Best Ginger Teas

Ginger has been used in India and the Far East for cooking and medicinal purposes for over 2,300 years. The edible part of the plant is called “ginger root”, even though botanically it is actually a rhizome--an underground storage stem. Because of its pungent smell and taste, ginger tea was recommended for cold symptoms during the winter. Chinese medicine also employs it for digestive problems (legend has it that Confucius used to consume it at every meal). But there are a number of varieties and blends of ginger tea available.

We've put together this guide to help you select the best ginger tea that answer to your needs. It'll help you:

• Choose the right type of ginger tea,

• See useful tips about that type of ginger tea,    

• Read reviews of different brands of ginger tea, and what customers are saying,

• Select the right brand of ginger tea, and

• Compare prices and find the best deals.

• From pure ginger root: Some companies prepare tea from pure ginger. For example, Triple Leaf Tea makes tea from 100% ginger root.

• Flavored with lemon/orange/peach/mint: Stash Teas offer a number of teas that are flavored with fruit or with herbs.

• Blended ginger tea:Traditional Medicinals offers a variety of blended teas—for example, ginger mixed with chamomile or green tea.

Based on all the consumers' reviews we've scanned, these are the top things they mentioned about their new stuff:

• Relieves cramps: Women who suffer from pre-menstrual syndrome have noticed that ginger tea helps treat the characteristic cramps and jitters that they experience. They found it the most beneficial when taken during the last week of the menstrual cycle.

• Served iced: Some suggest steeping the tea for 5-10 minutes, adding a tablespoon of honey, and then pouring it on ice when it cools. They found it beneficial against acid reflux.

• Health uses for ginger tea: Traditional Medicinals makes a ginger tea called “Ginger Aid” that they recommend for digestive problems: nausea, motion sickness, and indigestion. Before meals, it warms up the digestive system. After meals, it promotes healthy digestion, especially if you feel bloated from eating too much. One person even said that it relieved them of acid reflux from which they suffered for years.

• Anti-inflammatory: Ginger tea is also recommended for relieving muscle soreness after exercise.

• Method of preparation: If you have ginger root, it is recommended to brew two tablespoons of tea in one cup of boiling water for 4-6 minutes. If you have ginger in a tea bag, it is suggested to pour 8 ounces of boiling water over a tea bag, and letting it steep for 10-15 minutes. Because it tends to be rather pungent, people suggest adding honey or organic sugar to taste.

Triple Leaf Tea—is a family-owned business in Burlingame, California. They try to combine ancient Chinese herbal formulas with the know-how of modern day herbalists. They make teas for medicinal and diet purposes, as well as regular tea.

Twinings—was founded in 1706 in London, England by Thomas Twining. They now make a variety of 200 teas employing different herbs and flavors, and sold in over 115 countries around the world.

Yogi—was started in 1969, by Yogi Bhajan. He specialized in making blended teas that included five different spices: cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and black pepper, and were popularized by Yogi Bhajan's students. This later grew into the Yogi Tea Company. Their headquarters is in Springfield and Portland, Oregon, and they make over 60 different blends of teas.

Stash Tea—is located in Tigard, Oregon, and was founded in 1972. They market specialty teas with natural ingredients. They originally sold herbal teas in bulk, but then started selling them in teabag form. They derive the name "Stash Tea" from the fact that the captain of a ship transporting teas would be presented with a "stash" of the finest teas.)

Traditional Medicinals—was founded in 1974 by the herbalist Rosemary Gladstar and environmentalist Drake Sadler. They have made a number of herbal formulas from medicinal plants for different ailments. Their headquarters is located in Sebastopol, California.