How to Use Ginger For Cold and Flu: 7 Natural Remedies

Ginger has been used in South and Southeast Asian medicine for over 5,000 years to treat a wide variety of diseases and conditions. Originally a flowering plant, the underground stem or rhizome is used extensively as a spice or condiment to flavor broths, stews, curries, stir-fries, and even tea.

Often called ginger root, this versatile spice can be used fresh, dried or in its powdered form.

As for its medical properties are concerned, the fibrous rhizome is rich in vitamin C, iron, calcium, phosphorus and riboflavin. It has multiple health benefits and should be an essential part of your regular diet.

Ginger can be used in a number of ways to deal with the symptoms of cold or flu

In fact, a 2013 review published in the International Journal of Preventive Medicine attested to the anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of ginger that make it an effective herbal remedy for a wide range of medical conditions including the common cold and flu. (1)

• Ginger contains a high quantity of antioxidants that fight free radicals and reduce oxidative stress in the body, thereby boosting your immune system against the common cold or flu.
• It has potent anti-inflammatory properties and can be used very effectively to get rid of a sore throat.
• It also contains active ingredients, such as gingerol and shagelol, with strong antimicrobial properties that help your body fight cold-causing viruses.
• Ginger has been used as an anti-nausea agent for centuries, due to its carminative effect that helps break down trapped intestinal gas and aids its release from the body, thereby relieving gas and bloating.
• Ginger has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine to improve cardiovascular health, as it stimulates the heart muscles along with improving blood circulation.
• It is believed to be beneficial for people who have diabetes, as it helps lower blood glucose levels naturally.

Common Cold vs. Flu

The common cold and flu are two of the most widespread viral infections that affect people all over the world. While they sound similar, there are important differences between the two.

• The common cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract caused by rhinoviruses and corona viruses.
• The flu is caused by A, B, and C influenza viruses and occurs as a seasonal epidemic worldwide, especially during the winter months.

Both conditions are highly infectious and common symptoms include a cough, nasal congestion, and a sore throat. However, in the case of influenza, the virus infects the entire body and also results in a fever, while the common cold infection is limited to the upper respiratory tract.

Ginger Recipes to Treat Cold and Flu

We have come up with some incredibly simple and effective remedies to use ginger for cold and flu and to get rid of their associated symptoms naturally.

Method 1: Ginger for Chest Congestion

Ginger can be used very effectively to clear chest congestion, as it works to strengthen your immune system and prevent any further mucus buildup.

This remedy also uses raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar with probiotic bacteria that help eliminate the virus causing the illness. (2) (3)

Raw honey further aids in rooting out the viral infection, due to its strong antimicrobial properties, and also reduces inflammation, providing relief from a sore throat.

This herbal concoction also contains cayenne pepper that helps clear out your sinuses by thinning out the built-up mucus. (4)

Last but not least, this recipe includes a healthy amount of freshly squeezed lemon juice rich in vitamin C, which works to neutralize the disease-causing pathogens along with boosting your body’s immune system.

Things you’ll need:

• Dried ginger root powder (antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory) – ½ teaspoon
• Cayenne pepper (clears sinuses and thins out mucus) – ½ teaspoon
• Raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar (antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory) – ¼ cup
• Raw honey (antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory) – 3 tablespoons
• Lemon juice, freshly squeezed (anti-pathogenic and contains vitamin C) – ¼ cup

Step 1. Boil apple cider vinegar and lemon juice

• Pour ¼ cup of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar into a pan.
• Add ¼ cup of lemon juice as well.
• Bring the mixture to a boil on medium heat.
• Once it starts boiling, remove the pan from the stove and let it cool down a little.

Step 2. Add raw honey, ginger powder, and cayenne pepper

• Add 3 tablespoons of honey to the slightly cooled mixture.
• Follow it up with ½ teaspoon of dried ginger root powder.
• Finish it off by adding ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper powder.

