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Check Out this Ancient Natural Remedy to Reduce Pain and Inflammation
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In case you haven’t been keeping up on the latest health news, there is a very old ingredient that is making the rounds once more. That old saying “everything old is new again” certainly rings true in this case. Ginger, an extremely popular spice known for its lovely taste and used for thousands of years has been “rediscovered” to have numerous health benefits as well. This spice of super rich in vitamins and essential minerals has been found to have super anti-inflammatory compounds and can even offer pain relief.
Lately, ginger has made its way into many products. Ginger beer seems to be super popular as of late, but why buy a commercially made product that has been pasteurized and is full of unhealthy artificial ingredients when you can make your own ginger ale at home?
Why should you make your own ginger ale? As we mentioned earlier, ginger is well-known for its anti-inflammatory compounds and pain relieving analgesics, which makes it perfect for relieving joint pain, back aches, muscle aches, and even menstrual cramps. Ginger ale is an age old remedy for joint pain, with many people claiming that drinking a glass or two of ginger ale each day will stop most arthritis and other types of joint pain from ever rearing their ugly heads.
On top of all this, ginger contains important minerals and vitamins such as potassium and manganese, which are good for the heart, and vitamins A, E, C, and the B complex, which are vital to the body. All of this in one little spice!
Now it’s true, you could just take a ginger supplement, but why do that when you can make fresh, organic ginger ale at home and enjoy the wonderful taste of fresh ginger? Everyone knows that fresh is better. Studies show that ginger can:
- Relieve nausea
- Lower cholesterol in the blood
- Improve digestive health
- Reduce fevers
- Improve blood circulation
- Lower blood sugar levels
- Help stop coughs and improve respiratory conditions
You can make ginger ale two ways: fermented or unfermented. The fermented version takes longer but is better for you. Consuming more fermented foods will definitely improve the balance of the bacteria in your digestive system, which helps to improve the immune system.
Try the fermented version first. While you are waiting for Mother Nature to do her work, you can always make the quick version so you can enjoy the taste of ginger ale right away.
First you will need to make what we call a ginger bug. It’s a starter for making the fermented ginger ale. It’s not hard but it does take a bit of time, and it is SO worth it!
Are you ready to start enjoying all the benefits (and taste) of fresh ginger ale? Let’s get started!
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The Ginger Bug
- Mix about 3 tablespoons of freshly grated ginger root with three tablespoons of white sugar.
- Add 2 cups of pure water. Stir well, and leave the mixture in a glass jar with a light lid, such as a coffee filter or a piece of cotton fabric held in place with rubber band.
- This does not have to be in a dark place. You can just leave it on the kitchen counter.
- During the next 5 days (perhaps 8 days if your kitchen is a bit cold or dry) stir in 1 tablespoon of grated ginger and I tablespoon of sugar.
- You will know the mixture is ready when bubbles start to form around the top and it turns cloudy.
- That’s it! You can keep this mixture going forever as long as you feed it regularly. Store it in the refrigerator, which will make it go dormant. Then you only need to feed it once a week.
Now that you have your ginger bug ready to go, let’s get to work on the fermented ginger ale!
SEE ALSO: Want a Healthy Sweet Drink? Check Out This Medicinal Turmeric Tea Recipe!
Fresh Fermented Ginger Ale
Ingredients:
- One 2 inch piece of fresh, organic ginger root, minced
- ½ Cup of sugar
- ½ Cup of organic lemon or lime juice
- ¼ Teaspoon salt
- 8 Cups of pure water
- ½ Cup of ginger bug
Instructions:
- Put 3 cups of the water, the minced ginger, salt and sugar in a medium sized saucepan and bring to a boil.
- Allow to simmer for about 5 minutes so the sugar can completely melt.
- Remove from the fire, add the remainder of the water.
- Wait for the mixture to cool down to room temperature.
- Add the lemon or lime juice and the ginger bug.
- Transfer the mixture to a glass jar, such as a Mason jar and cover with an airtight lid.
- Leave out for 2 or 3 days, until it gets fizzy.
- Strain into another glass jar or bottle with a lid and keep in the refrigerator.
That’s it! After you have an active ginger bug going on, making ginger ale in just a few days is simple and easy.
Now, while you are waiting to make your first ginger bug and fermented ginger ale, we are going to tell you how to make a quickie version that you can enjoy in minutes.
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Quick and Easy Instant Ginger Ale
Ingredients:
- 1 Cup of fresh, organic ginger root, finely chopped
- 2 Cups of pure water
- 1 Organic lemon or lime (juice only)
- Honey (to taste)
- Sparkling water
Instructions:
- Pour the water in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil
- Add the ginger, reduce the heat, and allow to simmer for about 5 minutes
- Remove from heat and allow to cool just a bit
- Strain into a glass container. This is ginger syrup
- Mix one part of the ginger syrup with 3 parts of sparkling water
- Add the lemon or lime juice and sweeten with a bit of honey to taste
- Serve over ice
Bet you can’t wait to get started! Enjoy!
References:
Joe M
May 21, 2015 at 1:14 pm
Why should one use white sugar? Could honey be used instead?
mesfin birke
May 21, 2015 at 4:10 pm
I am an Ethiopian American who has grown as a child drinking a daily cup of tea. Every other day these cups of tea were made with fresh ginger boiled along with tea.
In addition, this tea has cinnamon, Cloves(all the natural spices with additional health benefits). We are still enjoy our daily cup of tea made from fresh ginger.