Add the water to a small pot along with the ginger and dates. Cover and bring to a boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Add the Chinese brown sugar to taste (if using honey, just skip this step––you’ll wait to add the honey later). Cover and simmer for another 5 minutes.
Strain the tea into a mug. Let the tea cool to drinkable temperature, but the goal is to drink it while it’s still hot!
Notes
If using honey instead of Chinese brown sugar, add it right before you’re ready to drink it. Don’t boil the honey, because cooking honey will eliminate many of its health benefits!