The health of our gut impacts the health of our entire bodies. As someone who’s suffered their share of gut issues, I incorporate gut healing foods and drinks daily to make sure it’s balanced. Of course eating a plant-based diet is first and foremost at creating a healthy microbiome, but there are certain plants and herbs that are particularly beneficial for our digestion.
This gut healing tea recipe includes ingredients that strengthen and soothe the digestive tract, making it a great addition to anyones fridge. There are two versions, the first being the traditional ginger tea, and the second which includes soursop powder (or leaf), a powerhouse fruit found in South America.
You’re probably familiar with ginger as being one of the most anti-inflammatory roots on the planet; it’s been used for thousands of years [1]. In general, it’s a digestive stimulant and helps improve weak digestion. Ginger also helps bile flow and the digestion of fat. Because of gingers anti-inflammatory properties, it decreases inflammation [1] in the digestive tract. It improves circulation and warms the body. Ginger acts as an antioxidant, helping lower cholesterol, preventing heart disease, reducing oxidative stress, boosting immune system, as well as lowering the risk of cancer. (Be sure to try my Ginger Vitality Shots [2] – perfect for immune, digestion, and energy)
Soursop on the other hand, might be a new one to you. This tropical fruit can be found in South America as well as parts of Florida. The fruit part of the tree has been described as a delicious combination of strawberry and pineapple flavor. Yum! The leaves, and even root, are used medically [3] to treat a plethora of ailments. Like ginger, soursop is also high in antioxidants, making it great at balancing blood sugar, reducing inflammation, killing cancer cells, and boosting the immune system. It’s been shown to improve gastrointestinal health by decreasing inflammation and southing the GI tract. I purchase my soursop [4] from Sacred Rootz, a Charleston, SC based business.
These teas can be enjoyed hot or cold! I like to keep a batch in my fridge to drink throughout the week!
Gut Healing Ginger Tea
Ingredients:
- 6 cups filtered water
- 1/4 cup + 1 tbsp fresh chopped ginger
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp coconut sugar
Directions:
- Boil 6 cups of water. Remove from heat and add chopped ginger. Cover and let steep for 10-12 minutes (depending how strong you like it).
- Strain ginger from pot and stir in lemon juice, maple syrup, and coconut sugar. Taste test to see if you’d like to add more lemon or sweetener.
- Enjoy hot or cold!
Gut Healing Green Ginger Tea
Ingredients:
- 6 cups filtered water
- 4 heaping tbsp fresh chopped ginger
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp soursop powder
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1-2 tsp coconut sugar
Directions:
- Boil 6 cups of water. Remove from heat, add chopped ginger, and soursop powder. Cover and let steep for 10-12 minutes (depending how strong you like it).
- Strain tea and stir in lemon juice, maple syrup, and coconut sugar. Taste test to see if you’d like to add more lemon or sweetener.
- Enjoy hot or cold!