The “Gross” Tea That Actually Works: My Garlic Ginger Lemon Honey Cure-All
I swear by this “magic” tea. I make it quite often in the winter as a preventative, when I’m feeling like a sickness is coming on, or when I’m feeling run down. At first, it was a hard tea to get down for me. It is very strong with a very distinct flavor. I truly now do enjoy it. My husband said he would rather be sick then drink the stuff…so you can be your own judge. For me, if I know something works and it is going to make me feel better or prevent me from getting sick in the first place – count me in!
I actually first learned about this tea from my former naturopath, Dr. Guan. She shared it with me years ago, and it’s been my go-to ever since.
This tea is made with filtered water, garlic, ginger, lemon, & honey. It is key that you use fresh garlic, ginger, & lemons along with raw honey for this recipe. Cue the superfoods!
Garlic is a natural health booster with antibiotic properties, packed with vitamins and minerals. It can help fight a wide range of bacteria, boost your immune system, support gut health, improve heart health, and provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Ginger can help ease nausea, aid digestion, calm the stomach, reduce inflammation, ease pain, boost immunity, support heart health, protect brain function, aids oral health, & much more.
Lemon is an excellent source of vitamin C which is great for immune support and skin health. Lemon too can help aid digestion, manage blood sugar, support heart health, improve iron absorption, and hydrates the body.
Lastly, we have honey. Honey is by far the tastiest part of this tea (in my opinion). I add quite a bit to my tea right before I drink it. We are lucky enough to be able to raise our own bees, so I have some of the freshest raw honey around! Honey is a natural cough suppressant, soothes sore throats, and provides antioxidants. It has natural antibacterial and antifungal properties and contains enzymes that are beneficial for digestion, wound care, and antimicrobial effects.
As you can see, this tea is LOADED with superfoods, vitamins, & minerals to help you fight off any sickness you may have or to add into your diet for a boost of nutrition. Now that you know why this tea is such a powerhouse, here’s how I make it at home:
5 cups of filtered water
4 cloves garlic (fresh & pressed or minced)
2” ginger root (fresh & grated)
Juice from 1 large lemon or 2 small lemons
Slow boil the water, garlic, ginger, and lemon for 45 minutes. Strain (I use my gravy strainer) and serve with raw honey. Keep any extra in the fridge, I store mine in mason jars. Drink 1 cup a day for 2 days.
Note: I ALWAYS double this recipe so that I can drink 1 cup a day for 4 days.
It’s strong, it’s pungent, but it’s also my little winter ritual to take care of my body – and it might just become yours too.
