5 Spiced Ginger Tea for Cold and Sore Throat

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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, cardamom, and cloves warm the body giving comfort from within while the ginger and honey soothe a sore throat from outside.

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 tea

I've been having this tea as a kid almost all my life during winter. My mom used to make it, though 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 something comfort for them. 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 around a mom who knew her way with spices. You'd never get her buy store-bought spice mix it has to be here own version. I always wondered why my mom picked these particular 5 spices for this tea over all the others.

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

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?

• 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 the 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 I just leave a bowl of water on the table. I am told it helps too
• Also 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?

Ingredients and substitutes  

• 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 medicines 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. 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 - 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 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) 

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 ¼ 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 is only ten. Having said that I'd suggest making a very light and sweet drink just to give them some warmth from the spices.

Step by step instructions (pin)

Spice mixture

• Using a mortar and pestle - coarsely grind the spices - set aside
• Grate or smash the ginger in a mortar and pestle - set aside
  Tip - 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.
• Add 4 cups of 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
• Simmer for 10 minutes until it is reduced to about 2 cups.
• Use a mesh, sieve, or cheesecloth to strain into a jar or teapot.
• This is the spice mixture and can be kept for about a week in the fridge.

Make the tea

• Add ¼ cup of the spice mixture to your teacup
• Top with 1 cup boiling hot water  (about 1:3 parts mix: water)
• You can infuse with a tea bag (I drink it with as well as without tea bags)
• Add 1 tbsp honey or more as you need.
• Enjoy!

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Other popular teas in winter are

• Chai spice latte
• Pumpkin spice latte
• Cinnamon mocha hot chocolate drink
• Hot chocolate drink with homemade hot cocoa

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