Ginger is one of the popular ingredients in every Indian kitchen. However, the benefits of ginger are not limited to the kitchen but extend to the ancient medicine system Ayurveda. Ginger has been in use in many Indian households as a remedy for cold in the form of tea. Even western cuisine uses ginger in their dishes because ginger benefits are becoming more popular.

Ginger is an underground stem, though it is considered a root that has been used for about 4000 years. Various delicacies and medicines use ginger as an ingredient because of its strong taste and unique pungent aroma. Let us go through this article to learn how to use ginger for cold efficiently. Read on!

How Ginger Can Help with Cold?:

Ginger has been a popular ingredient in many remedies for cold and sore throats by managing pain and inflammation with its antibacterial qualities. In addition, ginger has medicinal properties that could help ease the cold and sore throat symptoms, as per scientific research. This is why many people use ginger to treat colds and coughs.

Is Ginger Good for Cold?

Although there is no scientific proof that ginger helps you get rid of colds, as per research, there is a chance you can prevent colds. The following are the conditions which can be relieved with the help of ginger (1):

  • Prevents cold.
  • Soothes the sore throat.
  • Reduces inflammation.
  • Reduces congestion.

Read: Chewing Ginger for Cough

How Ginger Helps Relieve Colds:

The compounds called gingerols and shogaols present in ginger are why ginger has medicinal properties, as per researchers (2). Here are some ways ginger help relieve cold:

1. Antibacterial Properties:

Ginger showed a higher antibacterial effect than antibiotics against Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes as per a 2011 laboratory study (3). In addition, ginger’s antibacterial effects were significant in a more recent laboratory study (4).

2. Antiviral Properties:

According to the test tube study conducted on animals, ginger displays antiviral properties, effectively relieving them from fever and pain (5). In addition, the antiviral effects of fresh ginger might reduce respiratory infections, as per another 2013 laboratory study (6).

3. Anti-inflammatory Properties:

Ginger showed anti-inflammatory activity in laboratory models of throat infections (7). Ginger could reduce pharyngitis, and inflammation in the back of the throat, as per the researchers.

4. Antioxidants:

A lab study conducted in 2012 on three spices ginger, nutmeg and alligator pepper, revealed that the highest antioxidant effect among the three spices is found in ginger (8). These antioxidants reduce the inflammation in our body by preventing cell damage.

Read: Ginger Good for Weight Loss

Ways to Use Ginger to Get Rid of Cold:

Here are some of the DIY recipes you can try that will help you tackle cold naturally and efficiently:

1. Raw Ginger for Cold:

Did you know eating raw ginger for cold can be an efficient and natural solution? Yes! Eating a thin peeled, sliced ginger root can help with cold, sore throat, and indigestion. In addition, you can chew on a sliced and peeled ginger-like bubblegum and throw it out later.

2. Ginger with Tulsi for Cold:

Ingredients:

  1. Four to five Tulsi leaves.
  2. One cup of water.
  3. Two tbsp of grated ginger.

Preparation:

  • Boil the cup of water for a minute, and then add the tulsi leaves and grated ginger.
  • Let it steep for a few minutes.
  • Strain the liquid into a cup and drink it fresh.
  • This concoction helps get relief from cough and headaches and reduces body temperature.

3. Ginger and Honey for Cold:

Ingredients:

  1. Two tbsp of grated ginger.
  2. A pan of water.
  3. A squeeze of lemon.
  4. One tbsp of honey.

Preparation:

  • Boil water in a pan.
  • Add the grated ginger to the water and let it boil for a few minutes.
  • Strain the liquid into a glass and add lemon juice and honey to the mixture.
  • Combine the concoction and drink it fresh.

4. Ginger Tea for Cold:

Ingredients:

  1. One inch slice of fresh ginger.
  2. One cup of water.
  3. Maple syrup or honey.

Preparation:

  • Wash the fresh ginger and slice them into thin pieces. You can use one inch of ginger for one cup of tea.
  • Combine the ginger with water in a saucepan.
  • Use high heat to boil the water and then put it on a simmer for five minutes.
  • You can simmer for ten minutes if you want your tea strong.
  • Filter the ginger using a sieve and place the liquid into a cup.
  • You can add honey or maple syrup to the concoction.
  • But you can also drink it without adding a sweetner if you want an intense tea. The choice is yours.

Read: Benefits of Drinking Ginger Juice

Ginger’s long history in tackling colds by acting as a herbal remedy is well known. It might also soothe a sore throat by reducing inflammation with its medicinal properties. Fresh Ginger might also help protect you against cold viruses because it is antibacterial. You can add grated ginger to your meals, smoothies, tea, or juice. Don’t forget to let us know if you found the article helpful!

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is based purely on research and is not a replacement for professional advice. You can always consult your doctor or health care professional before adding anything to your diet. Furthermore, the website is not responsible for the authenticity and accuracy of the information.

FAQs:

Q1. Is it possible to treat the common cold with antibiotics?

Ans: Cold is a viral infection, and therefore antibiotics don’t work on it and don’t affect it. This is because an antibiotic works efficiently on bacterial infections.

Q2. What are the other symptoms of the common cold?

Ans: A runny nose is the prominent symptom of the common cold, sometimes accompanied by a low-grade fever and cough.

Q3. Is common cold contagious?

Ans: You can pass on the virus to another person from a day before you experience the cold symptoms for up to seven days. Therefore when you have a cold or cough, it is advised to wear a mask.

Saanvi

About Saanvi

Saanvi Sharma is an excellent web content writer in health and nutrition. Her expertise in the subject stems from in-depth research and knowledge that she gained over the years. Her interest in science coupled with a bachelor's degree in biotechnology proves as an added advantage and further adds value to her writing. She is highly interested in science, thus writing quality content became her virtue.
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