder in baked goods such as Gingerbread, and Ginger cookies.
It has many health benefits; ginger is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, is a great aid for gut health, eases nausea and vomiting, and is said to reduce the symptoms of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.

Turmeric

Turmeric is a must-have ingredient for any curry and for yellow rice. I also add it to a delicious Butternut soup. And as we're talking about amazing drinks, Turmeric is the main ingredient for Golden Milk as I mentioned earlier.
As with ginger, it also is an antioxidant and a great anti-inflammatory.

Cinnamon

I use this spice mostly in baking, but also in cooking - curries, and the powder form in baked goods such as Apple Pie, Pancakes, Spicy Buns, Carrot Cake, and French Toast.
Cinnamon is said to help control blood sugar and cholesterol, is also an anti-inflammatory, and helps with allergy symptoms.

Cayenne Pepper

A friend and I read about the astounding healing powers of Cayenne Pepper on gut health, especially for reflux (GERD). My friend had severe Reflux, was on medication for many years, and has stopped since taking a regular dose of Cayenne Pepper every morning. She's never had reflux again. I'm slowly weaning myself off my reflux meds, and am sure I will soon stop!
Of course, I now sprinkle it on my food and use it instead of Masala when making Curry, so have no more heartburn as with traditional curries. I still add all the other curry spices.

It is delicious in ginger tea and adds a nice bite to the drink. Cayenne Pepper reduces inflammation, has pain-relieving properties, and is said to heal stomach ulcers, surprising as it is quite spicy!

Black Pepper

Black pepper was once known as black gold and was a sought-after spice. It lowers the risk of cardiovascular and neurological conditions.
When adding Black pepper to your meal, it increases the absorption of nutrients, helps with digestion, and boosts the immune system.

^{All this info is what I learned from the book God's Pharmacy, and also online from Naturemed and WebMD.}

Enough about that, let's get to making this delicious Spicy Golden Ginger Tea
Not quite a recipe, more of a method, quantities are a little bit of this and a little bit of that. I will try to give it more or less to what I used this time around!

Spicy Golden Ginger Tea

Approx 20ml grated Ginger root
Half teaspoon of Black Peppercorns
1 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper - organic
1 teaspoon Turmeric powder - organic
2 stick Cinnamon
500ml boiling Water
2 teaspoons raw Honey - optional
2 wedges Lemon - optional

Place all except the last 2 ingredients in a teapot, or a jug, cover, and steep for a couple of minutes.

Strain, add honey if you like it slightly sweet, and a few slices of lemon for a nice citrus tang, and enjoy hot.
This healing and super refreshing tea is the perfect drink after a rich meal, or at the end of the day, great for cleansing the gut!
I found it very soothing when I had a sore throat and that awful cough!