Ginger for cold-Top 7 ginger recipes to get rid of cold
Ginger for cold is a very effective remedy for getting rid of cold fast. Cold is a very annoying problem. We get nasal congestion or nasal blockage, sore throat, fever and runny nose when we have a cold. We don’t prefer to go out or work when we have a cold.
Ginger has been used for centuries as part of home remedies for cold. These remedies have been passed on to us from our grandmothers. Just follow the remedies using ginger for cold to get rid of cold fast naturally.
Reasons why using ginger for cold is effective:
1. Possesses antiviral properties:
Viruses like Respiratory syncytial virus or RSV lead to cold. RSV leads to the formation of plaques in the epithelial lining of the respiratory system, which plays a role in developing cold to some extent. As per a research study, ginger or zingiber officinale could kill the RSV virus and reduce the plaques in respiratory tracts.
Ginger stimulates the release of immunomodulatory substances in the body called cytokines which act against the RSV virus and thereby killing it.
2. Has anti-inflammatory properties:
When we have a cold, we have swelling or inflammation of the respiratory tract. If we reduce the swelling of the respiratory tract, cold symptoms also reduce fast. Ginger has been proven to reduce the inflammation of our respiratory tracts as per a study.
Certain substances like prostaglandins play a role in causing inflammation. Ginger reduces the formation of prostaglandins by inhibiting the enzymes aiding prostaglandin synthesis like cyclooxygenase 1, cyclooxygenase 2 and 5 lipoxygenase.
3. Ginger detoxifies the body:
Ginger helps in increasing the sweating in our body. This helps in flushing out all the toxins in the body through the sweat. It also helps in killing various bacteria like E.coli which can cause skin infections and infections in other parts of the body. Getting rid of toxins in the body helps in fast recovery from a cold.
4. Simulates the action of antihistamine drugs:
Generally, when we visit a doctor for treating cold, they prescribe antihistamine drugs like cetirizine, chlorpheniramine maleate, etc. Ginger is a natural substance which has an action similar to the antihistamine drugs.
Antihistaminic drugs can lead to excessive sleep or sedation. So, we will have to sleep after taking such drugs. We will have to avoid such drugs during the daytime. But, ginger is completely natural and doesn’t make us sleepy. So, we can happily take ginger for the cold without any side effects.
5. Acts as antipyretic:
Whenever we have a cold, we have a fever too. Sometimes or temperature spikes up a lot and we will have to take paracetamol tablets. Ginger helps in alleviating the fever or temperature along with cold.
How to use ginger for cold relief:
1. Ginger orange tea:
Ingredients:
- 1-inch piece of ginger
- Peel of an orange
- 1 to 2 spoons of honey
- 1.5 glasses of water
Directions:
- Take a pan and boil the water in it
- Cut the ginger into small pieces or you can even grate the ginger.
- Then add ginger pieces or grated ginger to the boiling water.
- Boil the water for 5 minutes.
- Then add finely chopped orange peel pieces to the boiling water.
- Simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Then switch off the flame.
- Just, let the ginger orange tea cool down a little until just slightly warm.
- Then add honey to it and mix properly.
- Now, your ginger orange tea is ready to rejuvenate you and get rid of your cold.
When to use drink this ginger orange tea:
- You can drink the ginger orange tea early in the morning after waking u.
- You can drink it just before going to sleep.
- You can drink ginger orange tea about 2 to 3 times daily when you have a cold and cough.
Why ginger orange tea works:
- Using ginger for cold has been an age old remedy practiced in many parts of the world.Ginger orange tea is a perfect combination of ginger and orange to get rid of the cold.
- Ginger orange tea is a perfect combination of ginger and orange to get rid of the cold.
- Ginger has antibacterial and antiviral properties, which kills bacteria and viruses causing the cold.
- It also relieves the inflammation in the sinuses and nose which leads to cold.
- Orange peels boost the immune system and help you in fighting cold and cough naturally.
- Generally, antihistaminic drugs are prescribed for curing a cold by the doctors.
- Orange peels act as natural antihistaminic substances and help you in getting rid of cold.
- Orange peel is rich in vitamin C which helps in making the immune system strong enough to fight infection-causing cold and flu.
2. Ginger lemon honey tea:
Ingredients:
- 1-inch piece of ginger
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 to 2 spoons of honey (As per your taste)
- 1 glass of water
Directions:
- Grate the 1-inch piece of ginger.
- Boil a glass of water on the medium flame.
- Add the grated ginger to the boiling water and steep for 5 minutes.
- Switch off the flame and let the ginger tea become warm.
- Now, add squeezed lemon juice and honey to it and mix well.
- Refreshing ginger lemon honey tea for cold is ready.
- This is a really good way of using ginger for cold.
When to drink ginger lemon honey tea:
- You can drink this tea as many times as you want when you have a cold.
- Drink it at least 2 to 3 times a day for getting maximum results of ginger for cold.
- You can also drink it when you don’t have a cold as it enhances your immune system and you won’t develop cold.
Why this ginger lemon honey tea works:
- Ginger soothes the inflamed respiratory passages and sinuses.
- Lemon stimulates the immune system to fight the infection due to its high vitamin C content.
- Honey has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties which are very beneficial for controlling the symptoms of cold.
