Ginger lemon tea is made with the added goodness of turmeric, pepper honey, and orange, known for its several ayurvedic healing properties. This drink is a natural immunity booster!
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor or a nutritionist. The information shared in this article is based on my personal experience and trusted sources, and should not be used in lieu of medical advice.
I wish I were more self-disciplined when it came to healthy eating habits. I have a notorious sweet tooth, and I can binge-eat some of my favorite meals without a care in the world!
One of the advantages though, of being of Indian-origin and cooking Indian food, is that I have consciously and sub-consciously incorporated several principles of Ayurveda in my daily cooking. The world has opened up to the health benefits of Indian spices such as ginger, turmeric and pepper in recent years, and yet these ingredients are used daily in Indian households. Many of the recipes on this website, including favourites such as paneer tikka masala, vegan korma curry, kadai chicken, cauliflower curry, and so many more, make liberal use of ginger and turmeric!
In recent years, I have intentionally adopted a few habits that have vastly improved my health. I have over the last few years, stopped having sugar in my daily cup of tea at home, and over the last few months, I have been drinking a warm glass of lemon and honey, first thing in the morning. Another time-honoured tradition in our home is to have a glass of lemon, ginger and honey tea nearly daily during the winter and flu-season – the long-term benefits of these ingredients include a stronger immune system and better digestion.
What is lemon and ginger tea good for?
Having ginger and lemon regularly is said to be a good way to boost your immunity, and improve your digestion. In this recipe, I like to add a few more ingredients that are good for you – in addition to lemon and ginger, there is also pepper, turmeric and honey. Here are some of the benefits of the ingredients used for making an immunity-boosting ginger lemon tea:
Ginger:
The benefits of having ginger are well proven. This magical root has antioxidant properties and is a very well-known natural anti-inflammatory ingredient. It is also helpful in easing throat aches and reduces swellings. It is great for digestion, helps reduce nausea, motion sickness, etc. It is also believed to reduce respiratory problems and relieves headaches. Ginger is also believed to improve overall immunity.
Lemons and oranges:
A natural resource of Vitamin C, lemons and limes, both lemons and limes have are used very commonly in traditional medicine. They both contain antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. I love adding oranges to this drink, because of their natural sweetness and that extra boost of vitamin C!
Turmeric:
Turmeric, the golden spice, has been long used in Indian cooking, and is known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, anti-fungal, and antibacterial effects. In order to aid absorption of turmeric by the body, we add black pepper.
Black Peppercorns:
Black pepper is known for being a flavor enhancer. But did you know that pepper also aids in digestion, helps relieve cough and cold, and aids in metabolism? I also love the subtle kick of spice that pepper adds to any drink. When taking in combination with turmeric, black pepper is a power horse.
Honey:
I love the subtle sweetness offered by honey in this drink. It also helps that honey is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory as well!
How to make lemon and ginger tea:
This recipe can be made either on the stovetop or in a pressure cooker. Make sure all your ingredients are organic – as we will be using the peels of the citrus fruit and the skin of the ginger as well. Take special care to wash the fruits and the ginger knob in a mild soap solution.
Stovetop: Use a vessel with high sides to simmer the drink. Lightly crush organic ginger and crush the black peppercorns as well. Add them to the pot, along with the juice of 1 orange, 1 lemon, along with the squeezed orange and lemon as well. Add 2 cups of water and bring to a boil. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 minutes on the stovetop. Then turn off the heat, add honey and turmeric and stir. Let the drink sit for 10 minutes before you serve it.
Instant Pot / Pressure Cooker: Add the crushed ginger, along with the juice of 1 orange, 1 lemon and the squeezed citrus fruit. Add the pepper and 2 cups of water. Pressure cook for 5 minutes and let the pressure release naturally. Strain out the liquid while it is still warm, add honey and turmeric, and stir to mix. Let the drink sit for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Ginger Lemon Tea
Ingredients
- 1 inch ginger organic
- 1 lemon organic
- 1 orange organic
- 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder organic
- 2 tablespoons honey
Instructions
Stovetop recipe:
- Use a vessel with high sides to make this drink on the stove top.
- Lightly crush organic ginger and crush the black peppercorns as well. Add them to the pot, along with the juice of 1 orange, 1 lemon, along with the squeezed orange and lemon as well.
- Add 2 cups of water and bring to a boil. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
- Then turn off the heat, add honey and turmeric and stir. Let the drink sit for 10 minutes before you serve it.
Instant Pot Instructions:
- Add the crushed ginger, along with the juice of 1 orange, 1 lemon and the squeezed citrus fruit.
- Add the pepper and 2 cups of water. Pressure cook for 5 minutes and let the pressure release naturally.
- Strain out the liquid while it is still warm, add honey and turmeric, and stir to mix. Let the drink sit for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Caramel Tinted Life is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com and affiliated sites.
How log would this keep and can you drink cold ?
You can keep this drink for up to a week in the fridge, and have it cold as well, if you like! Stir it, as the turmeric will stat to settle at the bottom
What happens if your impatient like me and added all the ingredients at once instead of how you instructed???
Ha ha! This recipe is very forgiving, thankfully! I hope you like it😊