10 Amazing Benefits of Ginger Turmeric Tea

Last Updated on July 10, 2018 by Marc Seward

The Health Benefits of Ginger Turmeric Tea

I have a family full of tea lovers so we are forever trying out new combinations both for their flavor and their health value. One of our more recent additions to the tea menu is a healthy combination of turmeric and ginger. Turmeric ginger tea is a delicious, refreshing brew whether you drink it hot or cold. It is also among the healthiest possible combinations that you can try.

Turmeric ginger tea or ginger turmeric tea has a delightful flavor. It is sweet and slightly spicy and is perfect for those cold, winter nights. But not only does this delicious brew taste great, it is also chock full of medicinal properties that can help treat a wide range of illnesses. This article will take a detailed look at the most impressive benefits of this tea and maybe will convince you to add it to your tea cabinet.

Before we go on to look at the specific health benefits of the tea, let us take a look at the two main ingredients. If you have spent any time reading the articles on this site, you will have sen that both ginger and turmeric feature heavily in various home remedy articles. There is good reason for that. Both ginger and turmeric contain a range of nutrients and compounds that can help treat a host of illnesses and keep you in good health.

Ginger Root (Zingiber officinale)

Ginger root is a native of South East Asia and is a mainstay of Asian cuisine. While it is best known for its culinary uses, ginger root also has a range of therapeutic properties. If you would like to read a detailed description of the benefits of ginger root, you can click this link.

Suffice to say, it is best known as a traditional remedy for various digestive complaints like bloating, indigestion and diarrhea. It is also a great remedy for nausea and respiratory complaints such as colds and congestion.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

Turmeric is a spice derived from the same Zingiberaceae family as ginger. It is also native to South East Asia and is also a popular ingredient in the kitchen especially as a spice for Indian curries. The turmeric root is harvested before being boiled and dried then ground into the beautiful, vivid orange colored powder that you are familiar with.

Like ginger root, turmeric possesses a very impressive range of medicinal properties and therapeutic uses. It has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for years to treat illnesses ranging from digestive complaints and liver illness to skin sores and respiration. Click here to read a full article on the heath benefits of turmeric.

More Valuable Together

Turmeric and ginger contain a vast wealth of medicinal benefits when you use them alone but when they are combined to make a ginger turmeric tea, you will get even more value from your products. The various phytochemicals contained in both ginger and turmeric, interact well together to give you greater potency.

Ginger contains compounds known as gingerols which have been well researched and are known to help enhance bioavailability. This means they they help you to absorb the nutrients from other foods. The main active compound in turmeric is called curcumin. It is typically not well absorbed but when combined with ginger, the curcumin is better absorbed by the body meaning you should get more value from your tea.

Ginger Turmeric Tea Health Benefits

Anti-Inflammatory

Both turmeric and ginger have anti-inflammatory actions that have been well documented. When used in combination, these herbs can relieve swelling in the body and help alleviate the associated pain.

Numerous studies have demonstrated that turmeric can help treat a range of inflammatory conditions including indigestion, swelling in the joints, rheumatism, arthritis and IBS. (1)

Ginger is also a natural anti-inflammatory food. According to one piece of research, it has similar effects to commonly prescribed anti-inflammatory medications or NSAIDs. According to researchers, ginger is a potentially effective and much safer remedy than prescription NSAIDs for inflammation and pain. (2)

Diabetes Management

Ginger turmeric tea can have a very positive effect on blood sugar levels and help people with diabetics keep their levels under control.

Studies have found that both turmeric and ginger help to reduce fasting blood glucose levels and also relieve oxidative stress. (3) One study published in 2009 found curcumin helped suppress blood sugar levels and also keep cholesterol levels in check. (4)

Anti-Bacterial properties

Both ginger and turmeric have powerful antimicrobial properties. One study compared the antibacterial activity of ginger with commonly prescribed antibiotics and found it could kill various strains as well as conventional antibiotics. (5)

Curcumin has also demonstrated powerful anti-fungal abilities in the lab. (6) A combination of these two herbs will exert very powerful antimicrobial actions on the body.

Cancer Prevention

Several studies have demonstrated that both turmeric and ginger may protect us from cancer. One study concluded that curcumin had anti-cancer effects and could suppress the initiation and progression of various tumors. (7)

Various studies have demonstrated that ginger is effective against gastrointestinal, breast and ovarian cancers. Studies into the effects of turmeric suggest it is may be effective against lung and bladder cancer. Researchers believe that the antioxidant properties of the herbs are mostly responsible for these effects. (8)

Brain Health

The antioxidants contained in the herbs may also play a vital role in cognitive health and protect against cognitive decline.
Researchers have found that a compound contained in ginger called 6-shogaol has anti-inflammatory effects on the brain and may help improve memory. According to researchers it may help naturally treat some of the symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer’s. (9)

Not to be outshone, turmeric has also displayed excellent effects on the symptoms of dementia. One study found that when Alzheimer’s patients took turmeric as a supplement for a year, they had significant improvements. (10) A population study also showed that in countries like India where turmeric is used more frequently as an ingredient, dementia is less common. (11)

Heart Health

Both ginger and curcumin can have a very positive impact on the health of your heart in a variety of ways.

One study found that curcumin extract helped reduce blood clots and prevented inflammation and irregular heartbeats. (12) Similarly, studies have found that ginger has various heart health benefits. Two studies have demonstrated that ginger could help prevent palpitations and reduce high blood pressure. (13) (14)

Turmeric ginger tea can also benefit the heart by improving blood circulation and relieving the strain on your cardiovascular system.

