Monday, 28 April 2025

Winter is here , come, let's have a cup of "adrak ki chai"


I am proud to be an Indian. We are very social. We like guests. "Atithi devo bhava" is our motto meaning Guests are God. Whenever someone comes to our home , we offer tea and snacks and if it is winter the tea is ginger tea aka adrak ki chai. Fresh ginger tea...



Ginger is a spice. Both fresh and dried are used. But why have we been using it since ancient times? It has been under cultivation in India from times immemorial and has been exported from very early times. India accounts for 50 % of the dry ginger output of the world.

It contains gingerol,shogaol,and zingiberene. The pungency is due to the oleoresin , a phytochemical, gingerol. Gingerol is believed to reduce swelling and tenderness of the joints. Shogaols , a phytochemical, may help fight cancer and heart disease as well as improve pain and reduce swelling of inflamed joints.

Have antioxidant capabilities.

Ginger tea reduces migraine headaches.

May help to prevent heart disease and cancer.

Ginger preserved in syrup is eaten to aid digestion after a heavy meal.

Boiled ginger water may be the remedy for acid reflux.

Season food with ginger to reduce flatulence and bloating.

Relieves motion sickness,nausea,vomiting. In relieving, motion sickness, 940 mg of powdered ginger was superior to 100 mg Dramamine(Antia;Abraham 1997)

Possess anti inflammatory properties.

Phytonutrients in ginger ameliorate the pain and swelling of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis by interfering with the synthesis of inflammatory compounds.

Reduces cough and cold. Reduces bronchitis. Lessens asthma attacks. Some find it great relief with a teaspoon of fresh ginger and honey but "it is for some".

Helpful in rheumatism.

Ginger tea can help combat nausea during pregnancy.

Dry ginger sweets or "sonth ladoo" is given to lactating women to ease the postpartum pain .

Ginger drink helps to reduce menstruation pain.

But as I repeatedly write, do not overdo it. Too much ginger irritates the stomach , in severe coughs and colds ,the cough gets trapped inside and becomes dry . Not recommended for patients suffering from piles.

So , welcome to India and enjoy a cup of hot ginger tea with us. As for us "Atithi devo bhava"


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