Spiced Ginger Tea for Cold and Sore Throat
There is nothing more comforting on a cold winters day than a warm cup of spiced ginger tea for the cold and sore throat. Spices like cinnamon, cardamon, and cloves warm the body giving comfort from within while the ginger and honey soothe a sore throat from outside.
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A sore throat can be the first sign of cold and the approaching winter. The moment you start September the warm day and cold evenings confuse our body. My kids usually get a cold at the start of winter. That’s when I start making this tea for us as a family. One pot every day!
Warm your body with this special homemade blend of five spices ginger tea such as cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger that help soothe you and keep you cozy on the inside.
About this 5 spice ginger tea with honey (Save/Pin)
I’ve been having this tea as a kid almost all my life. My mom uses to make it and as a kid, we had it every winter through our winters weren’t so severe.
Of course, after mom passed way I never made it for years until I had my own kids and needed to find comfort for them especially for their cold and sore throat. Our Doctor does not really give medication for cold unless it’s a severe infection. Nothing is worse than having your kids tell you that their throat is hurting and you can’t give them anything more. This really helps my kids.
As an Indian kid, I grew up with a huge variety of spices around. My mom was a foodie and she has really almost all spices in her cabinet and she made her own spice mixes for what every she cooked from scratch. So I always wondered why my mom picked these particular 5 spices for this tea over all the others.
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I started reading and the more I read; I am convinced that this is good for me and my family. Now I make it every winter and every week. This week I suggested it to one of my neighbors when It dawned on me that I should share it with you here on my blog.
I Leave a bowl of water (uncovered) in the room during winter
Do I have the habit of leaving water in a bowl on the table during winter and often I get asked why? So here’s why?
- Do you know that in winter the cold air that comes into our home from outside has lower humidity that carries very little moisture?
- And then we heat the house inside which adds warmth but it doesn’t increase the amount of moisture in the air.
- So because humidity is so low the little moisture that is around gets sucked up into the air including moisture from our body leaving us with parched skin, nose, and throat.
- That is why a humidifier is often recommended but instead, So, I just leave a bowl of water on the table. I am told it helps – not sure..
- Also, did you know that in winter the air is drier so germs travel faster? that is why it’s easier to get infected by someone with a cold in winter as compared to summer?
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Let’s talk ingredients (Save/Pin)
- Ginger – Ginger is actually a very good antioxidant for the body. As an Indian, I’ve been eating ginger in my food all my life. I believe ginger helps you sweat out the toxins in your body which is helpful when you have a cold or flu. (read more about ginger in cold here)
- Cinnamon – The Indian and Chinese have been using Cinnamon for a cough and cold (read more benefits of cinnamon)
- Clove – Clove is a natural painkiller that is why we use it often for relief from toothaches. Right? Ayurveda suggests to use clove tea to lessen or prevent cold or flue – (read more here)
- Cardamon – helps with breathing when you have a cold it is a great antiseptic and decongestant properties that alleviate discomfort. (read more here)
- Pepper – yeah this one was a big question mark but yes Ayurveda has been adding black pepper to tonics to heal common cold and coughs for years. (read more here)
- Honey – I think we all know that honey helps soothe a soar and scratch throat naturally and relieves irritation. It boosts the immune system which reduces the severity of cold and also prevents future colds and other viruses. (read more here)
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Extra notes and precautions.
- Everybody’s body reacts to spices differently – for a start I suggest you drink no more than two cups a day. I personally can drink quite a few cups in a day.
- If you are not comfortable with any of the spices in this recipe you can omit or reduce the quantity.
- Drink only as much as you can handle. I add 1/4 cup spice mixture and top with 1 cup hot water but you could make it weaker or stronger too!
- Always be cautious when given kids something for the first time. This is my Rhea’s favorite drink and she can take two full cups of tea a day. She’s only seven. Having said that I’d suggest making a very light and sweet drink just to give them some warmth from the spices.
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So here’s the Recipe for this 5 Spice Ginger Tea for Cold and Sore Throat (Save/Pin)
Tools
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Ingredients
- 1-inch piece ginger (minced or grated)
- 5 cardamons
- 2 large cinnamon sticks
- 5 peppercorns
- 10 cloves
- 1/2 cup honey
Mixing the spices
Grinding the dry spices for my Tea for Cold and Sore Throat, spice tea for winter.
