Soothing and full of flavor, this tea is a new staple. As I have finally given up my coffee habit, I'm replacing my morning routine with green teas and other herbal tonics to get me going in the morning. This lemon ginger tea has been a new welcome addition to my morning routines. I love that it has no caffeine but stimulates me at the same time. It's great in the morning as well as throughout the day. I may even add a green tea bag every now and then for a change and an extra kick.
Let's talk about ginger, lemon and cayenne for a moment. They all hold wonderful healing benefits...
Lemons are a good source of vitamin C which is one of the most 'important antioxidants in nature'. These powerful antioxidants neutralize free radicals both inside and outside the cell. Free radicals can cause inflammation, the antioxidants in lemons are helpful for reducing inflammation and symptoms of arthritis. They also contain flavonoids to help attack and prevent certain cancer cells from growing. Lemons also hold antibiotic effects. This yellow oval fruit is full of healing properties and should be enjoyed regularly.
Ginger, like lemons, also holds anti-inflammatory benefits (great for people with arthritis, like myself). It also eases gas and bloating, is helpful with motion sickness and helps promote healthy sweating which is great when one is feeling under the weather, sweating is a great way to get the toxins out. Ginger can be used in lots of recipes like soups, noodle dishes, dressings, drinks, etc. It's always handy to have fresh ginger root on hand for when the time calls. This tea is another great way to use up that ginger you have laying around!
Cayenne is another spice that helps to fight inflammation. It can also help clear congestion as well as act as a natural pain reliever. It can help with weight loss and give your immune system a boost with its high content of beta-carotene. Not only will it add a spicy kick to your food/drinks, it will take care of you on the inside as well.
Power up throughout the day with a cup of this simple, flavorful and healing tea. For every bit of its healing effects, it tastes twice as good!
Lemon Ginger Detox Tea
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups water
- 1 inch ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1/2 large lemon, squeezed
- pinch of cayenne
- 1/4 teaspoon raw, coconut or organic sugar or maple syrup (optional)
Heat water to boiling. Pour water into your cup, add ginger, let set for a few minutes, add lemon, cayenne and sweetener. Stir and enjoy!
Serves one.
Notes:
Alternately, if using a small sauce pan to heat your water, add the ginger to the water and then heat. I use a tea kettle to heat my water and prefer to add my ginger once the water is heated and poured.
The amount of water called for here will fill an extra large mug like the one shown. Adjust the water and ingredients slightly to suit your mug size and/or serving size.