Health benefits of ginger: A home remedy must-have to fight cold, cough, other seasonal ailments

During the winter season many experience a decline in their health, with increased susceptibility to colds, flu, and other common winter ailments. While modern medicine plays a significant role in treating these conditions, you may often turn to time-tested home remedies and herbs for relief.

One of the most popular and effective natural remedies for winter health is ginger. This humble root, packed with essential nutrients and medicinal properties, is known for its ability to support immune health and reduce a range of illnesses and infections that are common during the colder months.

According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), ginger supplements may help with pregnancy-related nausea and menstrual cramps. It is also a beneficial natural remedy, especially for ailments that commonly occur in winter, providing mild and effective relief.

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By adding ginger to your winter routine, whether in teas, soups, or supplements, you can enjoy a natural, soothing remedy for a variety of seasonal illnesses. Here's how you can add ginger to your diet and treat common winter ailments:

• Immunity: Ginger is rich in antioxidants and compounds like gingerol that help strengthen the immune system, preventing colds and flu. Add fresh ginger to hot water or make ginger tea with honey and lemon to boost immunity.

• Cough: The soothing properties of ginger help reduce throat irritation and reduce coughing, providing relief from winter coughs. Prepare ginger tea with honey and warm water to help calm an irritated throat.

• Nausea: Ginger is well-known for relieving nausea caused by flu or other winter illnesses, including pregnancy-related morning sickness. Sip on ginger tea or chew on ginger candies to alleviate nausea.

• Inflammation: With its anti-inflammatory properties, ginger can reduce joint pain or stiffness, which often increases during the colder months. Make a ginger turmeric latte or use ginger essential oil in a warm compress for relief.

• Digestion: Ginger promotes healthy digestion, reducing bloating, gas, and indigestion, which are more common in winter when diets tend to be heavier. Drink a cup of ginger tea before or after meals to aid digestion and ease discomfort.

• Cold sores: Ginger’s antiviral properties help fight cold sores, which can flare up due to the cold weather and dry air. Apply a ginger paste directly on the affected area or drink ginger tea to help manage cold sores.

• Muscle aches: Ginger can act as a natural muscle relaxant, offering relief from aches and stiffness that often accompany winter activities and colder temperatures. Add ginger powder to a warm bath or massage ginger-infused oil onto sore muscles for relief.

• Sinus relief: Ginger’s natural decongestant properties help clear blocked sinuses, providing relief from the stuffiness and discomfort caused by winter colds. Inhale steam infused with ginger or drink ginger tea to help clear nasal congestion.