Salabat Benefits: Then and Now

If you grew up in a Filipino household, chances are you’ve been handed a warm cup of salabat or ginger tea at some point in your life. This traditional drink is packed with salabat benefits, which is why lola or nanay insisted on brewing a pot when you were sick, filling the house with its distinct, fiery aroma. For many of us, salabat is a comforting presence, a cure-all potion passed down through generations.  

But beyond its familiar role as the go-to remedy for sore throats and colds, salabat has more benefits than we often realize. In recent years, as people around the world turn to natural remedies and superfoods, we’re rediscovering what our ancestors always knew–this humble ginger tea is packed with powerful healing benefits  

Salabat Benefits: Why Traditional Ginger Tea Still Works

Filipinos have always taken salabat’s benefits for granted. We’ve accepted, without question, that it works, but how exactly does it help? As it turns out, ginger is a powerhouse of nutrients and medicinal compounds. For something so simple—just ginger and water—salabat is surprisingly powerful.

The active component in ginger, [6]-gingerol, gives salabat its signature heat and incredible healing properties. Studies have shown that gingerol is a natural anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer compound. Most of us today reach for synthetic medicines when we get sick. But salabat deserves more appreciation than we give it: 

1. It Soothes Sore Throats And Coughs

If you’ve ever had a scratchy, irritated throat or a nagging cough, you know how uncomfortable it can be. Salabat acts as a natural expectorant, helping to loosen mucus and clear up congestion. It also works as a potent anti-inflammatory, reducing swelling and irritation in the throat.

This makes salabat a go-to remedy not just for those suffering from colds, but also for singers, teachers, and public speakers who need to keep their voices clear and strong. In fact, ABS-CBN once reported that Carole King convinced fellow composer Gerry Goffin to drink salabat, swearing by its throat-soothing benefits.

2. It Aids Digestion 

Ever wondered why ginger tea is often served after meals? That’s because it’s a natural digestive aid. Ginger stimulates the production of digestive enzymes, helping break down food more efficiently. This prevents bloating, gas, and indigestion, especially after eating heavy or oily meals.

Salabat is also known to relieve nausea, constipation, and stomach discomfort. Traditional medicine often prescribes ginger tea for those experiencing an upset stomach, while modern research confirms that ginger helps food move through the digestive tract faster, reducing the risk of acid reflux and heartburn. So, if you’re feeling uncomfortably full after a feast, a cup of salabat might be the relief you need.

3. It Strengthens The Immune System

Ginger is packed with antioxidants and antimicrobial properties, making salabat an excellent drink for boosting immunity. Antioxidants help protect cells from oxidative stress, which can weaken the immune system and make the body more vulnerable to infections.

Salabat is particularly popular during flu season because of its ability to fight off respiratory infections. Studies show that ginger has antiviral and antibacterial effects, helping the body ward off colds, flu, and other infections.

4. It Helps With Nausea And Motion Sickness

Feeling queasy? Ginger has long been a natural remedy for nausea, dizziness, and motion sickness. This is why many pregnant women swear by salabat for morning sickness. Its active compounds help calm the stomach and prevent vomiting without the need for synthetic medications.

Similarly, travelers prone to car, boat, or air sickness often drink ginger tea to prevent nausea during long trips. Research suggests ginger can be just as effective as over-the-counter anti-nausea drugs but without the side effects. So, if you’re planning a road trip or a flight, bring some instant salabat with you for a natural, soothing remedy.

5. It Improves Circulation

Ginger is known as a warming herb, which means it helps stimulate blood flow and improve circulation throughout the body. Proper circulation ensures that oxygen and nutrients are delivered efficiently to different organs, supporting overall health.

Regularly drinking salabat can help:

• Reduce the risk of blood clots
• Lower blood pressure
• Prevent cardiovascular diseases

In traditional medicine, ginger is often recommended for people who experience cold hands and feet, as it helps warm up the body from the inside. So, if you’re feeling chilly or sluggish, a hot cup of salabat can be the perfect pick-me-up.

6. It May Have Anti-Cancer Properties

One of the most fascinating health benefits of ginger is its potential anti-cancer properties. Cancer Prevention Research shows that ginger exhibits protective effects against various cancers, including skin, breast, oral cavity, liver, and colon cancers in animal models.

