This medicine has long been used to get rid of colds, as it is easy to prepare and has a strong effect on the body. Ginger with honey and lemon for colds is very effective, making it one of the best remedies for the disease.
Each of these products has a number of useful qualities. In folk medicine, they have long been used together, combining them into one miraculous remedy. Ginger, honey and lemon, combined in one medicine, effectively relieve colds. In addition, a product made from these ingredients has several significant advantages over other products.
Firstly, such a medicine is available to everyone and is very easy to prepare at home. Secondly, it acts quickly and effectively. In addition, this remedy is completely natural, unlike factory-made drugs, so next we will look at recipes for the effective treatment of diseases.
Ginger is one of the best remedies against colds
Several centuries ago, people used the root vegetable as an analgesic, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory agent, but ginger was most widely used in Russia for colds.
During colds, the plant affects the body in several directions at once. A natural medicine can improve immunity thanks to its beneficial active substances contained in its composition.
Beneficial features
The beneficial properties are manifested due to the nutrients contained in large quantities in this plant. Ginger root is rich in minerals and vitamins: silicon, calcium, iron, chromium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, vitamin C, A and group B, and nicotinic acid, essential oils.
Why ginger is useful during a cold is clear even to doctors who use it in medical practice, as an additional treatment in traditional medicine.
Medicinal properties of ginger:
- As an antipyretic drug, it is taken with caution. Due to the warming effect, during hyperthermia they drink the drink slightly warm, and at temperatures above 38°C it is worth abandoning it altogether, so as not to provoke an increase in fever.
- Effective for dry and wet cough. Has a mucolytic (expectorant) effect; warms; increases sweating and reduces temperature.
- Relieves inflammation and sore throat.
- Has bactericidal properties. It is recommended to use it when you have a runny nose.
- Increases immunity and strengthens the body, which is especially important during acute respiratory diseases.
- Has a disinfecting effect. Kills microbes and reduces their numbers.
Benefits of ginger with lemon and honey for colds
Fresh ginger root contains various health benefits:
• vitamins – A, B1, B2, B3, F are necessary for proper metabolism and increased immunity;
• minerals – potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, which strengthen the cardiovascular system;
• essential oils – have anti-inflammatory, anti-edema effects,
• phenolic compounds – participate in the construction and development of cells, prevent the spread of pathogenic processes.
Retinol (vitamin A) increases the barrier properties of the mucous membranes in the nasopharynx, which prevent further spread of infection, and helps restore the epithelium after inflammation and disease. Thiamine (B1) is involved in the proper distribution of energy from foods. Riboflavin (B2) is necessary for normal hemoglobin synthesis and proper blood circulation. Nicotinic acid (B3, or PP) is necessary for the breakdown of proteins and intercellular metabolism.
Fresh lemons are a recognized source of vitamin C (ascorbic acid). 100 grams of lemon contains 40 mg of ascorbic acid, which is enough for the daily requirement of the human body, which means that one lemon is enough to completely compensate for the lack of vitamin C. In addition, lemons contain organic acids, phytoncides and flavonoids.
Phytoncides are “natural antibiotics”, have a depressing effect on pathogenic bacteria and microorganisms, improve intestinal microflora and the body’s protective properties. Flavonoids are plant pigments that have bactericidal, healing properties, have a diuretic and antispasmodic effect, strengthen the walls of blood vessels, and stimulate the immune system.
Another useful component is natural honey, which is often added to medicinal decoctions. Honey has many healing indications, since flower pollen contains the most useful and valuable plant substances. Honey consists of 70-80% carbohydrates (about half glucose and fructose), which are quickly absorbed and fill a person with strength. Honey contains vitamins, amino acids, phytoncides, and minerals that promote a speedy recovery.
The first signs of a cold infection: general weakness, fever, runny nose and nasal discharge, cough and sore throat, chills. Herbal teas and decoctions accelerate sweating and have an expectorant and antimicrobial effect. Home remedies with ginger, lemon and honey for colds help to activate your own protective functions and cope with colds and flu faster. That is why folk recipes that complement drugs based on ibuproprofen and paracetamol are so popular.
With any disease or infection, the human liver, kidneys and excretory system are under increased stress, so it is necessary to drink as much water or liquid as possible. To bring down a high temperature and relieve a fever, you need to sweat profusely; for this, take herbal infusions, teas with ginger and lemon for colds, and warming drinks with spices.
Important! Honey and bee products are added to warm liquid, otherwise the beneficial substances are destroyed under the influence of high temperature. At the same time, it is best to store honey in a kitchen cabinet, since in the refrigerator it also loses its aroma and healing properties.
