Herbal & Flower Teas
Ginger & Garlic Decoction
traditionally used to warm the stomach, dispel wind-cold, and support the body during cold-type flu
Why people make this drink
When flu season peaks and you feel that familiar chill — slightly achy, blocked nose, loss of appetite, no fever but that washed-out heavy feeling — a hot bowl of ginger-garlic water is one of the oldest home remedies in the Chinese tradition. Ginger and garlic are found in virtually every culture’s cooking precisely because they are warming and invigorating. Here they are simmered together into a simple decoction that is easy to make, inexpensive, and surprisingly effective for that early, cold-type stage of a respiratory illness. Drink it warm, rest afterwards, and let the warmth do its work.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Designed for cold-type flu: chills, blocked nose, mild headache, cough with no sore throat, reduced appetite, no fever or only slight fever.
- Also suitable for households where flu is circulating, as a daily preventive measure during peak season.
- For a family of 3–4, simply double all quantities.
- NOT suitable for those with a sore throat, thirst, mouth that feels hot, or yellow-green phlegm — these are heat-type symptoms, and this warming drink could make them worse. Use a cooling formula instead.
- Children: a small amount, sweetened with a little brown sugar or rock sugar, is acceptable.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Fresh ginger (sheng jiang): One of the most widely used warming ingredients in Chinese food therapy. Ginger is associated with dispersing external cold, warming the stomach, and stimulating circulation. It is a classic first response to early cold-type symptoms.
- Garlic (suan tou): Contains allicin and related compounds shown in modern research to have antimicrobial properties. In traditional practice, garlic is considered pungent and warming, associated with dispelling pathogens, warming the middle, and strengthening the stomach’s protective function.
Ingredients (1 serving / 1–1.5 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh ginger, sliced thin | ~18 g (3–4 slices) | No need to peel if organic |
| Garlic cloves | ~37 g (6–7 cloves) | Peel and smash flat |
| Water | 2 bowls (~500 ml) | |
| Brown sugar or rock sugar (optional) | Small amount | Especially if giving to children |
Method
- Slice the ginger into thin pieces.
- Peel the garlic cloves and smash each one flat with the side of a knife.
- Combine ginger and garlic in a small pot with 2 bowls of water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes.
- The liquid should reduce to approximately 1 to 1.5 bowls.
- Strain and serve warm. Drink while still hot for best effect.
- Rest afterwards for at least 20–30 minutes if possible.
Bro Niu’s tips
The quantities given are for one person. If you are making this for a family of three or four, double or triple everything. A small amount of brown sugar can be stirred in at the end to adjust the flavour, especially for children. The key is to drink it hot — a lukewarm drink will not have the same warming, dispersing effect. If you notice any sore throat or heat symptoms developing, stop using this drink and switch to something cooling, or see a doctor.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (kathy): My 4-year-old has had a stuffy nose for a day or two with occasional sneezing. Will this help, and can I add rock sugar or brown sugar? Bro Niu: Yes, your child can drink a small amount of this. You can also brew five magnolia flower buds (xin yi hua), bruised, as a simple tea with a little honey — very good for opening blocked nasal passages. A little sugar in the ginger-garlic drink is fine.
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Q (elaine): My child developed a low fever and sneezing after sleeping with the fan on. What soup is good? Bro Niu: You can try 4–5 slices of fresh ginger with a small amount of brown sugar, in one-and-a-half bowls of water — bring to a boil and drink warm. It must be drunk while still warm to be effective.
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Q (KK Mama): My 80-year-old grandmother has contracted influenza B and is on antiviral medication. What soup can she drink to help? Bro Niu: You can prepare this ginger-garlic drink for her. You can also try ginger five slices, spring onion whites three to four stalks, one snow pear cored and diced — simmer the ginger and pear in three bowls of water for ten minutes, then add the spring onion whites and one beaten egg, stir for three minutes, and serve warm.
Published January 12, 2012 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 4 min read.
