For the past year, I have embraced a simple yet effective morning ritual: a warm cup of ginger tea made with just ginger and water. I drink it first thing in the morning before anything touches my stomach (even coffee!).
Being from India has its perks. There’s a remedy for almost everything in your kitchen, and we are staunch followers of Ayurveda. Before making an appointment with a doctor for most issues, we try to find a cure in the kitchen. Growing up, ginger was always present in my household, whether in food, chai, or home remedies for colds and digestive issues. Yet, it wasn’t until I started drinking ginger tea every morning that I truly realised its potential.
Could it cure my migraines?
My mornings have been chaotic for most of my professional life — a rushed cup of coffee, a hurried breakfast, and the inevitable bloating and sluggishness that followed. My skin was prone to blemishes, and I often felt as though my digestive system was crying out for help.
Ever since I got into remote working, the first change I made was starting slow. Every morning, I begin my day by boiling a few slices of fresh ginger in a cup of water. The spicy, earthy flavour of the tea is comforting and invigorating, especially in winter months when all you want is to sip warm drinks.
A few weeks into the practice, one of the first things I noticed was a reduction in bloating. For years, I had battled with that uncomfortable feeling of fullness that seemed to persist throughout the day. Within a few weeks of drinking ginger tea, that discomfort began to dissipate. Ginger, as it turns out, is a natural anti-inflammatory and carminative, meaning it helps to relax the gastrointestinal tract and alleviate bloating and gas. I started feeling lighter, both physically and mentally.
According to Dr Leke Asong, GP and Gut Health Specialist at Gut Health Medic, "Ginger has a long history of traditional use as a healing herb, both fresh and dry form. It is a highly revered root in ancient healing systems such as Ayurvedic, Tibetan, and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Ginger is high in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and polyphenols, and helps stimulate digestive juices. Antioxidants reduce inflammation, resulting in less bloating and gas.”
My digestion also saw a remarkable improvement. I’ve always had a somewhat sensitive stomach – and certain foods, especially takeaways, would leave me feeling uneasy for hours. Since incorporating ginger into my mornings, I’ve noticed that my digestive system feels more robust. Meals sit better, and I experience far less indigestion.
“Ginger also helps support the migrating motor complex (MMC), a recurring pattern of rhythmic contractions in the stomach and small intestine. The MMC moves undigested food, bacteria, cells, and secretions towards the colon. The phytonutrients in ginger also reduce gut inflammation. These actions optimise gut function to be ready for digestion. Starting your day with ginger water is highly effective. Our guts digest carbohydrates, protein and fat more efficiently after consuming ginger water," says Dr Asong.
Colds used to knock me out for weeks. Now, I can't remember the last time I felt ill.
Dr. Peter Brukner, who is a nutritionist, dietitian and sports physician based in Australia – and the author of Fat Lot of Good – says ginger can help with balancing blood sugar levels. "This is very important because it helps keep your energy stable all day long. Ginger can also improve how the body responds to insulin, so the body can deal with sugars from food in a better way. Drinking ginger tea before your meals can help prevent blood sugar spikes after eating."
But there are far more benefits that I have reaped from ginger tea. Living in New Delhi, India is not easy. Severe air pollution takes a toll on your skin, especially in winter months. For a long time, my skin remained prone to blemishes – and looked dull and lifeless. But slowly, I witnessed a change in that too. Trust me, I’m not big on skincare products and prefer to find alternative Ayurvedic remedies to work through skin issues.
One of the most surprising benefits of sipping ginger tea was a transformation in my skin. It was this humble ginger tea that made the most difference. I see now that my skin has that inherent brightness and glow.
"Ginger fights oxidative stress," adds Dr Brunker. “Ginger has many antioxidants, which are things that save your cells from harm made by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules inside the body and they can make you age faster and bring diseases. By putting ginger in your morning routine, you help your body fight oxidative stress naturally.”
"So, if you usually drink coffee first thing in the morning, think about changing to a cup of ginger tea. It is an easy and natural method to begin your day with a healthy boost for your digestion, blood sugar levels, and general health feeling," he adds.
Can knocking back a shot of ginger really be life changing?
Skin and aesthetics expert Nina Prisk, founder of Update Aesthetics, says: "Drinking ginger water is believed to be beneficial to overall health and the health of the skin for several reasons. To understand these benefits, it’s useful to look at what ginger contains. It contains gingerol, a photochemical that is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Antioxidants help to protect the skin from damage from free radicals which can lead to premature ageing.
"Anti-inflammatory agents help to reduce inflammation and swelling, throughout the body, but also in the skin where it can become visible with puffiness and premature ageing. Ginger also has antibacterial properties which can help to prevent breakouts and treat acne, and also to help fade hyperpigmentation and scars, brightening the skin," she adds.
I’ve also learnt to appreciate ginger tea as a natural substitute for over-the-counter medications. For instance, when I occasionally sense a cold approaching or have slight nausea or sore throat, an additional cup of ginger tea sometimes mixed with a little turmeric and honey works wonders. Its properties that reduce inflammation and boost immunity offer soothing relief, making it my preferred remedy for minor health issues.
My obsession with ginger tea has come to a point that even when I’m travelling, I make it a point to go to a local grocery store and buy ginger root so that I don’t have to compromise with my routine. The habit has become so ingrained that it feels strange to start my day without it.
If you’re considering incorporating ginger tea into your daily morning routine, I strongly recommend giving it a try. It’s not an instant solution or a magic bullet, but with time and consistency, you might just find yourself reaping the same benefits I have. Begin with just a slice or two of ginger brewed in hot water and observe how your body reacts. For me, it’s been a year of feeling lighter, clearer, and more in tune with my body than ever.