Contraindications for use
The plant has a number of contraindications:
- For ulcers of the duodenum, stomach or esophagus, since the root can irritate the mucous membrane and can lead to aggravation of the disease of the gastrointestinal tract.
- For duodenal ulcers and ulcerative colitis. Spicy plants containing bitterness are contraindicated for these diseases.
- For stones in the kidneys, urinary and gall bladder - the use of the plant can cause severe pain, tissue damage or blockage of the passages (gallbladder).
- For esophageal reflux.
- For arrhythmia and heart failure, use ginger root products with extreme caution. Abuse can cause stroke, heart attack or cerebral hemorrhage.
- For heart diseases.
- At elevated body temperature.
- In acute and chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, liver secretion increases, and the disease can worsen.
- In inflammatory processes of skin diseases.
- During pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- To avoid damage to the gastric and intestinal mucosa, the product is contraindicated for children under 3 years of age.
Ginger and medicine
The root contains a large amount of biologically active substances and is a potent remedy. When taking medications prescribed by a doctor, you should use the root vegetable with caution, as it can have the following effects:
- Reduces the effectiveness of drugs and increases their side effects.
- Contraindicated for those taking medications aimed at regulating blood pressure or treating diabetes, as the root accelerates metabolism.
- Some medications in combination with ginger root are not able to perform their function; it is especially risky to combine the plant with beta blockers, anticoagulants and insulin-based drugs.
Choosing the right ginger
When dried, the root vegetable slightly loses its medicinal qualities, and pickled ginger has practically no vitamins. In this form, it is only suitable for cooking, but not as a medicine.
The maximum amount of useful substances is contained in the fresh root under the skin. Therefore, when purchasing it, you need to pay attention to its appearance, since the correctly chosen root will bring maximum benefit.
When buying a root vegetable, you need to pay attention to the smooth, even and slightly golden surface. It should not be lethargic, damaged or rotten.
You should not choose a root that has eyes, like potatoes. The old root is covered with threads and thickenings; such a root vegetable has few beneficial properties and taste qualities.
Essential oil
The oil contains the main vital components of ginger. One drop of a valuable product contains a storehouse of useful elements. The oil is obtained by distillation from the crushed rhizomes of the plant. To prepare one drop of aromatic extract, use about 2 kg of root vegetables.
The range of oil applications is wide. It has gained popularity due to its rich composition of antioxidants and their positive effects on the body during illness. Ginger oil is used not only to treat colds, but also for inhalation, rubbing and compresses.
Useful properties of the oil:
- antiseptic;
- painkiller;
- antiviral;
- tonic;
- antiemetic;
- slightly diuretic.
Ginger oil replenishes the body weakened by a cold with vitamins and minerals - A, B, C, calcium, magnesium, amino acids, phosphorus, zinc, sodium, potassium, iron and other components. The effect of the oil is enhanced when combined with other essential oils such as patchouli and bergamot.
Ginger oil is characterized by powerful antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help prevent the spread of infections and promote more effective and rapid recovery from all types of colds, viral infections, bronchitis and sore throats.
For influenza and acute respiratory infections, the following is used as inhalation: 2-3 drops of oil are diluted in 200 g of water.
For good sleep during illness: pour 3-5 drops of ginger oil into an aroma lamp in a standard room of no more than 15 m². The aroma acts as a good sedative.
For hot inhalations: it is better to limit yourself to one drop of ginger:
- Oil is added to a vessel containing hot water and steam.
- Cover the head and vessel with a towel and set a distance above the steam.
- Breathe deeply through your nose, while closing your eyes.
- Raise the towel, take a deep breath through your mouth, lower the towel and continue breathing through your nose.
In the absence of fever, it is useful to take a medicinal bath with oil. Baths are carried out for a general strengthening effect and increase the body’s immune forces. Add 5 drops of oil to warm water and immerse in water for 20 minutes, then go under a blanket for 60 minutes.
To rub the back: 7 drops of ginger oil are diluted with 7 drops of olive oil, and for the use of compresses the dosage is reduced to 2 drops.
The oil is used for gargling for sore throats: 1 drop per glass of warm water.
To carry out cold inhalation with a nebulizer, you need to dilute 1-2 drops in 2 ml of saline solution. The procedure is carried out starting from 3 years of age. Its duration is 7 minutes.
Tea as a warming and anti-inflammatory agent: to prepare the drink, take 1 tsp each of chamomile and mint. pour 500 ml of boiling water, let stand for 10 minutes, then add zest and leave for another 5-6 minutes. Strain the resulting drink, add honey and 1-2 drops of ginger oil.
