Overview
Ginger tea is a popular detoxification aid. It can be used for gentle, daily detoxification or added to a more intense detoxification program. Some programs involve fasting for a number of days. Others simply eliminate substances that are believed harmful to the body such as food additives, sugar and caffeine while emphasizing fiber and fluids, according to the book “Body Detox Made Easy.” Check with a health care professional before adding ginger tea to any type of detox diet.
Function
Ginger tea affects the body in a number of ways. It improves digestion and circulation and helps expel gas. It also can ease relieve spasms in the digestive tract, stomach cramps and nausea, according to Denise Whichello Brown’s “Teach Yourself Detox.”
Method
To make ginger tea at home, grate or cut up a piece of fresh ginger. Put two tablespoons in a mug and pour in boiling water, advises Brown. Cover and steep for 10 minutes before drinking, advises Yoga Journal.
Types
Ginger tea is an effective addition to any detoxifying diet. Adding turmeric makes it even more effective, says the book “Body Detox Made Easy.” Add ½ teaspoon of turmeric to your tea as it steeps, then strain the tea into a mug after 10 minutes. Include a dash of lemon extract and 1 tablespoon maple syrup after straining.
Warning
Drinking too much ginger tea can have negative effects, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. People should not use more than 4g of fresh ginger in a day. Excessive ginger can lead to side effects including mouth irritation, belching, an upset stomach, mild heartburn or diarrhea.
Considerations
Ginger tea might alter effects of blood-thinning medication, including aspirin, according to UMMC, so if you are taking such medication you need to talk to your health care provider before doing a detox that involves this tea. UMMC also advises people who have bleeding disorders to avoid ginger. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine also is looking into whether ginger interacts with drugs that are used to suppress the immune system.
About this Author
Linda Tarr Kent is a reporter and editor with 20 years’ experience at Gannett Company Inc., The McClatchy Company, Sound Publishing Inc., Mach Publishing, MomFit The Movement and other companies. Her area of expertise is health and fitness. She is a Bosu fitness and stand-up paddle surfing instructor. Tarr Kent holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Washington State University.
