Basil and ginger are two spices commonly used in cooking, but did you know that combining them can create a healthy drink?
The Benefits of Basil
In traditional medicine, basil leaves are believed to have a warming effect and a pungent taste. They are associated with the lung and spleen meridians and are used to expel pathogenic wind, tonify Qi, and relieve bloating.
Basil leaves are used to treat common colds caused by wind-cold, stagnation of the spleen and stomach, vomiting, and chest stuffiness.
It can also be used to treat abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea caused by food poisoning from crab and fish.
The Benefits of Ginger
Ginger, according to traditional medicine, has a warming effect and a pungent taste. It enters the lung, stomach, and spleen meridians. Ginger is commonly used in formulas to stop coughing, transform phlegm, suppress vomiting, warm the stomach, and dispel cold symptoms.
Ginger is used to treat coughs with phlegm, vomiting due to cold, and more.
What Are the Benefits of Combining Basil and Ginger?
Basil leaves regulate the middle burner, disperse stagnant Qi, expel cold, and detoxify. They are often used to treat Qi deficiency with cold, disharmony between the spleen and stomach, external wind-cold, vomiting, and food poisoning. Ginger also expels cold and warms the stomach, suppressing vomiting. Additionally, it induces sweating and treats flu and coughs.
Basil has a warming effect, while ginger clears heat. Combining these two ingredients and brewing them into a drink provides benefits such as nutrient supplementation and detoxification.
- Cold Relief
Take some basil leaves, add shredded ginger and scallions to a cup of hot water, and steep for about 10 minutes. Strain the liquid, add honey or sugar to taste, and drink it warm.
This concoction helps dispel wind, clear heat, induce sweating, dispel cold, relieve abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and cough caused by colds.
- Wind-Chasing Tea
Clean some basil leaves, prepare fresh ginger, and remove the seeds from Chinese red dates. Boil all the ingredients in water for about 5 minutes. Pour the liquid into a cup and drink it warm.
This tea helps warm the Yang, eliminate dampness and cold, and harmonize the spleen and stomach. It is ideal for those who get caught in the rain during their travels.
- Regulating Qi and Blood, Soothing the Stomach
Take 10 grams each of basil and orange peel, and 15 grams of shredded ginger. Place them in a cup, add boiling water, and steep for about 10 minutes. Add brown sugar to taste. This drink soothes the stomach and is suitable for those with stomach pain caused by cold. It helps alleviate symptoms such as abdominal distension, chest tightness, and vomiting.
While the basil-ginger drink offers numerous health benefits, it may not be suitable for everyone. Those with allergies to any of the ingredients should avoid consuming this drink. Pregnant women should also refrain from excessive consumption of basil as it can increase blood pressure and stimulate the uterus, which may be detrimental to both mother and child.
Individuals with high blood pressure or a hot constitution should use basil and ginger in moderation as they can elevate blood pressure and cause internal heat and acne.
In conclusion, the basil-ginger drink provides a plethora of health benefits, including immune-boosting and health-improving properties. However, it should be consumed in moderation and not excessively.