Grinding the ginger paste
You can grate it as well. I like using my mortar and pestle for this but since we are going to boil it, it does not matter whether you mince, grate, or chop it.
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Method
Prepare the Spice Mixture
- Grate or smash the ginger in a mortar and pestle
- using a mortar and pestle – make powder of the spices.
- Add 4 cups water in a saucepan.
- Combine the ginger and mixed spices in the saucepan.
- Let come to a boil – once it comes to a boil – reduce heat to a simmer and
- Simmer for 10 minutes until it is reduced to about 2 cups.
- Stain into a jar or teapot.
- This is the spice mixture that will last about a week.
Spice Mixture reduced to 2 cups – Tea for a cold and sore throat, ginger tea for winter, remedy of cold and sore throat
To prepare the tea
- Add 1/4 cup of the spice mixture to your teacup
- Top with 1 cup boiling hot water (about 1:3 parts mix: water)
- You can infuse a tea bag before (I drink it with as well as without tea bags)
- Add 1 tsp honey to sweeten it up
- Enjoy!
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5 spice ginger tea for cold and sore throat for winter, ginger tea for winter, spice tea for winter,
Recipe Card – 5 Spiced Ginger Tea for Cold and Sore Throat
5 Spiced Ginger Tea for Cold and Sore Throat
Ingredients
- 1 inch Ginger grated
- 5 Cardamoms
- 2 Cinnamon sticks large
- 5 Peppercorns
- 10 Cloves
- 1/2 cup Honey
Instructions
Prepare the Spice Mixture
- Grate or smash the ginger in a mortar and pestle
- using a mortar and pestle - make powder of the spices.
Boil the spice portion (makes 2 cups)
- Add 4 cups water in a saucepan.
- Combine the ginger and mixed spices in the saucepan.
- Let come to a boil - once it comes to a boil - reduce heat to a simmer and
- Simmer for 10 minutes until it is reduced to about 2 cups.
- Strain into a pitcher or teapot.
To prepare the tea
- Add 1/4 cup of the spice mixture to your teacup
- Top with hot water (about 1:3 parts mix: water)
- Add 1 tsp honey to sweeten it up
- Enjoy!
Chef's Tips
Extra notes and precautions.
- Everybody's body reacts to spices differently - for a start I suggest you drink no more than two cups a day. I personally can drink quite a few cups in a day.
- If you are not comfortable with any of the spices in this recipe you can omit or reduce the quantity.
- Drink only as much as you can handle. I add 1/4 cup spice mixture and top with 1 cup hot water but you could make it weaker or stronger too!
- Always be cautious when given kids something for the first time. This is my Rhea's favorite drink and she can take two full cups of tea a day. She's only seven. Having said that I'd suggest making a very light and sweet drink just to give them some warmth from the spices.
Nutrition Information
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Catherine Brown
Spiced ginger tea… PERFECT! It’s already gotten SO cold in NH!
Veena Azmanov
Thanks, Catherine. Yes, its getting cold here too.
Melissa
What a great tea to keep in our recipe books for the upcoming cold and flu season, I am a huge tea drinker so to be honest I would probably make this yummy drink any time of the year! I love the ginger for upset stomach too, definitely a multi-purpose drink!
Veena Azmanov
Thanks, Melissa. yes, some of us can have it any time of the year.
Holli
What a great recipe. I am always looking for a good soothing tea.
Veena Azmanov
Thanks Holli.
Marisa Franca
I really need this. Winter has come early and right now I’ve got a sore throat. We’ll be hitting the store later today so I’ll be picking up the ingredients. BTW, how often can I drink this throughout the day?
Veena Azmanov
Thank you, Marisa. I use this every winter. Must have.
Cheese Curd In Paradise
There are so many sniffles and colds this time of year and this would provide wonderful relief!
Veena Azmanov
Thank you.
Jen
These spices are all divine. I can’t wait to try this. It has been so cold and grey. This will be perfect.
