When is the best time to drink ginger tea?
Apr 26, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Zhengxin
Introduction
Ginger tea is best consumed in the morning. The time period from 7 to 9 a.m. corresponds to the “Chen” hour in traditional Chinese medicine, which is associated with the Stomach meridian. During this time, the Spleen and Stomach are particularly active in generating Qi. Since ginger strengthens the Spleen and warms the Stomach, drinking ginger tea during the Chen hour enhances Spleen- and Stomach-related health benefits, improves gastrointestinal motility, and prepares the digestive system for the day’s meals. Moreover, sipping a bowl of ginger tea on a cold winter morning helps alleviate chills and dispel internal coldness—making it an excellent preventive health beverage against the common cold.
Ginger tea not only helps prevent the common cold but also alleviates menstrual cramps in women. So, when is the best time to drink ginger tea?
When Is the Best Time to Drink Ginger Tea?
The optimal time to drink ginger tea is in the morning—specifically between 7 and 9 a.m., corresponding to the “Chen” hour in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). During this period, the stomach meridian is most active, and the spleen and stomach are replenishing their vital Qi. Since ginger strengthens the spleen and warms the stomach, consuming ginger tea at this time enhances digestive health, boosts gastrointestinal motility, and prepares the body for the day’s meals. In cold winter mornings, a bowl of warm ginger tea helps counteract chills and dispel internal coldness—making it an excellent preventive beverage against colds. Conversely, drinking ginger-based beverages in the evening may overstimulate the body, leading to restlessness, difficulty falling asleep, and other symptoms associated with excessive Yang energy and insufficient Yin balance. Therefore, ginger tea is generally recommended for morning consumption.
Ginger tea helps prevent colds and also relieves menstrual cramps and irregular menstruation in women. According to TCM theory, ginger has the properties of releasing the exterior and dispelling cold, as well as stopping nausea and vomiting.
In the morning, Qi in the stomach naturally rises upward. Drinking ginger tea at this time supports spleen function and warms the stomach, laying a solid foundation for digestion and nutrient absorption throughout the day. The volatile oils in ginger also promote blood circulation, stimulate the central nervous system, warm the entire body, and enhance resistance to cold. Since mornings tend to be colder—and the stomach especially susceptible to cold—it is ideal to consume ginger tea then. Additionally, if you get caught in the rain or wash your hair on a cool day, preparing and drinking a bowl of ginger tea can help ward off coldness. Adding brown sugar is optional and beneficial. It is best consumed hot; sweating afterward indicates effective action. Women experiencing menstrual cramps may benefit from drinking ginger tea daily during the week preceding their period to help alleviate pain. We hope this information proves helpful!
