The medicinal use of ginger in the treatment of sore throat is long documented in Ayurveda.
Scientific evidence supports the efficacy of ginger in treating sore throat. Ginger possesses anti-inflammatory properties that relieve your pain. It further boosts your immunity and helps fight infections causing sore throats.
Ginger tea for sore throat – Research
The pain of a sore throat is due to inflammation in the throat. Ginger contains bioactive compounds like gingerols and shogaols. Studies revealed that these compounds possess anti-oxidizing and anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe your sore throat.
In addition to this, ginger also exhibits antimicrobial properties that can help fight infections responsible for causing a sore throat. A study found that ginger extract is effective in inhibiting Streptococcus mutans, Candida albicans, and Enterococcus faecalis. These three microorganisms are commonly responsible for oral infections.
Ginger also possesses immunity-boosting properties. Studies have found that ginger can help in relieving colds and flu. A study found that daily consumption of ginger supports your immune system and protects you against chronic diseases.
Also Read: Stay Healthy this Winter with Kadha: An Ayurvedic Immune-Booster Recipe
Ginger tea for sore throat Recipe
Ginger tea is the most popular and effective solution for sore throat. The warm liquid helps soothe your inflamed throat. Drinking the tea regularly also helps boost your immunity and keeps colds and flu at bay.
How to make ginger tea?
Take grated ginger in 1 cup of boiling water. Let it steep for five minutes until the taste infuses in the water. You can strain the liquid to remove the ginger pulp or drink it without straining. Add a dash of lemon to it. Drink it warm. You can store this in a thermos and sip this three times per day for relief.
You can also add cinnamon, cardamom, or turmeric to it. All these spices have healing properties and can help boost your immune system. They further aid in relieving congestion and provide relief in cough.
Also Read: Samahan herbal tea
Ginger and honey for sore throat
You can also add a bit of honey to dried ginger tea and chew the slices. Honey has antimicrobial properties in addition to its healing benefits. A study found that the antimicrobial effects of ginger and honey can be enhanced when used together.
Adding honey to ginger helps soften the flavor and reduce the spiciness. If you want to add honey to your cup of ginger tea, and then make sure that your tea is not very hot. Adding honey to hot beverages releases an enzyme that’s poisonous in nature.
Also Read: Health benefits of ginger and honey
Other ways to have ginger for sore throat
Try the Raw ginger root
Chewing raw ginger can help ease your sore throat. Slice a small piece of fresh raw ginger root and chew it directly. Do this two to three times a day for relief. You can spit the pulp if it irritates you.
Munch on a ginger candy
Ginger candy is another great way to enjoy the benefits of ginger in a tasty way. You can get ginger candy from a local grocery store or pharmacy. You can also order ginger candy online.
Buy now – Ginger candy
Ginger powder
You can use powdered ginger to season your foods or put it in water to make ginger tea. Though it is best to take ginger in its raw form, you can opt for powdered ginger as well. It is easily available in grocery stores and online stores.
Buy online – Ginger powder
Caution!
Ginger is a natural root that is usually safe for most. But some people may have a ginger allergy. Also, note that ginger is not a replacement for medicine.
Conclusion
In Ayurveda, ginger has been used for centuries in the treatment of cough and congestion. It is an age-old remedy for allergies and running rose. Today, several studies have proved the efficacy of ginger in treating sore throats. Its antibacterial and anti-oxidizing properties can help relieve the pain and inflammation related to sore throats. It further helps in fighting the microbes responsible for causing a sore throat.
You can make ginger tea with ease just by extracting the ginger juice and mixing it with boiling water. You can also take a few slices of ginger and drop them in boiling water to make ginger tea. Sipping this tea can bring instant relief to your sore throat, running nose, body, and head pain.
Also Read: Health benefits of Ginger juice
