From dedicated cold-pressed shots to traditional spiced cookies, ginger is renowned for adding a fiery kick to dishes and drinks.
Alongside chicken soup, ginger-infused creations is one of those things that grandmas the world over rush to prescribe at the first sniffle or cough.
The herbal root has been used for centuries for holistic healing and gastronomical innovation, yet one of its most popular and underrated uses is in premium tea blends. We spoke with Marion Mackonochie, the Herbal Science Manager at Pukka Herbs for further insight into the benefits of ginger tea.
What is ginger tea and how is it made?
“Ginger tea is a herbal infusion of dried or fresh ginger root, made by pouring freshly boiled water onto the chopped-up root and allowing the flavours and beneficial plant compounds to infuse into the water,” explains the expert.
“At Pukka, we harness its fiery nature in a variety of our teas, such as our warming and invigorating Three Ginger Tea and the soothing Lemon, Ginger & Manuka Honey blend”
What are the benefits of drinking ginger tea?
“Ginger tea has traditionally been drunk to support digestion and ease symptoms of coughs and colds. It’s actually the fiery gingerols you find in ginger that cause that lovely warming sensation in your mouth and stomach when you drink ginger tea,” says Mackonochie, instantly relieving all those who may have believed that the all-over heat provided by even the mildest ginger infusions is some kind of allergy.
“Additionally, ginger supports circulation, helping to warm up your entire body, including cold extremities like hands and feet. This makes it an ideal choice as we transition from summer to the cooler autumn and winter months.”
Is it safe to drink ginger tea every day?
“Absolutely! Ginger is a safe herb to enjoy daily and has several warming and invigorating benefits.” That means you can guzzle away on infused ginger morning, noon and night. Hurrah!
What is the best time of day to drink ginger tea?
“Ginger tea can be enjoyed at any time of day, from morning to evening. Since it’s naturally caffeine-free, it won’t interfere with your sleep, making it a perfect choice for unwinding in the evening,” says Mackonochie, continuing “It’s particularly beneficial after meals to help settle your stomach or to warm you up if you’re feeling chilly. Personally, I love brewing a cup in the afternoon, especially after lunch.”
What are the best tea blends that include ginger for an all-round health boost?
“At Pukka, our most gingery blend is Three Ginger, which is packed with spicy herbs, ginger, galangal, turmeric, and sweet liquorice. You can also enjoy ginger in our warming Lemongrass & Ginger, Lemon, Ginger & Manuka Honey, and Turmeric Active blends, all of which offer an all-around boost.”
With expert advice in mind, we’ve curated a selection of the best ginger teas for holistic health benefits below. Keep scrolling to embrace the fiery, sinus-revitalising power of the beloved root herb.
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Pukka Organic Three Ginger Tea 20 Tea Bags
Pukka tea may look good on the kitchen counter with its pretty packaging, but it tastes even better. Aside from peppermint tea, another excellent post-meal soother is ginger. This triple-whammy organic blend of ginger, turmeric and galangal is ethically sourced and housed in compostable bags. Expect a sinus-clearing, brain-boosting de-bloater with this powerful mix.
Buy now £3.99, Holland & Barrett
Pukka Tea Turmeric Active Herbal Tea Bags
Pukka’s Turmeric Active tea is brimming with rejuvenating herbs. Enjoy a spiced blend of turmeric, ginger and galangal which provide a natural boost for those 4pm slumps. This sustainably made brew is ideal for fitness fans, as the nettle and galangal decrease the levels of heat in the body and invite rest.
This bundle of 80 sachets means you won’t have to restock for a while.
Buy now £14.40, Amazon
Teapigs Sweet Ginger Tea Made With Whole Herbs
Sweet-toothed tea sippers will adore Teapigs' ginger remedy. A fiery blend of anti-nausea ginger, liquorice roots and cinnamon ease digestion, while offering a gentle pick-me-up during the day.
Buy now £4.45, Amazon
Bird & Blend The Digester Tea
Though detox teas should typically be enjoyed without milk, Bird & Blend’s wonderfully aromatic Digester Tea works brilliantly with dairy if you’d like a more diluted morning brew to kickstart your metabolism.
The Digester Tea has been developed to help soothe digestive issues such as IBS, food intolerances, bloating and indigestion with the help of oolong, ginger, fennel and ginseng.
Buy now £7.80, Bird & Blend
Celestial Seasonings Bengal Spice Tea
Celestial Seasonings' Bengal Spice detox tea may just be one of the most delicious detox teas around. Brimming with cinnamon, ginger, cardamom and cloves, this sweet blend is a caffeine-free interpretation of chai - the piquant Indian brew traditionally made with black tea.
Aromatic and naturally sweet, it's calming and soothing while helping to detox without too much intensity. If you're someone who regularly sweetens their black tea with sugar, this is a great alternative to satisfy a sweet tooth naturally.
Buy now £6.35, Amazon
Valiance Botanical Infusion Tin, 15 Silky Tea Bags, 37.5g
Nobody does tea quite like Fortnum’s. The ‘Valiance’ botanical blend is warm and zingy, combining notes of Sicilian lemon and rosehip with warming ginger, elderberries, Makuna honey and mint. Perfect for meditative moments, setting intentions and prioritising your overall health and wellbeing as the seasons begin to change.
Buy now £9.95, F&M
Lab Tonica Pow herbal teabags box of 15
With a name like ‘Pow’, you can be sure that this herbal infusion by Lab Tonica packs a punch. It’s made with an expert blend of ginger lemon peel, beetroot, yerba mat, lemongrass, rosemary and a hint of chilli. Perfect for hungover mornings, or for beating a nasty cold before it’s even begun.
Buy now £9.00, Selfridges
Kusmi Tea - Kashmir Tchai Organic
Parisian teahouse Kusmi has been going since 1867, making them a reliable source for specialist blends. The Kashmir Tchai is a brilliant option for those looking to sample loose-leaf tea with a ginger kick but aren’t quite ready for an all-out triple ginger infusion. This blend includes Indian black tea, green anise, cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, cloves and bay leaf. In India and Nepal, this tea is traditionally consumed with a dash of milk and a sprinkling of sugar.
Buy now £19.75, Amazon
Twinings Superblends Digest Tea with Ginger & Turmeric
This Superblend from Twinings is a digestive delight. Ginger and turmeric help to relieve bloating and support the metabolism, while a mellow fig flavour helps to subdue that classic, fiery ginger kick for a milder taste.
Buy now £3.00, Ocado
Harrods No. 86 Ginger Flavoured Black Loose Leaf Tea
Ginger, plain and simple. If you’re in the market for a premium loose-leaf tea with no additional herbaceous blends, Harrods has got you covered. This luxury black tea has been infused with warming ginger pieces and natural flavouring for an instant pick-me-up.
Buy now £15.00, Harrods
