Lifestyle
Well, while the day is warm I thought I would share these wonderfully refreshing and settling ginger drinks. 
Firstly a bit about ginger:
Love it or hate it, you really cannot do better than making this a regular part of your diet, either raw in juices and salads or cooked in curry and stir fry dishes.
Frequently used to aid digestion, ginger increases saliva and digestive fluids, helping to alleviate indigestion. It is known to relieve nausea and morning sickness. It can be used to reduce morning sickness and to help those who suffer from motion sickness. Ginger has great anti-inflammatory aspects that relieve swelling and pain. Consumed as a tea it can clear headaches and sore throats or assist if you have a cold or flu. Fresh ginger can be used for asthma, coughs, colic, heart palpitations, loss of appetite and rheumatism, while the dried root is used to “strengthen” the stomach, inhibit vomiting and treat diarrhoea.
Ginger and Mint Tea
1 1/4 litres water
1/3 cup firmly packed fresh mint leaves
1 tsp grated fresh ginger
1 tbsp honey
4 slices lemons
Combine water, mint and ginger in a pan, simmer, uncovered, 5 minutes; strain, discard mint and ginger. Stir in honey. Serve tea, hot or chilled, with lemon slices & fresh mint.
Ginger and Fennel Tonic
Perfect for alleviating bloating and gas.
1 inch piece fresh ginger root
1 tbsp fennel seeds
1 tbsp peppermint leaves (or loose peppermint tea)
1 cup raw apple cider vinegar
Roughly chop the ginger root. Put it in the blender with the fennel seeds, peppermint and vinegar. Blend thoroughly. Pour mixture into a clean glass jar with an airtight lid. Seal jar, wrap in a dark towel or cloth and store in a dark, cool cupboard for 2 weeks.
Strain liquid through a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer and store the tincture in any dark glass bottle with tight sealing top. Dropper tops are great for ease of use. Use 1 teaspoon in a 1/4 cup of water before each meal, sipped slowly. You can also take this tonic between meals if you’re feeling gassy, followed by a glass of water.