For a sore throat, for gargling: 2 drops of ginger essential oil, 1 tsp. vodka, 50 ml hot water.
Essential oil contraindications:
- at high temperature;
- for liver disease;
- ulcer;
- individual intolerance;
- children under 6 years old;
- Do not use with medications to lower blood pressure
- Use with caution in people prone to allergic reactions.
Ginger drink. Recipes
Drink recipes vary; they are prepared with ginger oil or fresh root vegetables. Drinks are good for the cardiovascular system - they thin the blood and improve blood circulation.
The digestive system is improved - toxins are eliminated, gases are eliminated. Drinks play a special role in cleansing the liver and stimulating brain function.
Regular intake of ginger drinks will heal the body and give strength during a cold.
To enhance the effect on the body's healing processes, cinnamon, honey, lemon are added as additional components, and for weight loss - cucumber. Fragrant herbs, dried fruits and berries will give the drink additional aroma and pleasant taste.
Mulled wine
To make a mulled wine drink, you need the following products:
- 73 g fresh ginger root;
- 200 ml white Muscat wine;
- 1 tsp. dry lavender or lavender tea;
- 0.5 pcs. tangerines;
- 0.5 pcs. lemons;
- 2 tsp. black or green tea;
- 1 tsp. ground cinnamon;
- 0.5 tsp. ground allspice;
- 1/8 tsp. cumin or cilantro;
- 10 g vanilla sugar;
- 100 ml drinking water.
Slice ginger and 3 slices of lemon into a bowl. The remaining lemon is left for the finished mulled wine.
Ginger and lemon in a separate bowl are poured with wine and allowed to stand for 12 minutes.
Place tea, lavender and tangerine peels into a teapot and pour boiling water over it, leave to brew for 8 minutes with the lid closed.
Add all the spices to the wine with ginger and lemon and bring to a boil, remove from the heat and pour into a teapot with tea. Mix everything, adding part of the remaining lemon. Mulled wine is filtered and vanilla sugar is added if desired.
With milk and honey
Hot milk with butter and honey relieves cough and improves the well-being of patients with influenza or ARVI. The drink is harmless and is contraindicated only for very young children and allergy sufferers. You can enhance the expectorant, softening effect on the body not only with honey and milk, but also with soda and ginger.
The drink has the following beneficial properties:
- saturates the body with vitamins and microelements;
- increases immunity;
- softens the respiratory tract;
- actively removes phlegm;
- fights viruses;
- relieves inflammation.
Milk with ginger and honey for colds is especially effective after taking a bath, but provided that there is no fever and the phase of the disease is waning.
Healing tea helps after hypothermia or communicating with someone with the flu. Ginger has a strong tonic effect.
It is recommended to drink it in the first half of the day, because a cup of this tea gives a surge of energy and vigor.
To prepare milk with honey and ginger you need:
- 1 glass of water;
- 1 glass of milk;
- 2 tsp. black tea;
- a pinch of chopped ginger root.
Preparation of the drink: bring water to a boil, add chopped ginger into it, cook for 2 minutes, then pour tea over it and leave for 10 minutes. The milk is brought to a boil and combined with tea. Cool slightly and filter. Pour a warm drink into a mug and add honey.
Ginger tea
A common way to prepare a healthy and tasty drink is ginger tea for colds and coughs.
Tea ingredients:
- 0.5 l of water;
- 4 cm fresh ginger;
- 2-3 cardamom pods;
- 1 tbsp. l. honey;
- ½ small lemon;
- 1 tsp green tea without additives.
Preparing tea: pour boiling water over the tea leaves and let it brew for 5 minutes. Then it is filtered and the infusion is poured into a Turk and placed on low heat. The root is grated and added to tea along with cardamom. The drink in the Turk is brought to a boil over low heat, then boiled for 20 minutes, then cooled and honey, juice of 0.5 lemon and lemon zest are added for flavor.
The tea is prepared for another 5 minutes, then the heat is turned off and the drink is infused for about 30 minutes. Tea with ginger is filtered and poured into cups.
Green tea with ginger and lemon for colds
• one ginger root,
• one lemon,
• 1 tbsp. l. green tea,
• 4 tbsp. l. honey.
Wash the ginger root, peel and finely chop or grate it, put it in a saucepan. Peel a ripe lemon and cut the slices into 3-4 parts, mix the chopped peel with ginger. Brew green tea and after 5-7 minutes dilute with boiling water to make one liter of liquid, pour into a saucepan with ginger and lemon zest, cover with a lid. After half an hour, squeeze the juice from the chopped slices into warm tea and add honey, drink warm.
