Most people reach for coffee to spark their morning energy, relying on caffeine to jolt the adrenal glands and flood the body with stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline to provide alertness.
Yet caffeine doesn’t truly remove fatigue—it simply blocks adenosine, the neurotransmitter that signals when it’s time to rest. During sleep, adenosine levels naturally fall, and your body keeps clearing out the last traces for about ninety minutes after you wake up. If you drink coffee too soon, caffeine steps in too early, interrupting that process. Once it wears off, adenosine kicks back in causing that familiar mid-morning crash or wave of fatigue.
Let’s explore a gentler way to awaken your energy—one that works with your body instead of against it. That’s where ginger stands out. This ancient spice doesn’t just warm your senses, it awakens metabolism, supports elimination, and stimulates digestion naturally.
The first thing your body needs in the morning isn’t caffeine – it’s a stimulating cleanse that jumpstarts elimination and readies the digestive organs to replenish your energy from food. That job is done best by pungent spices and foremost among them is ginger.
#1: Drink a spicy tea with ginger to jumpstart your body’s elimination
A steaming cup of spicy, aromatic ginger tea can stir your senses and warm your core as it nudges your organs into motion. The intestines, liver, kidneys, gallbladder and colon all respond to its spicy stimulation, coming alive to flush away the night’s metabolic residue and activate elimination and detoxification.
The result is a lighter, cleaner feeling from the inside out—an awakening that’s steady, not spiked, and that carries you smoothly into the day.
I love an extra spicy tea. I may add freshly grated ginger to teas like rooibos, cinnamon or peppermint. When drinking a spicy tea, I may double up tea bags for an extra strong cup. You can do that without worrying about too much stimulation if you drink caffeine-free spicy teas like Teeccino Dandelion Red Chai, Teeccino Dandelion Turmeric, or Worldwide Botanicals Lemon Ginger Ashwagandha.
The potent spices warm up the body and provide diverse antioxidants from polyphenols plus anti-inflammatory compounds that protect our health as we encounter toxins during the day.
#2: Rev up your metabolism with a ginger flavored meal
Ginger, like cayenne, increases thermogenesis - your body’s natural heat production -which actually makes you feel warmer after eating ginger. It may even increase your caloric burn-rate which is a great benefit from including ginger in meals.
Since ginger also has been shown to reduce the appetite and increase satiety, you’ll find that adding ginger helps to keep you full longer while it revs up your metabolism. Ginger will also add a delicious pungent flavor that can cover up less flavorful ingredients.
#3: Drink ginger tea after lunch to stimulate your digestion and avoid an afternoon slump
Many people experience an afternoon slump after lunch when the body would love a nap but life rarely allows it. A stimulating ginger tea can help revive you while it also promotes good digestion.
Ginger has been shown to speed up the emptying of the stomach, which helps you feel less full and lethargic. It’s known to be a carminative, which means it helps prevent flatulence and reduce bloating by relaxing the intestines to release gas. A freshly brewed cup of ginger or chai tea will refresh and stimulate your senses so you can enjoy a productive afternoon.
#4: Add ginger to a bowl of hot soup for a spicy hit to fortify your body against catching whatever cold or flu is going around
I discovered that when I feel a cold coming on – that scratchy throat or heavy chest – it can be quickly alleviated if I treat myself to hot ginger soup from a Thai or Indian restaurant. The spicier the better!
Spices naturally help defend our health by fighting off harmful bacteria. Their cleansing and antimicrobial actions work together to support the immune system, keeping it strong against invading pathogens. Ginger adds even more protection with its antifungal qualities, helping to maintain a healthy balance of good microbes in both your digestive system and your mouth.
#5: Drink a fresh juice made with extra ginger after yoga or an exercise workout to help reduce inflammation in your joints
Enhance your green drink with extra fresh ginger root juice while helping your joints recover from the stress you just put them through in your yoga class or workout.
Ginger’s polyphenols - gingerol and its metabolites, shogaol, paradol and zingerone - help suppress the body’s production of various pro-inflammatory instigators like cytokines, proteins and enzymes. Keeping flexible and reducing pain or stiffness is an important goal for maintaining optimal health as we age.
