This tea will warm up the belly and kick sluggish digestion lingering from winter into gear. To help you reduce sweets, which are not indicated this time of year, cinnamon also eases a sweet tooth and balances blood sugar.
In a small saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil.
Coarsely chop the ginger root, including the skin. Add star anise, cloves, peppercorns and cinnamon to the water
Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes
Strain into 2 mugs. Drink 6oz with or after meals
NOTE: Not everyone enjoys the taste of clove or anise. Nibble a corner of the whole spice to make sure the tasteĀ does not bother you before making this tea for the first cinnamon powder 1/2 tspĀ time. If you experience acid indigestion at times omit the black pepper. If you have a head or chest cold, add 1/2 tsp cumin seed to the recipe.