Fresh Ginger and Garlic Tea

Why people make this tea

During flu season, Nourilo regularly re-shares this recipe because almost every household already has the two key ingredients: fresh ginger and garlic. Both are among the most well-researched culinary herbs in the world — garlic contains allicin, which has demonstrated antimicrobial and antiviral properties in laboratory research, while ginger contains gingerols and shogaols that are associated with anti-inflammatory and immune-supporting effects. In traditional Chinese food therapy, this combination is used specifically to “scatter wind-cold” — to warm and open the body’s defences when you feel a chill coming on, or to support the whole family proactively during a flu outbreak. It takes just 10 minutes to make and tastes pleasantly warming with the rock sugar.

Nourilo notes that during particularly severe flu seasons, when cases are rising rapidly, this kind of proactive approach — alongside good sleep, balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and good hygiene — is the most sensible strategy.

Method

1. Wash the fresh ginger and cut into 5 slices — leave the skin on.
2. Peel the garlic cloves and lightly crush each one with the flat of a knife.
3. Combine ginger and garlic in a small pot with 1.2 L of water.
4. Bring to a boil, then simmer for about 10 minutes.
5. Add rock sugar and stir until dissolved; the liquid should reduce to about 600 ml.
6. Drink warm. For the whole family, double all quantities.

Nourilo’s Tips

This tea is most useful for those whose flu or cold involves digestive discomfort alongside the respiratory symptoms — a feeling of fullness in the stomach, nausea, or poor appetite alongside the chills and body aches. Those with a hot constitution (dry mouth, feeling of heat in the face and throat) are better served by a cooler approach like daqing ye and mung bean water. If your child is already running a high fever, this warming tea is not appropriate — focus on cooling approaches and see a doctor. Rock sugar can be omitted or reduced for those who prefer a less sweet drink.