Another way this tea can benefit your heart is by reducing your cholesterol levels. High cholesterol is a major risk factor in heart disease. Studies have found that both turmeric and ginger can have a significant effect on cholesterol levels. (15) (16)

Digestive Health

Ginger and turmeric either consumed alone or in tandem can relieve a variety of digestive ills. Studies have demonstrated that ginger helps reduce inflammation of the stomach, aids the passage of food and helps relieve indigestion. (17) (18) Other studies have found that ginger can help prevent vomiting and feelings of nausea. (19)

Turmeric has also demonstrated positive effects on digestion. The curcumin found in turmeric is highly anti-inflammatory and effective in treating indigestion, IBS, GERD and Crohn’s disease. (20)

Skin Health

Because of their antioxidant and antibacterial abilities, both herbs are a great tonic for your skin. Turmeric in particular has long been used to help treat various chronic skin complaints like acne, eczema and psoriasis.

Emotional Well-Being

Tea made with ginger and turmeric can also help overcome feelings of depression and help elevate your mood. The curcumin in turmeric has can stimulate the production of serotonin and dopamine which have antidepressant effects. (21)

Ginger too has a similar effect because of the presence of geraniol which can protect against stress. A combination of these herbs in the form of a tea may be just the tonic you needed to get back to emotional health.

Weight Loss

Ginger turmeric tea might help you control your weight or even lose a few unwanted pounds as part of an overall diet and exercise plan. One study found that curcumin could positively impact weight management especially in overweight people. (22)

How To Make Ginger Turmeric Tea

It is very simple to make your own healthy ginger turmeric tea by following these instructions:

You Need

A teaspoon of grated ginger root and the same amount of grated turmeric.
If you are using powdered turmeric or ginger, use a third of a teaspoon.
¼ teaspoon black pepper.
Optional lemon and honey to taste.

To Make

Bring one cup of water to a gentle boil then turn down the heat and add your turmeric and ginger.
Steep for at least five minutes covering with a lid.
Strain and add your black pepper.
Add honey or lemon to your requirements and drink up.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of turmeric and ginger?

Both ginger and turmeric have a number of outstanding health benefits but when you combine them in the form of a tea, they pack an even more powerful punch. Turmeric has excellent anti-inflammatory properties as well as being a great source of natural antioxidants. Curcumin which is the main active compound in turmeric has been well-researched and is known for its abilities to fight infections as well as its pain relieving properties.

Ginger also has a wide variety of health benefits in its own right. It can improve digestive health and help fight nausea. It also has excellent antibacterial properties that can fight internal and skin infection.

The many benefits of ginger turmeric tea include treating inflammatory conditions, headaches, pain, boosting the immune system and promoting heart health. It is also good for the skin and can improve emotional and cognitive health.

Can turmeric help you lose weight?

Simply supplementing with curcumin or adding more of the spice to your diet is unlikely to have a great impact on your weight unless it is part of an overall diet plan. That being said, curcumin is a well-known anti-inflammatory compound which may help fight the inflammation associated with obesity and potentially help you to burn more fat.

What are the negative side effects of turmeric?

Turmeric is generally thought to be safe but there are some potential side effects. These include nausea and diarrhea but it can also cause low blood pressure. Other potential side effects are uterine contractions and an increase in menstrual flow, If you are pregnant, please speak to your doctor before supplementing with turmeric.

Can ginger tea dissolve kidney stones?

According to research, drinking plenty of ginger tea may prevent kidney stones because this refreshing drink keeps you well-hydrated. The more fluids are available for your kidneys, the more effectively they can get rid of toxins via urination. By boosting your production and volume of urine, the minerals that cause kidney stones are dispersed.

Some Facts About Turmeric

Turmeric is a native of India and is known scientifically as Curcuma longa.
Turmeric belongs to the same family if herbs as ginger.
It is often used as a substitute in cooking for the much more expensive saffron and is commonly used as an ingredient in Indian curries.
Turmeric has excellent anti-inflammatory properties as well as antioxidant and anti-cancer properties.
Turmeric also helps soothe digestive issues like cramps, constipation and bloating.
Turmeric may help relieve many of the unwanted symptoms women suffer during menstruation.
It can improve liver function and help detox the body.
The Japanese have long used turmeric to make a healthy tea.
Turmeric can be applied topically to the skin. It can help treat blemishes, wrinkles and fine lines and can also help treat minor wounds and cuts.
An essential oil is made with turmeric.
Turmeric is often used as an ingredient in skin care and other cosmetic products.

Some Facts About Ginger

Although many people refer to ginger as ginger root, it is actually a rhizome which is the underground stem of the herb.
You can grow your own ginger from the rhizomes.
Ginger belongs to the same Zingiberaceae family as cardamom and turmeric.
The herb is a native of Southeast Asia but thrives in warm regions.
Ginger is cultivated all year and is harvested after around 10 to 12 months.
The plant grows to around four feet in height.
Ginger has a variety of health benefits including digestive benefits, easing nausea and regulating blood sugar.
A very powerful essential oil is made from ginger. It can be diluted and applied topically to treat muscle pain and inflammatory conditions like arthritis.

Final Thoughts

Both turmeric and ginger are very popular kitchen ingredients that come with a range of health benefits in their own right. When you combine them to make a tea, you get a wonderful cuppa that packs an enormous health punch.

We think you will really enjoy this delicious tea and be impressed with its benefits to your health . Have you ever tried it and did you feel any of the benefits to your health that we have described?