Salabat: The Filipino Christmas drink that’s good for your health

With Christmas just a few weeks away, there’s another thing I am looking forward to: salabat. This is basically ginger tea but not like the ones you get in tea bags. In Filipino households, this is usually made by brewing fresh ginger in a big pot. You can drink this hot or cold but I enjoy the former, especially during the cooler months.

Aside from the ginger warming up your body, this can also be good for your health. If you feel a flu or cold creeping up, a cup of this might just help you feel better. For those with sore throat or cough, drink this when you need instant relief. This also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help with stomach aches, sore muscles, and menstrual cramps. So, during this holiday season, make a pitcher of this not just for the calming flavor but for its health benefits as well.

Ingredients:
4 cups water
4 inches fresh ginger
Brown sugar

Procedure:
1. Pour water into a saucepan and bring it to a boil.
2. Peel and thinly slice fresh ginger.
3. Add the ginger and brown sugar to taste into the pan and let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.
4. Strain the mixture and serve.

Art by Marian Hukom

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