Step 3. Mix well and put it in a bottle for storage; take it twice daily

• Stir the ingredients together to get a uniform mixture.
• Transfer it to an airtight bottle for storage. Store it in a dark and cool place.

Take 1 tablespoon twice daily for 2 to 3 days to use ginger for cold and flu and clear chest congestion.

Method 2: Ginger for a Sore Throat or Laryngitis

This ginger-based remedy is especially useful for curing a sore throat or inflammation of the larynx (vocal cords) that causes laryngitis.

This herbal concoction also contains turmeric, raw honey and fresh lemon juice that further help fight the infection and reduce inflammation, providing relief from a sore throat. (5) (6) (7)

Things you’ll need:

• Ginger, freshly sliced (antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory) – 1 to 2 inches
• Turmeric powder (antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory) – ½ teaspoon
• Lemon juice, freshly squeezed (anti-pathogenic and contains vitamin C) – 1 teaspoon
• Raw honey (antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory) – 1 teaspoon
• Water – 1½ cups

Step 1. Heat water, ginger, and turmeric powder

• Pour 1½ cups of water into a pan.
• Add the freshly cut ginger slices.
• Add ½ teaspoon of turmeric powder as well.
• Stir well and heat everything together on medium heat.

Step 2. Let it simmer for a few minutes, then strain it

• Cover the pan and let the ingredients simmer for about 5 to 8 minutes.
• Afterward, turn off the heat and let it cool down a bit.
• Then, strain the contents into a glass cup. Make sure the liquid is not too hot, or the cup may shatter.

Step 3. Mix in honey and lemon juice; drink it daily

• To finish off the herbal tea, add 1 teaspoon of raw honey.
• Add 1 teaspoon of fresh-squeezed lemon juice as well.
• Mix thoroughly and drink it slowly.

Consume this drink once or twice daily for at least 2 to 3 days to soothe and heal your sore throat or laryngitis.

Method 3: Ginger for Phlegm

You can combine ginger with whole black peppercorns and raw honey to get rid of phlegm from your upper respiratory system when suffering from either a cold or flu. (8) (9) (10)

Things you’ll need:

• Ginger, freshly sliced (antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory) – 1 to 2 inches
• Peppercorns, whole (treats throat infection) – 4 or 5
• Raw honey (antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory) – 1 teaspoon
• Water – 1 cup

Step 1. Heat water, ginger and peppercorns

• Pour 1 cup of water into a pan.
• Add the freshly sliced ginger.
• Add 4 or 5 peppercorns as well.
• Stir well and heat everything together on low heat.
• Put on the lid and let it simmer for 5 to 7 minutes.
• Turn off the heat and let it cool down for a bit.

Step 2. Strain and mix in honey; drink it 2 or 3 times daily

• Strain the infused liquid into a glass cup. Make sure it’s not so hot that it will cause the glass cup to shatter.
• Add 1 teaspoon of raw honey and stir to mix it in well.
• Drink slowly taking small sips.

Drink this ginger and peppercorn infusion 2 or 3 times daily for at least 3 days to clear phlegm from your chest when suffering from a cold.

Method 4: Ginger for a Cold or Flu

You can boost your body’s resistance to cold and flu viruses by preparing a blend or infusion of grated ginger, lemon, and raw honey.

Mixing grated ginger and lemon with raw honey allows the properties of these three immunity-boosting ingredients to infuse together, creating a super blend that can be consumed with a cup of hot water to combat both the common cold and flu. (2)

Things you’ll need:

• Ginger, grated (antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory) – 1 to 2 inches
• Lemon, quartered (anti-pathogenic and contains vitamin C) – 2 medium-sized lemons
• Raw honey (antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory) – ¼ cup

Step 1. Combine the grated ginger and lemon quarters in a jar

• Grate about 1 to 2 inches of fresh ginger and put it in the bottom of the jar.
• Next, add a layer of lemon quarters.
• Use a spoon to mix the two.