Recipes for home use
Recipes for colds using ginger root are an antiviral agent that strengthens the immune system during illness. Find out the recipes to help you brew ginger correctly for a cold. Various tinctures and decoctions of ginger are prepared for colds, tea, ointment, baths, and inhalations are used for colds.
Recipe for ginger and lemon tea for colds
Ginger with lemon for colds is a simple and effective recipe. Ginger can be used at a temperature if the value on the thermometer does not exceed 38°C.
To prepare medicinal tea you need the following products:
- 4 tsp. ginger root;
- 8 tsp. honey;
- 1 PC. orange;
- 1 PC. lemon;
- 1 cinnamon stick;
- 1 star anise;
- 700 ml boiling water.
Preparation of ginger with lemon: ginger root is grated, combined with orange and lemon juice, anise and cinnamon are added and boiling water is poured over it. After cooling, add honey. Let it brew and drink throughout the day.
Ginger tea for sore throat
During the cold season, most people get sore throat, pharyngitis, and laryngitis.
Ginger for throat tea in the form of tea is a popular folk method that relieves pain and has a warming and anti-inflammatory effect.
Ingredients of throat tea:
- 1 cm ginger root;
- ¾ glass of water;
- ¼ glass of milk;
- 1 tsp. honey
Preparing tea: pour water into a saucepan, add ginger and boil for 2 minutes under the lid. Then pour in the milk and bring to a boil, then remove from the stove, cool and add tsp. honey
Ginger tea for colds
For ARVI, ginger with the addition of honey and lemon is used for wet coughs and it is recommended to add spices to the drink. This tea has an antiseptic effect and relieves cold symptoms.
For ginger broth you need:
- 15 g chopped ginger;
- 300 ml water;
- 0.5 tsp. black tea;
- 1 tbsp. l. honey
The crushed root is poured with boiling water and boiled for 2 minutes over low heat. Then remove from heat, add black tea, cover with a lid and let steep for 5 minutes. Then the broth is filtered, cooled and lemon and honey are added to taste. A warm drink with ginger is used to treat colds.
Treating coughs with ginger
Ginger against colds, cough, runny nose and its other manifestations was introduced into practice by Indian healers.
The root vegetable is most effective in treating bronchitis accompanied by a wet cough. Essential oil has an anti-inflammatory effect on the respiratory tract and promotes the rapid removal of phlegm, as a result of which the body recovers faster.
The syrup prepared according to this recipe is not only an expectorant, but also relieves dry cough, headache and nausea.
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp. l. ginger juice;
- 0.5 cups sugar;
- 1 glass of water;
- 0.5 pcs. lemon;
- 1 pinch each of saffron and nutmeg.
To prepare this syrup, dilute sugar in water, add juice squeezed from ginger root, the juice of half a lemon and boil until the mixture thickens. At the end, add nutmeg and saffron. The syrup is added to tea and drunk several times a day.
Treating a runny nose with ginger root
With a runny nose, inflammation of the nasal mucosa occurs, caused by various microbes and viruses. Often the inflammation continues to spread to the mucous membrane of the nasopharynx, larynx, bronchi and even the lungs. Therefore, it is recommended to treat the disease at an early stage of development. Ginger-based recipes will help with this.
1/4 tbsp. l. Peeled and grated ginger is poured with boiling water and boiled for 1 minute, half a teaspoon of honey is placed in a cup of tea, you can add a slice of lemon. Drink the drink several times a day.
Treatment of colds with ginger ointment
Ginger helps against colds not only as a drink, but also as a warming ointment. To prepare it, the dry root vegetable powder is diluted in warm water to a mushy state.
The resulting ointment is rubbed into the skin of the feet, then woolen socks are put on. You can put a compress between the shoulder blades for 10 minutes, covering it with film and a towel; if the skin is sensitive, then pre-lubricate it with baby cream. Such a compress can reduce swelling of the upper respiratory tract during coughing.
Ginger bath
A bath with spicy ginger powder during a cold improves blood circulation, relieves swelling, removes toxins and reduces joint pain due to arthrosis. It has an anti-stress, relaxing and calming effect, relieves symptoms of the disease and improves mood.
To prepare such a bath, you need to take 100 g of ginger root (2.5 tbsp ginger powder), wash it, but do not peel it, because it contains a lot of useful substances. Grind the root vegetable on a grater or finely chop it, then pour in 1 liter of boiling water and place on low heat for 18 minutes. The broth is filtered and poured into a bath of water +37…+40°C.
