Tea is more than just a beverage – it is a person’s trusted companion. It can cheer you when sad, comfort you when tired, and accompany you alone. As the saying goes, “Tea is like a hug in a cup – warm, comforting, and full of love”. But what if your beloved cuppa has some outstanding qualities in terms of health benefits? No wonder, that will be your perfect brew. Since time immemorial herbal plants have been valued for their proven healing benefits. In many communities, it is habitual to make herbal teas to keep their bodies disease-free. Ginger and bay leaf have been used in cooking for a long time. When flavored together, ginger and bay leaf tea benefits are to swear by. This article will review the benefits of ginger and bay leaf tea and tell you how to make this potent tea.
Also Read: Hibiscus Tea Benefits for Periods
Why to Drink Ginger and Bay Leaf Tea?
The celebrity status of tea can be understood by the fact that countries like China, Korea, and Japan have tea ceremonies.
The best part about tea is that it can be flavored in whichever way you want.
You can add as many herbs to your cuppa to get a rejuvenating and nourishing beverage of the day.
Herbs contain many secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, and triterpenoids which bestow medicinal properties on them.
The unique combination of ginger and bay leaf in tea is about two powerful herbs coming together to give you a flavorful, health-boosting brew that is packed with nutrients.
Key Health Ingredients of Ginger and Bay Leaf
Ginger is a very commonly used ingredient in teas.
It provides the benefits of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help you stay fit.
Let us look at some of the essential chemical constituents of ginger which make this herb so special.
Chemical Constituents of Ginger and Their Benefits
- Gingerol – It is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound of ginger that helps maintain digestive and cardio health.
- Shogaol – Found in dried ginger, it has anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties.
- Zingerone – It is responsible for the spiciness of ginger and has antioxidant and antimicrobial benefits.
- Paradol – Possesses anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective benefits.
Ginger is known to give antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, neuroprotective, anti-obesity, and anti-diabetic benefits.
Bay leaf, also known as tejpatta, is an herb mentioned in Ayurveda with high medicinal benefits.
It belongs to the family of Lauraceae and can be used as dried or fresh leaves.
The bay leaf plants are native to India, Nepal, Bhutan, and China.
It is a perennial evergreen tree, typically growing to a height of 8 to 12 meters.
The bay leaves are mostly known to improve the heart health, manage blood sugar levels, and support digestion.
Image courtesy: needpix.com
Chemical Constituents of Bay Leaf and Their Benefits
The fresh bay leaves are a rich source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and B vitamins such as niacin, pyridoxine, pantothenic acid, and riboflavin, dietary fiber and natural antioxidants.
Other beneficial compounds found in bay leaf include linalool, geraniol, terpineol, lauric acid, phellandrene, methyl eugenol, sesquiterpenes, terpenes, eucalyptol.
They give bay leaf its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial, antibacterial, neuroprotective, anticancer, antiviral properties.
Ginger and Bay Leaf Benefits
Drinking ginger and bay leaf tea may provide you with the following benefits.
1.) Ginger and Bay Leaf Tea Benefits for Digestion
Ginger stimulates enzyme production thereby easing bloating and indigestion.
Bay leaf, on the other hand, contains certain enzymes which support overall digestive health.
The antibacterial properties of bay leaf help fight off harmful bacteria in the gut and reduce flatulence.
Ginger and bay leaf tea give relief to an upset stomach. It also helps the gut absorb nutrients better.
2.) Promotes Heart Health
Ginger helps in lowering cholesterol and improve blood circulation, reducing the risk of heart diseases.
The antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and potassium in bay leaf help in keeping heart healthy.
Regular consumption of ginger and bay leaf tea may help lower blood pressure levels.
It may also help reduce arterial stiffness and prevent heart strokes and other heart-related problems.
3.) Ginger and Bay Leaf Tea Benefits for Weight Loss
Ginger boosts the metabolism and promotes fat burning by suppressing the desire to continue eating.
Bay leaves help in breaking down fat and reduce water retention in the body.
They also regulate blood sugar levels, helping in weight management.
Drinking ginger and bay leaf tea regularly is part of a balanced diet and helps reduce cravings, ultimately helping in weight loss.
4.) Manages Blood Sugar Levels
Ginger and bay leaf tea can be a healthy addition to the diet of diabetic and pre-diabetic patients.
People know that bay leaves enhance insulin function, helping regulate blood sugar levels.
