When a piercing wind or frost is outside, our body becomes especially vulnerable. Due to the deficiency of natural sources of vitamins, immunity weakens, which can trigger the development of a catarrhal disease. And to strengthen the body's defenses, ginger is often used. Brewed root helps eliminate unwanted symptoms and promotes a speedy recovery. At the same time, it is not difficult to use ginger for colds.
Ginger: composition and useful properties
Ginger is familiar to almost all of us, and it has gained the most popularity in the culinary field. But at the same time, the ancient healers of the East knew about its beneficial properties and actively used it to treat various diseases. And this is not without reason, since this root contains:
- B vitamins, as well as A and C;
- minerals - zinc, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, iron, calcium, etc .;
- amino acids;
- essential oils;
- Tsingiberen is a volatile component that helps the body resist viruses and infections.
Such a set of biologically active substances makes ginger for colds a fairly powerful tool and allows you to use it for both prevention and treatment. And among the main useful properties of a burning root, the following are highlighted: anti-inflammatory, antiviral, analgesic, antioxidant and antimicrobial. In addition, tea made from ginger helps to improve the digestive system, normalizes acidity and improves metabolism.
The treatment of colds
For colds, ginger is recommended for use in the initial stages of the disease. In this case, the burning root will help as follows:
- eliminate headache and general weakness;
- cure cough;
- reduce fever;
- relieve inflammation and sore throat.
And in order to provide the desired result, it is enough just to brew ginger correctly. But it should be remembered that in each case a specific recipe is used.
Prophylactic
In order to strengthen the immune system and prevent viruses from attacking the body, a drink is prepared from the following ingredients:
- 3 teaspoons grated ginger;
- natural honey;
- lemon slices;
- 2 liters of water.
Fold the ginger in a thermos and pour it with the indicated amount of boiling water. Close tightly and leave for half an hour. After the specified time, pour the infusion into cups, add one slice of lemon and a little honey to each.
Cold ginger tea
If the symptoms of the disease have already begun to appear, then in this case it is advisable to pay attention to the following recipe for a cold with ginger and lemon. For him, take:
- 1 liter of water;
- 2 teaspoons chopped ginger;
- black pepper powder on the tip of a knife;
- lemon.
Pour water into the stewpan, add grated ginger, let it boil and cook for about 10 minutes. Put a pinch of black pepper and mix. After the drink has cooled slightly, pour it into cups and add 15 ml of freshly squeezed lemon juice to each. Drinking such tea is recommended with the addition of honey. At least 600 ml should be consumed throughout the day. An infusion prepared in this way relieves headaches and eliminates inflammatory processes.
Restorative drink
If you add a little mint to tea with lemon and ginger for colds, the result will be a remedy that will not only reduce the intensity of the symptoms of the disease, but also help to relax.
For a drink, take:
- 1 liter of water;
- 3 tbsp. tablespoons chopped ginger;
- lemon;
- 5 tbsp. tablespoons of honey;
- mint leaves.
Bring the water to a boil in a saucepan. Put the prepared ginger and cook at low boil for about 10 minutes. Next, pour the resulting broth into a thermos, add the zest and lemon juice, put the leaves of mint. After 20 minutes of insisting pour into cups. Drinking along with natural honey is better “bite” to preserve its beneficial properties in full.
Cough medicine
Quite often, with a cold, ginger is used to eliminate a cough. The substances that make up this burning root contribute to the dilution of sputum and its removal from the bronchi.
With a dry cough, a drink made from ginger, lemon and honey, mixed in equal proportions, helps well. Lemon and root must be grated or minced, brewed like regular tea and add honey.
A wet cough will help cure dried ginger. It is mixed with a small amount of turmeric, mint, honey is added and everything is bred in hot milk. The infusion is kept for about 10 minutes, after which it is consumed throughout the day. About 200 ml of the drink should be drunk at a time.
Both the first and second infusions are preferably prepared in large portions - 1 liter per day. And so that the product remains warm until the evening, it must be kept in a thermos. So you can save time and effort, because with a cold often overcomes the weakness that keeps us in bed.
Ginger medicine with wine and prunes
Another fairly effective recipe for tea with ginger for the common cold. For him, it is necessary to prepare:
- half a liter of brewed tea (preferably green);
- a couple of spoons of chopped ginger;
- 3-4 prunes;
- a glass of dry wine.
Brew tea in a saucepan, add chopped ginger, dried fruits, pour wine into it. Cook over low heat for half an hour. Cool the finished drink a little. Drink it should be in diluted form - 50 ml of the product 50 ml of hot water.
Cold ginger drink
Cold tea with ginger can also be used cold. Such a drink is an excellent substitute for pharmaceutical preparations. For the recipe, you should take:
- 5 tablespoons chopped ginger root;
- 5 tablespoons of honey;
- juice of one lemon;
- a couple of sprigs of mint;
- 1.5 liters of water.
To prepare the product, it is necessary to bring the indicated amount of water to a boil. Then remove from the stove, add ginger, cover the container with a lid and wrap it with a blanket. After several hours of insisting, put honey, mint in a drink and pour in lemon juice. Cool to room temperature and take daily for prevention with the onset of cold weather. And from a cold, ginger and lemon are drunk in a warm form.
Inhalation
In order to facilitate breathing and improve overall well-being with a cold, ginger can be used for inhalation. In this case, essential oil is used. However, remember that this product contains substances that can trigger the development of an allergic reaction. In any case, before starting such procedures, you should consult with a specialist.
Ginger for children
The following cold ginger recipe is recommended for children. For him, you should take:
- 1 tbsp. a spoonful of freshly squeezed ginger juice;
- 4 tbsp. tablespoons of sugar;
- glass of water.
Mix all the ingredients in a saucepan and cook until sugar is completely dissolved. In this case, the syrup must be constantly stirred so that it does not burn to the bottom and walls. Remove from heat and allow to cool. It is recommended to take it after eating one tablespoon.
Wet cough in children is treated with a product that consists of milk, ginger and natural liquid honey, prepared according to the above recipe (turmeric is not added!). And for the prevention of viral and infectious diseases, it is quite possible to use a fortifying drink.
But in this case, it should be remembered that ginger in the treatment of children can be used only from 6 years.
Ginger during pregnancy
Ginger drink is a natural remedy that is allowed for use in the treatment of colds during pregnancy. However, it is recommended to start taking it with small portions in order to be able to track the reaction of the body. Remember that during pregnancy, the use of concentrated infusions of ginger is strictly prohibited.
Contraindications
The beneficial properties of ginger are quite extensive, but in some situations it is not recommended to use funds based on it. These include:
- the presence of diseases such as gastritis (especially in its acute form), exacerbation of gastric pathology and peptic ulcer;
- bleeding of various etiologies;
- body temperature is too high;
- allergy;
- individual intolerance.
In addition, taking ginger medications is highly discouraged on an empty stomach. In this case, the product will irritate the mucous membranes, which can subsequently lead to health problems.
In the presence of any chronic diseases, prior consultation with your doctor is required.
Ginger for colds really helps, but in order not to cause harm to your body, you should definitely remember about contraindications. Be always healthy and happy!