#6: No time to eat or drink? Take ginger capsules to ameliorate a number of health conditions
It is quite effective and at the same time easy to take ginger in capsules. After all, you might not be in the mood for a gingery flavor at every meal or snack.
Many women find ginger capsules make for easier menstruation cycles. Others use ginger capsules to relieve nausea. Studies suggest that ginger can be effective in promoting good cardiovascular health, balanced blood sugar and lower cholesterol.
My favorite health benefit - ginger is being studied for its potential to slow the aging of the brain!
#7: End your day with hot ginger tea to speed digestion and protect your body during sleep
All of ginger’s health benefits make it the perfect way to end your day. As you sleep, its antioxidants fight off free radicals while its anti-inflammatory compounds help restore flexible joints. Your digestion will be efficient and smooth while any menacing bacteria is fought off.
Here’s a simple recipe for maximum protection:
- Slice or chop fresh ginger root into small pieces;
- Add about ½ cup to 16 ounces of water and bring it to a boil.
- Reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for 10–15 minutes.
- Strain through a fine mesh sieve and stir in 1–2 teaspoons of honey plus a squeeze of lemon.
You’ll love this blend of pungent heat softened by sweetness—comforting, cleansing, and just what the doctor ordered!
My recommendation: ‘Tis the season for Pumpkin Spice! A warm, comforting cup of this delicious herbal coffee alternative—brewed like coffee or steeped like tea—will satisfy your craving for dessert. Froth a little warm milk and pour over the top to create a creamy finish. Then sip the spicy warmth, breathe in Pumkin Spice’s aroma, and let the moment unfold. Time to relax and enjoy nature’s goodness.
#2: Rev up your metabolism with a ginger flavored meal
Ginger, like cayenne, increases thermogenesis - your body’s natural heat production -which actually makes you feel warmer after eating ginger. It may even increase your caloric burn-rate which is a great benefit from including ginger in meals.
Since ginger also has been shown to reduce the appetite and increase satiety, you’ll find that adding ginger helps to keep you full longer while it revs up your metabolism. Ginger will also add a delicious pungent flavor that can cover up less flavorful ingredients.
#3: Drink ginger tea after lunch to stimulate your digestion and avoid an afternoon slump
Many people experience an afternoon slump after lunch when the body would love a nap but life rarely allows it. A stimulating ginger tea can help revive you while it also promotes good digestion.
Ginger has been shown to speed up the emptying of the stomach, which helps you feel less full and lethargic. It’s known to be a carminative, which means it helps prevent flatulence and reduce bloating by relaxing the intestines to release gas. A freshly brewed cup of ginger or chai tea will refresh and stimulate your senses so you can enjoy a productive afternoon.
#4: Add ginger to a bowl of hot soup for a spicy hit to fortify your body against catching whatever cold or flu is going around
I discovered that when I feel a cold coming on – that scratchy throat or heavy chest – it can be quickly alleviated if I treat myself to hot ginger soup from a Thai or Indian restaurant. The spicier the better!
Spices naturally help defend our health by fighting off harmful bacteria. Their cleansing and antimicrobial actions work together to support the immune system, keeping it strong against invading pathogens. Ginger adds even more protection with its antifungal qualities, helping to maintain a healthy balance of good microbes in both your digestive system and your mouth.
#5: Drink a fresh juice made with extra ginger after yoga or an exercise workout to help reduce inflammation in your joints
Enhance your green drink with extra fresh ginger root juice while helping your joints recover from the stress you just put them through in your yoga class or workout.
Ginger’s polyphenols - gingerol and its metabolites, shogaol, paradol and zingerone - help suppress the body’s production of various pro-inflammatory instigators like cytokines, proteins and enzymes. Keeping flexible and reducing pain or stiffness is an important goal for maintaining optimal health as we age.
#6: No time to eat or drink? Take ginger capsules to ameliorate a number of health conditions
It is quite effective and at the same time easy to take ginger in capsules. After all, you might not be in the mood for a gingery flavor at every meal or snack.
Many women find ginger capsules make for easier menstruation cycles. Others use ginger capsules to relieve nausea. Studies suggest that ginger can be effective in promoting good cardiovascular health, balanced blood sugar and lower cholesterol.