Tips:
- You can add ingredients like 1 spoon of cayenne pepper, few small pieces of garlic or cinnamon powder to the ginger lemon honey tea to boost the ability of ginger for cold cure.
- You can store the pieces of ginger, lemon in a refrigerator r fridge by adding honey to it. You can just take out few spoons of the mixture to add to your boiling water when you have a severe cold and don’t have any energy to cut or grate the ginger and lemon pieces.
3. Ginger lemon honey turmeric pepper tea:
Ingredients:
- A small piece of ginger (Finely grated)
- 1 lemon (squeeze juice of it)
- 2 spoons of honey
- 1/2 spoon of turmeric powder or haldi
- ½ spoon of black pepper powder.
- 1 glass of water
Directions:
- Boil 1 glass of water.
- Add grated ginger to it and boil for 5 minutes.
- Then add Haldi or turmeric powder to it just before switching off the flame.
- Then let it cool down a little.
- Add honey and black pepper powder to the ginger tea when slightly warm.
When to drink this tea:
- Drink this tea at least 2 times when you have a cold.
- Continue drinking this tea for 3 to 4 days until your cold is cured.
- All the ingredients of this recipe are really powerful in fighting cold.
Why this ginger lemon honey turmeric pepper tea works:
- Ginger soothes the irritated passages of the respiratory system.
- Honey has potent antibacterial and inflammation reduction abilities.
- Pepper has a really strong flavor and helps in clearing blocked nose and relieves a sore throat.
- Turmeric is known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties since ages.
- Lemon is a very good stimulator of immune system function which helps in getting rid of cold.
- This is a perfect soothing way of using ginger for cold.
4. Ginger basil tea:
Ingredients:
- Small piece of ginger
- 10 leaves of basil or Tulsi
- 2 spoons of honey
- 1 glass of water
Directions:
- Boil a glass of water.
- Add ginger to it and boil for few minutes.
- Then add basil or tulsi leaves to it and switch off the flame.
- Cover with a lid for few minutes until warm, so that all the medicinal properties of ginger and basil infuse into the tea.
- Add honey to the tea and drink your ginger basil tea.
Why this works:
- Ginger helps in getting rid of cold due to its anti-inflammatory and bacteria, virus killing abilities.
- Basil or Tulsi leaves and considered to be holy. They boost your immune function and help you fighting flu and cold easily.
5. Ginger cinnamon tea:
Ingredients:
- 1 small piece of ginger
- 1 spoon of cinnamon powder
- ½ glass of water
- 1 glass of milk
- 1 spoon of honey
Directions:
- Boil ½ glass of water in a pan.
- Then add grated ginger to it and steep for some time.
- Boil milk in a separate pan.
- Add boiled milk and cinnamon powder to the boiled ginger water and switch off the flame immediately.
- If you don’t switch off the flame, milk might curdle or break.
- Let it cool down.
- Add a spoon of honey to it and drink it.
Why this works:
- Ginger is a natural antimicrobial agent and also relieves nasal congestion and inflammation.
- Cinnamon is known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties too.
- Honey is really great in building up your immune system. Honey makes your ginger cinnamon tea yummy too.
- Adding milk instead of water is a small variation to make your tea interesting. Milk gives you energy and makes you satiated when you don’t feel like eating anything when having a cold.
6. Gingerale recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 to 2-inch piece of ginger
- 1 cup of sugar
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Quarter spoon of yeast
- 1 to 2 cups of water
Directions:
- Boil water on stovetop
- Add grated ginger and sugar to it and let it dissolve.
- Then switch off the flame.
- Let the ginger sugar water cool down until it comes to room temperature.
- Strain the mixture to remove grated ginger.
- Then add a quarter spoon of yeast and juice of a lemon to it and pour it in a bottle.
- Then fill up the bottle with water of room temperature until almost full.
- Leave at room temperature for 2 days.
- Now your gingerale is ready.
Why this works:
- Ginger helps in fighting cold due to its inflammation reduction properties and its ability to kill the microbes causing cold.
- The lemon juice in gingerale is a good source of vitamin C which helps in getting rid of cold fast.
- Also, you will feel better with the taste of awesome gingerale. Don’t you think, you will recover fast if you and your tongue are happy and contented?
7. Ginger salad:
You can make a salad and add ginger dressing to it. It tastes delicious and fights cold too.
Ingredients:
- Vegetables of your choice like spinach leaves, carrots,
- Tomatoes, bell peppers, etc.
For ginger dressing:
- 2-inch piece of ginger (finely grated)
- ¾ cup of olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 spoon of honey
- 1 spoon pepper powder
- 3 to 4 cloves of crushed garlic
Directions:
- Cut your favorite vegetables into small pieces and keep it ready for making a salad.
- Then blend all the ingredients of the ginger dressing in a mixer coarsely.
- Add the ginger dressing to the chopped vegetables.
- Add some salt as per your taste.
- Now, your ginger salad is ready to be served.
You have seen all the benefits and ways of using ginger for cold. You just need to select few of your favorite remedies from the list and follow them for few days when you have a cold.
You will get rid of your cold in a jiffy. Have you tried any home remedies for cold and that too using ginger for cold. What is your favorite recipe? Share with us.