Winter is here, and so is the season of the common cold as well as training injuries. In Oriental medicine, there is a therapy termed “kitchen medicine”, which basically means that food is medicine. Living in the Northwest,  many patients that complain of feeling cold! One of my favorite “kitchen” remedies is raw ginger. In energetic terms it is acrid and hot and affects the acupuncture channels of the stomach and the lung.

It is effective in warming the channels of the body, dispersing coldness, settles/harmonizes the stomach, and can help produce a light sweat. In Western terms, it acts as a natural anti-inflammatory and muscle relaxant.

It is very easy to prepare. Grate 1tsp-1table spoon of fresh ginger, put in tea cup and poor in hot water. Let sit for 5-10 minutes and add honey to taste if desired. Sip down slowly and relax! Be sure to keep comfortably warm and not sweat too much! I sometimes drink ginger tea before and or after working out. It’s also good after meals to aid digestion. Bon appetit!