Step 2. Mix in raw honey; take it 2 or 3 times daily

• Add ¼ cup of raw honey and mix all the ingredients together for proper blending and infusion.
• Take 1 tablespoon of this blend and drink it with a cup of hot water.

Take this remedy 2 or 3 times daily for at least 3 to 4 days to use ginger for cold and flu. You can safely store this blend in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.

Method 5: Ginger for a Cough and Runny Nose

It’s really annoying to have a cough and a runny nose at the same time. You find yourself going through an endless supply of tissues to wipe off all the discharge and, worst of all; you gross out everyone else near you.

Now you can prepare and drink this ginger, onion and garlic soup to help clear out the mucus buildup and fight off the disease-causing microbes in the process. (8) (11) (12)

Things you’ll need:

• Ginger, freshly sliced (antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory) – 1 to 2 inches
• Garlic, chopped (boosts immunity) – 2 or 3 cloves
• Onion juice, freshly extracted (antioxidant and anti-inflammatory) – 1 small onion
• Raw honey (antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory) – 2 teaspoons
• Water – 2 cups

Step 1. Boil water, ginger and garlic

• Pour 2 cups of water into a pan.
• Add the freshly sliced ginger.
• Add the freshly chopped garlic as well.
• Bring it to a boil on medium heat.

Step 2. Let the ingredients simmer, then strain the infused liquid

• Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low.
• Put on the lid and let it simmer for 5 to 8 minutes.
• Afterward, turn off the heat and let it cool down slightly.
• Strain the infused liquid into a glass cup. Make sure it’s not too hot or it could shatter the glass cup.

Step 3. Mix in onion juice and honey; drink it 2 or 3 times a day

• Add the fresh juice extracted from 1 small onion.
• Add 2 teaspoons of raw honey as well.
• Mix well and sip it like a soup.

Drink this concoction 2 or 3 times a day to get relief from wet or congested coughing or get rid of a runny nose when suffering from a cold.

Method 6: Ginger for Nausea

Ginger has long been used to get rid of nausea associated with flu viruses, pregnancy, and motion or sea sickness.

A 2016 study published in Integrative Medicine Insights concluded that ginger was a highly effective, inexpensive remedy for pregnancy and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. (13)

You can make this herbal remedy to use ginger for cold and flu-related nausea by simply boiling ginger in water and adding raw honey.

Things you’ll need:

• Ginger, freshly sliced (antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory) – 1 to 2 inches
• Raw honey (antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory) – 1 to 2 teaspoons
• Water – 1 cup

Step 1. Boil water and ginger, let it simmer and strain the infusion into a cup

• Pour 1 cup of water into a pan and turn on the heat to medium.
• Add in the ginger slices.
• Bring it to a boil, then let it simmer on low heat for 5 to 7 minutes.
• Turn off the heat and let it cool down a little bit.
• Strain the infused liquid into a cup. Make sure it’s cooled enough so that it doesn’t cause the glass cup to shatter.

Step 2. Mix in the honey; sip it as needed for nausea

• Add about 1 to 2 teaspoons of raw honey and mix well.
• Take small sips at regular intervals.

Consume this whenever needed to get relief from feelings of nausea or sickness.

Method 7: Ginger for Bronchitis

Bronchitis refers to the swelling or inflammation of the inner lining of the bronchial tubes that carry air to and from the lungs. This swelling is often accompanied by a buildup of mucus in the bronchial tubes.

This remedy combines the medicinal properties of ginger, cinnamon and raw honey to fight the infection in the bronchial tubes, reduce the inflammation of the inner lining and clear out congestion. (8) (14) (15)

Things you’ll need:

• Ginger, grated (antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory) – 1 teaspoon
• Organic cinnamon powder (anti-inflammatory) – ½ teaspoon
• Raw honey (antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory) – 1 teaspoon
• Water – 1 cup

Step 1. Bring water, ginger and cinnamon powder to a boil, then let it simmer

• Pour 1 cup of water into a pan.
• Add 1 teaspoon of grated ginger.
• Add ½ a teaspoon of organic cinnamon powder.
• Bring everything to a boil on medium heat, then cover it with a lid and let it simmer for 5 to 7 minutes on low heat.
• Remove the pan from the heat and let it cool down a bit.