If you add 5-6 drops of lemon, lemon balm or sandalwood essential oil and 1 tbsp to the water. l. honey, then the bath will be even more beneficial. Take a ginger bath for no more than 15-20 minutes. After it, do not rinse in the shower; you need to lie under a blanket for at least 30 minutes.
Treatment with ginger tincture in alcohol
Ginger is used effectively for the flu in the form of an alcohol tincture. Alcohol extracts from plant materials are considered strong medicines in folk medicine. Alcohol extracts the concentrated beneficial extract that has biological activity from the medicinal product as much as possible.
The tincture is used both internally and externally.
The tincture stimulates the functioning of the heart and the entire circulatory system, strengthens the immune system, fights viruses, and is a good remedy for colds.
To prepare an alcohol tincture, grind 400 g of peeled ginger root to a mushy state. Then pour in 1 liter of alcohol diluted to +40...+45°C, mix and place in a dark place for 14 days, shake the container periodically.
After 14 days, the tincture is filtered and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 years. After 2 weeks, add the juice of 1 lemon and 90 g of honey to the tincture, drink 1-2 tsp. in the morning on an empty stomach and before lunch.
Strengthening the immune system with ginger
When the body is weakened, ginger with honey and lemon is also used to prevent colds. These products are recognized as the best for maintaining immunity, capable of resisting the effects of pathogens, stress and strain.
To prepare a recipe that strengthens the immune system, take:
- 110 g ginger root;
- 180 g honey;
- 3 pcs. lemon.
Peel the ginger and grind it in a blender along with lemons. Then add honey and mix. At the first sign of a cold, take 1 tbsp. l. for the night.
Red tea with ginger and lemon for colds
• one ginger root,
• one lemon,
• 1 tbsp. l. hibiscus,
• 4 tbsp. l. honey
• 2-3 cloves, a pinch of cinnamon, a pinch of nutmeg.
Place prepared ginger and lemon, as in the previous recipe, in a saucepan, add cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg or any spices of your choice. They warm the body and accelerate blood circulation, have an antibacterial effect, which is why they are used for preservation. Brew hibiscus and dilute with boiling water after 8-10 minutes to one liter of liquid, pour in the ginger mixture, after half an hour add lemon juice and honey.
How to use spice for a cold?
Ginger root for colds and flu is the most common remedy used in Europe. To treat or prevent colds, inhalation with ginger or essential oil is used 2 times a day, in the absence of fever.
Ginger drink is prepared in the form of crushed root with the addition of garlic, a decoction of chamomile, linden or hyssop herbs, honey, milk, lemon, etc. To do this, take 20 g of the root, crush it and boil it in 200 ml of water for about 2 minutes, then add some additional component in the form of herbs and drink warm with honey, after meals. If the drink is prepared from ground dry spice, then honey and lemon are added to improve the taste.
Herbal tea with ginger and lemon for colds
• one ginger root,
• one lemon,
• 4 tbsp. l. dry herbs (oregano, St. John's wort, chamomile, licorice, rose hips, etc.),
• 4 tbsp. l. honey,
• 1 tbsp. l. alcohol tincture of ginseng, eucalyptus or echinacea.
Prepare the herbal decoction according to the recipe on the package or put it in a thermos and pour one liter of boiling water. After half an hour, pour into a saucepan with chopped ginger root and lemon, add lemon juice and honey. Before use, add tincture to the heated broth at the rate of 1/5 tbsp. l. per glass of decoction. If it is not possible to properly chop the ginger, then you can simply cut it into small pieces and boil in water (1 glass) for 10-12 minutes, and then add the prepared tea or decoction.
Ginger for children
For children with a cold, ginger is brewed in a thermos as a vitamin drink with the addition of dried apples and rose hips. For coughs and nasal congestion, use dry inhalations. To do this, place a fresh root vegetable in a dry frying pan and fry until the cut is lightly charred. After that, put the ginger on a plate and breathe through the nose and mouth alternately for 3-5 minutes using a paper funnel.
This inhalation is good for the throat, makes it easier to swallow, relieves headaches, nasal congestion and swelling. For children, it is allowed to use ginger products after 3 years, provided there are no allergic reactions.
During illness, the child is given tea with ginger, honey and lemon, 2 mugs per day, as well as ginger juice 2 times a day, 5 ml, mixed with water.
The spice is beneficial for the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines if added to food, thus increasing the body's resistance to pathogens.
Tea with milk is good for children. Pour black tea with crushed ginger root (0.5 tsp) into a teapot, pour boiling water (200 ml) and leave for 15 minutes. The infusion is filtered and combined with hot milk: For 0.5 cups of tea, add 0.5 cups of milk and 1 tsp. honey The drink is taken 2 times a day.