Veena Azmanov
Thank you Jen.
Claudia Lamascolo
this is so comforting and I know it works my family does something almost the same and its the first go to remedy
Veena Azmanov
Thank you, Claudia
Dan Zehr
A cup of this hot drink in the cold autumn weather sounds absolutely fantastic! Very tasty and quite original. I love it!
Veena Azmanov
Absolutely Dan. Thanks
Mahy Elamin
What a delicious ginger tea! I simply cannot wait to try it! Very interesting combination of ingredients. I am saving this recipe for later.
Veena Azmanov
Thank you, Mahy. I hope you try it.
Bonedo
Veena, I make this every year in winter, made my first batch last week and remembered I had to come to say thank you. Thanks for sharing, this is just perfectly spiced.
Veena Azmanov
Thank you, Bonedo. So happy that this recipe worked well for you and you enjoyed it. You are very welcome. Thank you so much for coming back to write this feedback. Love to hear from those who tried my recipe.
Lynn
I recently started drinking this after a friend recommended your site. I love your site there is so much information. I get stuck here just reading. This drink is now become our family evening drink. Everybody loves it. Thanks for sharing your family secret recipe.
Veena Azmanov
Thank you so much Lynn for your kind words – So happy to hear that you enjoyed this recipe. it’s our family favorite in winter too. Thank you for coming back to write this feedback. Always get to hear from those who try my recipes. Appreciate it very much.
Chand
I have been drinking ginger tea with spices all my life. They really are so good for you. Had lost my mom recipe but this looks like a perfect recipe and just what I need. Thanks
Veena Azmanov
Me too Chand. My mom made this ginger tea with spices in winter and we loved it. It really is good for you in winter. Thank you for coming back to write this feedback. Appreciate it very much.
Willow | Will Cook For Friends
This tea sounds so comforting on a sore throat! I love making ginger tea during the winter, now I’ll have to start adding the rest of these spices to cozy it up even more.
Veena Azmanov
I think you will love it – worth the little extra effort – trust me. <3
Jo of Jo's Kitchen
This look great. I have a cough and cold at the moment so I will give this ago
Veena Azmanov
Hope you feel better Jo
Suzy
What a healthful drink! Thanks for sharing
Veena Azmanov
You are welcome Suzy
Lizie
Wow, this looks like powerful stuff! I love your step by step pictures.
Veena Azmanov
Thank you Lizie
Christine
Oh how I love ginger tea In winter! I really like the spices you add to yours. Love the idea about a bowl of water out on a table in winter. I use a humidifier, but it can’t hurt to try a bowl of water.
Veena Azmanov
Thanks Christine!! yeah me too.. .Love ginger tea.. so warm and comforting..The spices really help too!
Mackenzie @ Food Above Gold
That’s such a good idea to start small on the tea. I’ve had things like this in the past that if I drink too much it makes my tongue feel numb!
Veena Azmanov
That is true Mackenzie.. not everyone can handle warm spices well. Some of us have sensitive stomachs too! Thanks
Sarah
How did you know my throat was a bit sore when I woke up this morning? Seriously, PERFECT timing! Thanks so much for sharing!
Veena Azmanov
Great! Hope you feel better Sarah.. We’ve been having soar throat for a while here and this has been made every week.
kate
I need a hot mug of this lovely spiced ginger tea right now to cure my ills!
Veena Azmanov
Me too… Kate … me too… this winter has been hard for my family and this has been so helpful. Thanks
Igor @ Cooking The Globe
I love ginger tea. However, I have never thought about adding cardamom to it. Thanks for the idea!
Veena Azmanov
Yes Igor.. I have ginger and cardamon tea almost all the time. With my milk and sugar too!
Ruth Meaney
This sounds so beautiful! I am going to keep this in mind for when winter comes. I usually just throw a few slices of fresh ginger in boilling water with honey and lemon to help treat a cold. But these spices sounds so lovely.
Veena Azmanov
Thanks Ruth. They do help tremendously
Bintu - Recipes From A Pantry
What a great idea there are so many colds going around at the moment, this sounds delicious!
Veena Azmanov
Yes! here too Bintu . thanks