Lemon Ginger Tea Recipe

Heather Dessinger

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lemon ginger tea

So, you’ve been meaning to make up a batch of fire cider, but laundry happened. And dishes. And that thing you committed to when it seemed like a good idea but wasn’t. Now someone in the house is feeling achy and awful, and even if you started today the fire cider wouldn’t be ready for weeks.

Maybe that person is you, and there isn’t another herbalist in the house to whip up remedies for you. No worries! This soothing lemon ginger tea recipe can be made quickly with ingredients you can find locally. (No special order ingredients needed!)

Lemon Ginger Tea Ingredients (What you’ll need)

The beauty of this recipe is that it can be adapted to whatever you have on hand (or can pick up nearby). In addition to the three essentials – lemon, ginger, and honey – you can choose 1-5 of the ingredients below for your brew. Here’s an overview of the benefits of each:

Fresh Ginger

Historically ginger was very expensive – one pound cost as much as a whole sheep in the Middle Ages. (source) Fortunately, these days it’s widely cultivated so that we can all benefit from it’s immune supporting, healing properties.

According to Penn State Medical Center, it has also history of use in helping to “treat the common cold, flu-like symptoms, headaches, and painful menstrual periods.” (source)

Lemon

Lemons are rich in vitamin C, which supports immune function.

Honey

Honey is used as the medium in this recipe, but it also has soothing properties. As I mentioned in my homemade cough syrup post, a study published in the medical journal Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine concluded that buckwheat honey helped kids (and their parents) get more sleep by easing symptoms.

Close up of lemon ginger tea recipe in mug

Garlic Clove (optional)

This warming herb is legendary for its ability to support immune function and assist the body as it clears congestion.

Cayenne (optional)

Cayenne contains capsaicin, which is a warming and circulation enhancing pain reliever. It reduces the amount of Substance P – a chemical pain transmitter in the body – making it helpful for sore throats. (source 1source 2)

Cinnamon Sticks or Powder (optional)

Cinnamon has long been used in traditional medicine to help with cold and flu recovery. According to Fundamentals of Microbiology, there is evidence to support its use as an antimicrobial herb.

Star Anise (optional)

This licorice-flavored spice contains shikimic acid, which is a potent antioxidant. Although it’s much different after manufacturing (and may have side effects not associated with the natural form), shikimic acid is used in the production of Tamiflu.

Herbal Tea (optional)

I brew a cup of herbal tea (either one tea bag or 2 teaspoons loose tea) to use as a base for the brew. I like to use herbs that are immune supportive and/or relaxing to the nervous system: chamomile, peppermint, yarrow, rosehip, elderberry, hibiscus, echinacea or catnip are all good options, but you can use just about anything you have on hand. Caffeine-free is best so your body stays in rest and recover mode. Water works, too!

How To Make Cold & Flu Brew (Lemon Ginger Tea With A Twist)

To make this tea, choose four or more of the ingredients below and then follow the brewing instructions.

lemon-ginger-tea
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4.64 from 11 votes

Lemon Ginger Tea Recipe (Cold & Flu Brew)

A warming and cleansing tea made with fresh lemon, ginger and honey.
Course Drinks
Cuisine American
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings 1 serving
Calories 45kcal
Author Heather Dessinger

Ingredients

Instructions

  • In a small pot, combine the water and ginger, along with the garlic, cinnamon sticks, and/or star anise, if using.  
  • Bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 15 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and strain.
  • If you’re infusing your brew with herbal tea, add it to the water now and allow to steep (covered) for 3-5 minutes.
  • Strain out the tea and add the lemon juice.
  • Sweeten to taste with honey and stir in cayenne, if using, before serving.
  • Keep sipping on a steady supply of cold and flu brew while watching funny movies until you feel better. 

Notes

The only mandatory ingredients for this tea are ginger, lemon, and honey. Feel free to add as many or as few of the optional ingredients as you’d like. The herbal tea is also optional. See the post above for suggestions. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1½ cups | Calories: 45kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0g | Saturated Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 21mg | Potassium: 74mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin C: 29.5mg | Calcium: 108mg | Iron: 1.7mg

Other Soothing Remedies To Try

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This article was medically reviewed by Dr. Scott Soerries, MD, Family Physician and Medical Director of SteadyMD. As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.

What’s your favorite cold and flu remedy? Please share it in the comments!

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About HEATHER

Heather is a holistic health educator, herbalist, DIYer, Lyme and mold warrior. Since founding Mommypotamus.com in 2009, Heather has been taking complicated health research and making it easy to understand. She shares tested natural recipes and herbal remedies with millions of naturally minded mamas around the world. 

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