Warming fresh ginger chamomile tea

This homemade fresh ginger chamomile tea is better than anything you can buy. Made with a mix of grated ginger root and chamomile with lemon and honey, it is soothing, warming and perfect for cold weather. 

This is the kind of tea you need without even knowing it. It is a as much a treat in the culinary sense as it is a treat for the soul. I like to make my ginger and chamomile tea all winter long, but especially when I feel a cold coming or I’m tired as it’s so comforting. 

It’s the perfect warming, caffeine free drink. I love a mix of both ginger tea and chamomile because ginger gives it some punch while chamomile is very mellow and calming.

I usually make a big batch and keep it warm on the stove. It’s perfect on a slow morning and even better before bed. And as we transition into spring, I also like to make an iced chamomile ginger tea by chilling it in the refrigerator for a few hours.

Notes on ingredients

This is a very simple recipe and it uses only 4 ingredients, most of which you probably already have on hand. They’re fresh ginger root, dried chamomile flowers, fresh lemon juice and honey (or maple syrup). 

Chamomile flowers aren’t only pretty, they also hold all the flavor and give a pretty golden color to the tea. If you can’t find loose chamomile tea, you can use chamomile tea bags instead. 

Ginger

You want to use fresh ginger, just a little peeled knob of it. I like to grate the ginger as opposed to slicing it, because grating helps the ginger release all of its juices which makes for a better tea. 

If you’ve never had ginger or are not used to it, you’ll feel the heat. But it subsides quickly. And the more often you make this tea, the more your tolerance will build.  Work your way up from a small piece to a bigger knob, because ginger is spicy.

Not spicy in the same way that hot peppers are spicy. According to EIC, cooked ginger is the hottest of the gingers (compared to fresh and dried). But it does pack some punch.

Ginger variations 

Although other forms of ginger aren’t quite the same and I much prefer ginger root, you can use ginger tea bags or powder.

If using ginger powder, you want to dissolve it in boiling water first, before you add chamomile flowers. I would start with 1/2 teaspoon and do a taste test, then add more if needed. 

With tea bags, you want to add chamomile to your boiling water first, then dunk in the tea bags. 

One thing to keep in mind is that store-bought ginger tea often comes mixed with other things, such as lemon or turmeric. Keep that in mind if you’re making tea with tea bags instead od fresh ginger.

Benefits of ginger chamomile tea 

According to Healthline, drinking ginger tea has plenty potential health benefits. Being a powerful anti-inflammatory, it can help with nausea, morning sickness, soothe an upset stomach, aid indigestion and so much more. 

As this is a lemon chamomile tea with ginger and honey, you’ll also be getting other nutritional benefits, which are really just an added bonus to the already delicious drink.

With that said, please note I am not a medical professional. This recipe is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

How to make chamomile tea with fresh ginger 

If you’re making a bigger batch, you can make it in a pot over the stove. However if you just want a cup or two, you can steep the tea in a heatproof jar or in a mug with a strainer. 

To make it, combine grated ginger and dried chamomile flowers in a heatproof jar. 

Pour boiling water over ginger and chamomile and let the tea steep for 10-15 minutes. Strain the tea, then add lemon juice and honey to taste. If you want a little bit of extra flavor, you can also add a cinnamon stick to the mix.

If making a big batch, keep leftover strained tea covered at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Warm it up on the stove or in the microwave before serving. 

More warm drink recipes to explore 

• Chocolate protein coffee (A real treat in the mornings.)
• Mulled white wine (The best warm cocktail you’ll ever have.)
• Apple oatmeal smoothie (It is delicious when made with warmed milk.)
• Mulled wine with apple juice (A twist on a classic, this is so cozy and delicious.)