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Ginger for colds - an effective and proven remedy
Last reviewed: 06.07.2025
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Regular consumption of ginger tea for colds, especially during cold weather and seasonal epidemics of acute respiratory infections, acute respiratory viral infections and flu, reduces the likelihood of getting seriously ill many times over. And this is not an unfounded statement, but a fact recognized by doctors.
Ginger's homeland is Southeast Asia. Indian and Chinese farmers grew this spicy, flavorful and medicinal plant in their gardens in ancient times, and the treatises of traditional Indian medicine Ayurveda contain detailed information about its unique medicinal properties.
The impressive list of essential oils, vitamins, enzymes, amino acids and microelements contained in ginger is not inferior to the list of diseases that it can overcome. All chemical components of ginger have a positive effect on almost all systems of the human body - from the respiratory to the endocrine. In addition, drinking ginger tea improves blood composition and strengthens the immune system.
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Ginger Tea for Colds: Preparation Rules
This medicinal plant has antipyretic, analgesic, diaphoretic and expectorant properties, so ginger tea for colds has long been included in the arsenal of means to combat respiratory diseases of various kinds.
Ginger tea for colds is considered an express remedy for the precursors and first symptoms of the disease. There are no particular difficulties in its preparation.
It should be noted right away that the powder of the dried plant, which is sold in supermarkets (in the spice section), will be stored longer than the fresh root. But the powder has a completely different taste and aroma, and in terms of therapeutic effect, it is unlikely to compare with fresh ginger. In addition, the dried root in the form of a spice is ground into flour, so yours will be cloudy.
The beneficial substances of ginger are close to the skin, so when peeling the root, try to cut off as little pulp as possible. Many recipes for ginger tea for colds indicate that the peeled root should be grated and the resulting drink strained. This is not at all necessary. The root pulp has a fibrous structure, so it is difficult to grate. Very finely chopped is quite sufficient.
So, how to brew ginger for colds. The simplest recipe based on 0.5 liters of water: carefully peel a piece of root weighing 20 g (or about half the length of a little finger) and chop it with a knife. Then put it in a teapot, add black tea, pour boiling water and leave for 15 minutes under the lid. That's it - the tea is ready!
How to make ginger for colds with green tea? Just replace the tea leaves, but try to make sure that it is without any additives: they will interrupt the taste and aroma of ginger.
Lemon, Ginger and Honey for Colds – Elixir of Health
To make it even healthier and much tastier, try ginger with lemon for colds. To do this, put a couple of lemon slices in the teapot while making ginger tea. Or better yet, add the lemon directly to the cup, like regular tea. Ginger with honey for colds is prepared in the same way, but there is a third option - drink tea with honey. Or you can combine all of this - "there will be no harm except for the benefit"...
In the East, cinnamon, cloves and cardamom are added to the traditional hot ginger drink, which is used to warm up in winter and treat colds. This tea is boiled for 10-15 minutes, and after removing from the heat, sugar and fresh lemon juice are added. The Chinese strengthen the body's resistance by adding ground black pepper to ginger tea for colds.
How to brew ginger root with other medicinal plants? The principle is similar to the above. And as additional ingredients with ginger, peppermint and lemon balm are best combined.
How to Drink Ginger for Colds: Let's Clarify the Nuances
One of the frequently asked questions about the use of ginger root for medicinal purposes: can ginger be used for colds in children? Yes, but only after two years.
It is especially useful to drink tea for a runny nose, sore throat and dry cough. A child may not like a hot, aromatic drink, and to soften its taste, you can add apple peel during the brewing process.
To clean the air in the room of a sick child, you can use ginger essential oil: drip a few drops of oil onto a hot saucer and place it on the floor - not far from the sleeping area.
How to drink ginger for colds? Of course, hot, and in the presence of obvious cold symptoms - at least three cups a day. By the way, despite its versatility, ginger is contraindicated at temperatures above +38°C, inflammatory skin diseases, ulcers of the esophagus and stomach, ulcerative colitis, stones and sand in the kidneys and bladder. Ginger is also not recommended for pregnant women in the late stages and during lactation.
And now – a recipe for a remedy that is stronger than ginger tea for colds – ginger tincture to strengthen the immune system. To prepare it, you will need 250-300 g of peeled ginger root and a half-liter bottle of vodka. Finely chopped root is poured with vodka, the container is tightly closed and put in a dark place for three weeks. The future potion should be shaken from time to time. After the specified period, the ginger tincture is ready for use: twice a day, one teaspoon.