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Ginger is good for colds. It’s an all-natural remedy that can help you fight off colds, boost your immune system, and speed up recovery time.
Find out how you can use this root to get rid of a nagging cold, and prevent future sicknesses.
Ginger Is Good For Colds
I’m not sure about you, but the over-the-counter cold medicines leave me feeling off.
They make me groggy and light-headed. My heart feels like it’s going to beat out of my chest and I’m typically so wired, I can’t fall asleep.
Not something you want to add to your already existing cold symptoms.
The symptoms I experience with OTC meds, lead me to search for more natural cold remedies.
Ginger has a very long history of being used to treat several ailments that accommodate colds. So it’s something I can trust that is natural.
Not to mention, ginger is readily available, very affordable, doesn’t leave me feeling bad, AND it works!
Understand the Benefits of Ginger for Treating Colds
Ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antimicrobial properties which are beneficial when it comes to fighting colds.
It helps to reduce congestion, and the inflammation of the throat and respiratory system, while also helping to boost your immune system.
Ginger’s medicinal qualities also help to promote relaxation, encouraging a good night’s sleep, and relieving other cold symptoms like coughing and headaches.
In addition, it acts as an antioxidant which protects against oxidative damage caused by free radicals.
In case you’re wondering, free radicals are nasty little atoms that cause cell damage and illness in our bodies.
Prevent Colds And Flu With Ginger
Most studies involving the benefits of ginger associated with colds and flu, is its ability to build your immune system so you don’t get a cold or the flu in the first place.
Ginger has antibacterial properties that help protect against viruses.
Daily consumption of ginger during cold and flu season may help protect you from getting those nasty viruses. Keeping you healthy and happy.
Drink Ginger Tea to Fight Colds
Brewing a cup of ginger tea is one of the most effective ways to consume ginger and to fight colds.
- Start by peeling and chopping up fresh ginger root into thin slices, then add the slices to a pot of boiling water.
- Allow the mixture to simmer for about 10 minutes, then strain out the ginger slices and pour into your favorite mug.
- Add sweetener such as honey, which also has many beneficial properties.
- A dash of lemon juice helps to soothe a sore throat as well.
Enjoy this warm drink twice daily for maximum relief from cold symptoms!
Use Ginger To Treat A Sore Throat
Ginger’s anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial properties help relieve a sore throat that can accommodate colds.
You can chew on raw slices of ginger, or gargle with warm water infused with fresh ginger.
Ginger Infusion For Sore Throats
Unlike the tea, you will want a fairly strong ginger infusion when using for a sore throat gargle.
- Freshly grate or slice 2 tablespoons of ginger.
- Pour 8 ounces of hot water over the ginger and let steep for 5 minutes.
- Let cool slightly so as to not burn you.
- Gargle with the ginger infusion and spit out.
- Repeat until the water is gone.
Does Ginger Break Up Mucus? Yes!
According to Medical News Today, the average human body produces 1-2 quarts of mucus per day! YUCK.
However, this mucus can build up, get stuck, and cause major discomfort during a cold. Using ginger can help break up that mucus, so you can be well on your way to feeling better.
Create a Ginger Poultice to Reduce Congestion And Break Up Mucus
To create a poultice of ginger
- Finely grind a teaspoon of dried ginger into a powder.
- Mix in warm water until the dry ingredients become a sticky paste.
- Spread the mixture onto a clean piece of cloth and fold it around the mixture until you have created a pouch for your poultice.
- Apply this directly to your chest to reduce congestion and fight off the cold!
- Reapply every two hours for maximum effectiveness.
Increase Your Intake of Vitamin C Rich Foods with Ginger Infusions
When a cold strikes, there’s nothing like the power of Vitamin C to help boost your body’s natural ability to fight off the virus.
Ginger can be used to increase the Vitamin C content in your diet.
Here are some additional ways, other than the tea listed above, that you can consume ginger.
- Infuse water with ginger, mint, and pineapple. Add ice for a refreshing drink.
- Make pickled garlic with honey and ginger and consume daily as an immune booster.
- Take a ginger supplement. If you don’t like the taste of ginger, you can still enjoy its benefits by taking a supplement. They are available in most health food stores.
Ginger Is Good For More Than Just Colds
In addition to relieving symptoms of colds and preventing sickness, ginger is good for many other things.
It has anti-inflammatory properties that help relieve symptoms associated with arthritis, as well as relieving morning sickness in expectant mothers.
With understanding all the amazing benefits of ginger and how it’s good for colds, as well as a variety of other ailments, it’s best to always keep it on hand.
The easiest way to make sure you always have ginger when you need it, is to grow your own!
It’s an easy crop to grow inside or outside. You can grow it in a planter pot as a houseplant.
Follow our simple steps on how to grow ginger from the root.