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 dispel wind, tonify qi, and relieve bloating.
Basil leaves are effective in treating colds caused by wind-cold, stagnation of the spleen and stomach, vomiting, and chest congestion.
Additionally, basil can be used to alleviate abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea caused by food poisoning from crab or fish.
The Benefits of Ginger
Ginger, according to traditional medicine, has a warming nature 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.
It is effective in treating coughs with excessive phlegm, as well as vomiting caused by coldness.
What Are the Effects of Combining Basil and Ginger?
Basil leaves help regulate the middle burner, disperse stagnant qi, expel cold, and detoxify the body. They are often used to treat qi deficiency with cold symptoms, 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.
While basil has a warming effect, ginger possesses a cooling nature. When combined and brewed into a drink, they offer a range of benefits, including 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, expel cold, and alleviate abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and cough caused by colds.
- Wind-Chasing Tea
Clean some basil leaves, prepare fresh ginger, and remove the seeds from some Chinese red dates. Boil all the ingredients in water for about 5 minutes, then pour the liquid into a cup and drink it warm.
This tea helps warm the yang, eliminate dampness and cold, and regulate the spleen and stomach. It is particularly useful when you get caught in the rain during your travels.
- Balancing Qi and Soothing the Stomach
Take 10 grams each of basil and tangerine peel, along with 15 grams of shredded ginger, and place them in a cup. Add boiling water and steep for about 10 minutes. You can add brown sugar to taste. This drink helps soothe the stomach and is suitable for those with stomach pain caused by cold. It alleviates symptoms such as abdominal distension, chest tightness, and vomiting.
While ginger and basil tea offer numerous health benefits, it is not suitable for everyone. Those with allergies to any of the ingredients should refrain from consuming this drink. Pregnant women should also avoid 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 sparingly as they can elevate blood pressure and cause internal heat and acne.
In conclusion, the ginger and basil drink boasts an array of health benefits. It can be consumed to warm the body, boost immunity, and enhance overall health, but moderation is key.