The anti-inflammatory properties of ginger help reduce inflammation, further supporting the glucose control.
5.) Ginger and Bay Leaf Tea Benefits in Joint Pain
Both ginger and bay leaf possess anti-inflammatory properties.
People know ginger reduces arthritis symptoms.
Traditionally, people have used bay leaf to lower uric acid levels, providing relief from joint pain.
6.) An Immunity Booster Tea
The antioxidants, vitamin C, and flavonoids in ginger help keep the immune system strong.
On the other hand, lauric acid and methyl eugenol components in bay leaf have antimicrobial and antifungal properties.
Ginger and bay leaf in tea together help body fight off infections and improves immunity.
This is a perfect drink to ward off colds, coughs, and other respiratory issues.
It can provide relief from throat irritation and respiratory infections, help clear nasal congestion, and can be a soothing drink if you are cold.
7.) A Natural Detoxifier
Ginger helps to flush out toxins from the body due to its thermogenic properties, which stimulate circulation and sweating.
Bay leaves help the body eliminate harmful substances by enhancing liver functions.
Ginger and bay leaf tea acts as a mild diuretic, promoting kidney health and reducing water retention.
8.) Ginger and Bay Leaf Tea Benefits for Skin
Both ginger and bay leaves are a good source of antioxidants.
They work against the damages caused by the free radicals.
This slows down the signs of aging and improves skin texture.
Ginger and bay leaf have anti-inflammatory properties which can soothe skin conditions such as acne or eczema.
They can also improve the skin’s elasticity.
You can drink ginger and bay leaf tea for a healthy and glowing skin.
Also Read: How to Use Manjistha for Skin Whitening
How to Make Ginger and Bay Leaf Tea
Ingredients
- 1-inch piece of ginger or 1 tsp ginger powder.
- 2-3 fresh or dried bay leaves.
- 2 cups of water.
- Honey or lemon (optional).
Steps
- Put the water in a pan on the stove.
- Put grated ginger and bay leaves in the water.
- Bring the water to boil and let it simmer for around 5-7 minutes.
- Strain the tea in a cup.
- Add honey or lemon, if desired.
- Enjoy your cuppa!
Ginger and Bay Leaf Tea Side Effects
Most people consider ginger and bay leaf safe to consume; however, moderation is the key.
Most experts recommend not drinking more than 2-3 cups of ginger and bay leaf tea in a day.
Too much ginger can upset your stomach and too many bay leaves can make you drowsy.
Experts recommend avoiding bay leaves if you are already taking sedatives.
Overconsumption of ginger and bay leaf tea may cause digestive discomforts or lower blood sugar levels too low.
If you feel any discomfort after drinking ginger and bay leaf tea, stop the consumption immediately and seek a medical help.
People with certain medical conditions must take advise of their doctor before including ginger and bay leaf tea into their diet.
As per NCCIH, people with gallstone disease should use ginger cautiously as this may increase the flow of bile.
Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should also consult their doctors before adding ginger and bay leaf tea into their diet.
Takeaway Message
Ginger and bay leaf tea is one of the many herbal teas that we take to ward off any particular ailment.
The herbal teas not just provide medicinal benefits but also give much needed energy and comfort.
Looking at the host of ginger and bay leaf tea benefits, this can be a good addition to your list of different flavors of teas.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article should not be considered as a substitute for a physician’s advice. Please consult your treating physician for more details.
Readings & References
- file:///C:/Users/admin/Downloads/17467-53006-1-PB%20(1).pdf
- https://www.ijnrd.org/papers/IJNRD2305560.pdf
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2024.1364836/full
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/371139727_Evaluation_of_Acceptance_of_Bay_Leaf_Tea_as_a_Healthy_Lifestyle_Modification_in_Relation_to_Milk_Tea
- https://nestasia.in/blogs/news/tea-time-tales-captions-for-tea-lovers
- https://www.healthshots.com/healthy-eating/nutrition/kickstart-your-morning-with-bay-leaf-tea-for-its-bundle-of-health-benefits/
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/ginger-tea-side-effects#safety
Winter season me yah article ek achha tohfa hai. Yah sach hai ki uchit matra me upyog karne se hi koi bhi chiz labhdaayi Hoti hai. Tejpatta thyroid me bhi fayedemand hai toh fir Aaj adrak aur tejpatta ki chai pite hai.post ke liye dhanyawaad.
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