My favorite health benefit - ginger is being studied for its potential to slow the aging of the brain!
#7: End your day with hot ginger tea to speed digestion and protect your body during sleep
All of ginger’s health benefits make it the perfect way to end your day. As you sleep, its antioxidants fight off free radicals while its anti-inflammatory compounds help restore flexible joints. Your digestion will be efficient and smooth while any menacing bacteria is fought off.
Here’s a simple recipe for maximum protection:
- Slice or chop fresh ginger root into small pieces;
- Add about ½ cup to 16 ounces of water and bring it to a boil.
- Reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for 10–15 minutes.
- Strain through a fine mesh sieve and stir in 1–2 teaspoons of honey plus a squeeze of lemon.
You’ll love this blend of pungent heat softened by sweetness—comforting, cleansing, and just what the doctor ordered!
My recommendation: ‘Tis the season for Pumpkin Spice! A warm, comforting cup of this delicious herbal coffee alternative—brewed like coffee or steeped like tea—will satisfy your craving for dessert. Froth a little warm milk and pour over the top to create a creamy finish. Then sip the spicy warmth, breathe in Pumkin Spice’s aroma, and let the moment unfold. Time to relax and enjoy nature’s goodness.
Ginger, like cayenne, increases thermogenesis - your body’s natural heat production -which actually makes you feel warmer after eating ginger. It may even increase your caloric burn-rate which is a great benefit from including ginger in meals. Since ginger also has been shown to reduce the appetite and increase satiety, you’ll find that adding ginger helps to keep you full longer while it revs up your metabolism. Ginger will also add a delicious pungent flavor that can cover up less flavorful ingredients.
#3: Drink ginger tea after lunch to stimulate your digestion and avoid an afternoon slump
Many people experience an afternoon slump after lunch when the body would love a nap but life rarely allows it. A stimulating ginger tea can help revive you while it also promotes good digestion.
Ginger has been shown to speed up the emptying of the stomach, which helps you feel less full and lethargic. It’s known to be a carminative, which means it helps prevent flatulence and reduce bloating by relaxing the intestines to release gas. A freshly brewed cup of ginger or chai tea will refresh and stimulate your senses so you can enjoy a productive afternoon.
#4: Add ginger to a bowl of hot soup for a spicy hit to fortify your body against catching whatever cold or flu is going around
I discovered that when I feel a cold coming on – that scratchy throat or heavy chest – it can be quickly alleviated if I treat myself to hot ginger soup from a Thai or Indian restaurant. The spicier the better!
#5: Drink a fresh juice made with extra ginger after yoga or an exercise workout to help reduce inflammation in your joints
Enhance your green drink with extra fresh ginger root juice while helping your joints recover from the stress you just put them through in your yoga class or workout.
#6: No time to eat or drink? Take ginger capsules to ameliorate a number of health conditions
It is quite effective and at the same time easy to take ginger in capsules. After all, you might not be in the mood for a gingery flavor at every meal or snack.
Many women find ginger capsules make for easier menstruation cycles. Others use ginger capsules to relieve nausea. Studies suggest that ginger can be effective in promoting good cardiovascular health, balanced blood sugar and lower cholesterol.
My favorite health benefit - ginger is being studied for its potential to slow the aging of the brain!
#7: End your day with hot ginger tea to speed digestion and protect your body during sleep
All of ginger’s health benefits make it the perfect way to end your day. As you sleep, its antioxidants fight off free radicals while its anti-inflammatory compounds help restore flexible joints. Your digestion will be efficient and smooth while any menacing bacteria is fought off.
Here’s a simple recipe for maximum protection:
- Slice or chop fresh ginger root into small pieces;
- Add about ½ cup to 16 ounces of water and bring it to a boil.
- Reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for 10–15 minutes.
- Strain through a fine mesh sieve and stir in 1–2 teaspoons of honey plus a squeeze of lemon.
1 comment
I love Dandelion Tumeric tea, I keep Ginger root on hand and love it. Thanks for the tips. I’m 73 years of age and try to eat and drink healthy