Although more studies are needed, these findings highlight why traditional remedies like salabat continue to be valued not just for common ailments, but for long-term health as well.

Salabat Benefits: A Tradition That Warms the Soul  

Beyond its medicinal benefits, salabat is deeply tied to Filipino culture. It’s the drink of singers and speakers, of mothers and grandmothers, of early mornings and rainy afternoons.  

In the old days, families would prepare salabat from scratch, using fresh luya (ginger) harvested from the backyard. The ginger was sliced, boiled, and sometimes sweetened with honey or muscovado sugar. Some added a dash of calamansi for an extra kick. Others let the tea simmer longer for a stronger, spicier brew.  

Even today, salabat remains a staple in many Filipino households. It’s a common offering during Christmas gatherings, a familiar comfort when you’re feeling under the weather, and a simple yet meaningful way to connect with our roots.  

And while salabat is uniquely Filipino, it’s interesting to note that other cultures have their own version of ginger tea, too. In India, they have masala chai, a spiced milk tea often made with ginger and cardamom. The Japanese enjoy shōgayu, a honey-ginger tea that’s also used as a natural remedy for colds. The Jamaicans drink ginger tea with a little rum, making it both a medicine and a celebration.  

In the Philippines, salabat is a tradition and a reminder of home–and what is home for many Filipinos, but a place to heal?

Salabat: From Lola’s Kitchen to a Modern Wellness Trend

With the growing interest in natural remedies and superfoods, it’s no surprise that salabat is making a comeback. What was once just a simple home remedy is now being reimagined in modern ways.  

Today, you’ll find:  

- Salabat lattes in specialty cafés, blended with milk and cinnamon for a trendy twist.  

- Bottled ginger tea and instant salabat, making it more convenient for busy city dwellers.  

- Ginger-infused kombucha, combining salabat’s benefits with probiotics for gut health.  

- Salabat and turmeric blends, adding even more anti-inflammatory goodness.  

Even global brands are taking notice. You’ll find fresh, raw, and cold-pressed ginger shots and ginger-infused wellness drinks in stores. But for us Filipinos, nothing beats the homemade version, steeped with love and care.  

In today's fast-paced world, the traditional method of preparing salabat might seem time-consuming. Enter instant salabat—a convenient solution that brings the classic taste and benefits of ginger tea to your cup in seconds. Brands like Sanlo Premium Instant Salabat have embraced this innovation, offering a range of flavors to cater to diverse palates.

Sanlo Premium Instant Salabat: Bridging Tradition and Convenience

Sanlo Premium Instant Salabat is crafted from pure ginger extract sourced from native ginger organically grown on the slopes of mystical Mt. Banahaw. This dedication to quality ensures that each cup delivers the authentic taste and health benefits of traditional salabat. Sanlo offers various variants, including:

• Salabat Powder - The classic blend that captures the pure essence of ginger.
• Salabat with Turmeric - Combines ginger with turmeric for an added health boost.
• Salabat with Honey - A touch of natural sweetness enhances the warming properties of ginger.
• Salabat with Oregano - Infused with oregano for a refreshing twist.
• Salabat with Malunggay - Helps you enjoy the many health benefits of malunggay. 

Each variant of Sanlo Instant Salabat is thoughtfully crafted to suit different tastes while preserving the healthful qualities of ginger. The convenience of instant preparation means you can enjoy a cup of salabat as a quick morning pick-me-up or a soothing evening ritual.

Experience Traditional Salabat Benefits Today

Ironically, modern health trends reflect a return to the wisdom of our ancestors. More people are choosing natural over synthetic, homemade over processed, and time-tested remedies over quick fixes.  Salabat is proof that sometimes, the best medicine is the one we’ve known all along. Sometimes, healing comes from something as simple as a warm, golden brew, lovingly prepared by someone who cares.  

So the next time you feel a sore throat coming on, or just need a little warmth on a cold day, brew yourself a cup of salabat and relax in its healing warmth. If you’re looking for “salabat near me”, you can buy instant salabat from Mo and Bear and enjoy the soothing comfort of this Filipino favorite anytime, anywhere. Treat yourself to salabat benefits and the comfort, nostalgia, and quiet magic that comes with every sip.