Step 2. Strain it and mix in the honey; drink it 3 or 4 times daily

• Strain the infused liquid into a cup. Make sure it’s not too hot for a glass cup.
• Mix in 1 teaspoon of raw honey.
• Drink it slowly.

Drink this preparation 3 or 4 times throughout the day for at least 3 to 4 days to use ginger for cold and flu and to treat bronchitis naturally.

Tips to fight cold and flu

• You can also use turmeric-based remedies to relieve a sore throat.
• You can also make DIY homemade lozenges to soothe a sore throat or to stop coughing.
• If your cold or flu persists for longer than 5 days, you should consult a doctor. It may be an indication of a severe viral infection.

Resources:

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2. K, M. K, S KHATAK. Cold And Flu: Conventional vs. Botanical & Nutritional Therapy. International Journal of Drug Development and Research. http://www.ijddr.in/drug-development/cold-and-flu-conventional-vs-botanical--nutritional-therapy.php?aid=5561. Published November 30, 2011.
3. Saqib A. Antimicrobial Activity of Apple Cider Vinegar. Mapana - Journal of Sciences. http://journals.christuniversity.in/index.php/mapana/article/view/1514. Published 2017.
4. Paul IM, Beiler J, Monagle AM. Effect of Honey, Dextromethorphan, and No Treatment on Nocturnal Cough and Sleep Quality for Coughing Children and Their Parents. JAMA. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/fullarticle/571638. Published December 1, 2007.
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6. Moghadamtousi SZ, Kadir HA, Hassandarvish P. A Review on Antibacterial, Antiviral, and Antifungal Activity of Curcumin. BioMed Research International. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4022204/. Published April 29, 2014.
7. Nanda MS, Mittal S, Gupta V. Role of honey as adjuvant therapy in patients with sore throat. National Journal of Physiology, Pharmacy, and Pharmacology. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/312104274. Published December 25, 2016.
8. Townsend EA, Siviski ME, Zhang Y. Effects of Ginger and Its Constituents on Airway Smooth Muscle Relaxation and Calcium Regulation. American Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3604064/. Published February 2013.
9. Meghwal M. Chemical Composition, Nutritional, Medicinal And Functional Properties of Black Pepper: A Review. Open Access Scientific Reports. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/270063529. Published January 2012.
10. Kased RFE-. Natural antibacterial remedy for respiratory tract infections. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2221169115305931. Published January 13, 2016.
11. Mousa HA- L. Prevention and Treatment of Influenza, Influenza-Like Illness, and Common Cold by Herbal, Complementary, and Natural Therapies. J Evid Based Complementary Altern Med. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5871211/. Published April 6, 2016.
12. Wright CI. Natural Remedies for the Relief of Cold and Flu Symptoms: The Evidence for Garlic, Onion, Chilli, and Chocolate. Journal of Traditional Medicine & Clinical Naturopathy. https://www.omicsonline.org/open-access/natural-remedies-for-the-relief-of-cold-and-flu-symptoms-the-evidence-forgarlic-onion-chilli-and-chocolate-2167-1206-1000182.php?aid=64023. Published July 2, 2015.
13. Lete I, Allué J. The Effectiveness of Ginger in the Prevention of Nausea and Vomiting during Pregnancy and Chemotherapy. Integrative Medicine Insights. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4818021/. Published March 31, 2016.
14. Han X, Parker TL. Antiinflammatory Activity of Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) Bark Essential Oil in a Human Skin Disease Model. PHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5518441/. Published April 26, 2017.
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