- Easy
- 15 min
- 2 serv.
- 8 synergies
- Now at its best: Honey
A warm, bitter herbal infusion of dried dandelion, fresh lemon and a slice of ginger. The flavour is earthy, slightly herbal, and lemon brings just enough brightness to keep everything in balance.
This is the kind of cup that belongs more to an old apothecary than to a modern tea brand. Dandelion slowly tints the water a golden brown and lends that typical, gently bitter tone that takes a moment to appreciate and then becomes almost addictive. Freshly grated ginger adds a soft warmth underneath, and the lemon slices float on top, releasing their oils into the steam. The first sip tastes mainly earthy, almost like a walk through a damp forest in September. Then ginger steps forward, and lemon finishes things with a fresh note that keeps the bitterness exactly in place. A small spoon of honey softens everything, but honestly isn't necessary: the tea shines most when it's allowed to stay bitter.
- 5
- min prep
- 10
- min cook
- 15
- min total
Nutritional Synergies
This recipe combines ingredients that enhance each other:
Fresh ginger 
Lemon Warming herbal drink with vitamin C
Technical: Ginger contains gingerol and shogaol that modulate COX-2 and NF-kB and raise body temperature (diaphoretic effect, promotes sweating). Lemon provides 53mg vitamin C per 100ml that contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
What does this mean for you? Ginger-lemon tea is a classic warming drink. The ginger modulates signaling pathways, the lemon provides vitamin C that contributes to normal immune function — a comforting combination.
Immune SystemAnti-inflammatory
Fresh ginger 
Honey Classic combination: warming herbal drink with honey
Technical: Ginger's gingerol modulates COX-2 and has antiemetic action (suppresses nausea via 5-HT3 receptor blockade). Honey's glucose oxidase produces hydrogen peroxide with bioactive action, while honey physically coats and soothes the throat. Together: bioactive modulation + throat protection.
What does this mean for you? Ginger tea with honey is a classic, warming combination. The ginger provides gingerol, the honey a smooth, sweet layer.
Immune System
Honey Lemon Classic combination for sore throat and colds
Technical: Honey forms a physical protective layer on irritated mucous membranes (demulcent effect) and contains glucose oxidase producing hydrogen peroxide with bioactive action. Lemon provides vitamin C (53mg/100ml) that activates immune cells (neutrophils, lymphocytes). Together: local mucosal protection + systemic immune activation.
What does this mean for you? Drink warm water with honey and lemon for sore throat or cold. The honey protects your throat like a coating, the lemon activates your immune system.
Immune System
Dried dandelion Lemon Diuretic + liver-supporting combination
Technical: Dandelion contains taraxacin and sesquiterpene lactones with mild diuretic action (fluid drainage) and cholagogue properties (bile production stimulating). Lemon's citric acid and D-limonene support biotransformation. Honey adds prebiotic oligosaccharides and enzymes. The result is a traditional herbal drink: dandelion supports bile, lemon contributes to biotransformation.
What does this mean for you? Dandelion-lemon tea with honey is a traditional herbal drink. The dandelion supports your bile, the lemon your biotransformation, the honey makes it delicious.
AntioxidantsDigestion
Dried dandelion Fresh ginger Taraxacin + gingerols for liver support and bile flow
Technical: Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) contains taraxacin and taraxasterol that support bile production via farnesoid X receptor (FXR) activation and activate liver enzymes (GST, SOD) for Phase II biotransformation. Ginger's gingerols promote gallbladder contraction via cholecystokinin (CCK) release. Together they support the entire bile cascade: production (dandelion) + release (ginger).
What does this mean for you? Dandelion-ginger tea is a traditional herbal drink that supports your liver and bile flow. Drink it in the morning on an empty stomach for maximum effect.
AntioxidantsDigestion
Dried dandelion Honey Diuretic dandelion + prebiotic honey for kidney support
Technical: Dandelion acts as a natural diuretic (nickname: 'pissenlit') by increasing kidney filtration without potassium loss — unique compared to pharmaceutical diuretics. Honey contains fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) that are prebiotic and support gut flora. Honey's enzymes (glucose oxidase) also offer mild bioactive support.
What does this mean for you? Dandelion tea with honey is a traditional herbal drink for fluid retention. The dandelion supports kidney filtration, the honey feeds your gut.
AntioxidantsImmune System
Water Lemon Hydration + vitamin C and citric acid as a refreshing combination
Technical: Water provides the solvent for renal excretion of waste products. Lemon's citric acid is metabolized in the body to bicarbonate, alkalizing urine (paradoxical effect). Alkaline urine dissolves uric acid crystals better and prevents kidney stones. Vitamin C (53mg) also stimulates glutathione production in the liver — the most important endogenous antioxidant. Studies show lemon water increases urinary citrate by 50%, preventing kidney stone formation.
What does this mean for you? Lemon water in the morning isn't a myth — it supports your kidneys, alkalizes your urine and delivers vitamin C. Use half a lemon per large glass of lukewarm water.
AntioxidantsImmune System
Water Fresh ginger Hydration + gingerols for digestion and metabolism
Technical: Water is the medium for all biochemical reactions and nutrient transport. Ginger's gingerols (1.5-3%) are water-soluble and optimally extracted in warm water. Gingerols are studied in research in relation to thermogenesis and digestion. Warm ginger water contains dissolved gingerols.
What does this mean for you? Start your day with warm ginger water — slice fresh ginger and steep for 10 minutes. It gives a warm, spicy start to your day and hydrates at the same time.
DigestionWeight LossEnergy
Instructions
- 1 Bring 500ml water to the boil and then turn off the heat so the temperature drops just below boiling (around 95°C). That is ideal for a herbal tea with roots and leaves.
- 2 Place the dried dandelion in a teapot or large jug and add the thin slices of ginger if using. Pour the hot water over the top and cover with a lid.
Nutrition per serving
Indicative values per serving.
Timing & Suitability
Shelf life: 1 days in fridge