Ginger is a herb that is not only used in cuisines but also has medicinal properties. It is a great remedy for many body conditions related to stomach, respiratory system, intestines, nervous system and also the brain.
Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that can treat cough and sore throat very effectively, thus providing relief from pain and irritation. It also boosts immunity and helps in fighting infections.
This article explains you all the benefits of ginger towards treating cough and how to easily use it at home.
Ginger for Cough
Ginger is used to reduce cough and sore throat which are the two common symptoms of common cold. Ginger is available in different forms like oil and powder too. All the forms of ginger(1) offer the same benefits.
[Also Read: Natural Remedies for Cough]
How to Prepare Ginger Tea for Cough at Home
Take an inch sized piece of ginger and grate it into small pieces. Add these pieces to a cup of water and boil it. After the mixture begins to boil, turn off the heat and add the juice of half a lemon to it. Transfer this solution to a sipping cup. Then add 1 tablespoon of honey and mix well till the honey dissolves. Sip the concoction like tea.
[Also Read: Benefits of Lemon Ginger Tea]
How to Make the Ginger Wrap for Cough
Make half a cup of ginger paste using fresh ginger. Strain out the liquid. Take a towel big enough to be spread on your chest area. Spread the towel and apply the ginger to it. Place this towel on your chest. Let the towel be on the chest for at least 15 minutes. After this, wash your chest area with warm water. You can do this 2 to 3 times a day.
Ginger as a Natural Medicine
The medicinal properties of ginger are its antioxidants, essential oils and oleoresin. Oleoresin possesses antitussive abilities, which means that it can relieve and suppress coughing. The aromatic compounds found in ginger are phenyl alkyl ketones, which are known as gingerols, shogaols, and zingerone(2). These chemical compounds provide ginger with its medicinal qualities and provide an ability to soothe coughs.
Ginger as a Painkiller
Ginger is a natural pain killer that soothes the irritation and scratchy pain caused due to cough. The tickle of inflammation is the major cause that triggers cough. So, if you drink ginger tea or juice or chew on fresh ginger root, it can help in suppressing cough temporarily and bring down irritation.
Ginger for Respiratory Health
Ginger cleans and heals the respiratory system. The pungent and warming action of ginger helps in eliminating mucus from the lungs which is a major cause of cough. Drinking ginger juice or tea, or massaging the chest and the upper back with ginger oil can help in treating cough and provide relief. Ginger also relaxes the muscles and provides relief from spasms caused due to extensive coughing.
[Also Read: Home Remedies to Cure Cough]
Ginger Bath
Crush 5 inches of fresh ginger root and put it in a small muslin bag. Tie the mouth of the bag and place it in a bathtub. Fill the tub with hot water with the bag in it. Let the bag stay in the tub for about 10 to 15 minutes. Take bath in this water while inhaling the vapors. The juice and vapor of ginger will help in getting rid of mucus from the lungs, soothing inflammation and relieving cough.
Ginger Infusion
Drinking a ginger infusion helps not only in soothing the throat and the tissues of the lungs but also boosts the immune system and gets rid of mucus. Add 2 tablespoons of grated ginger to 5 cups of water and boil it. You can even use half a tablespoon of ginger powder in place of grated ginger.
Turn off the heat and add the juice of half a lemon and 2 tablespoons of honey to it. Mix well till the honey dissolves and drink this several times a day till the symptoms of cough go away.
Ginger Massage Oil
Ginger essential oil contains concentrated properties of ginger. You can prepare your own ginger massage oil at home. Take 4 ounces of carrier oil like olive oil or castor oil and add 20 drops of ginger essential oil to it.
Mix well to an even consistency. Massage this mixture on to your chest and upper back to get relief from the symptoms of cough.
NOTE: Pregnant women and people who are allergic to ginger should not use Ginger essential oil.
Ginger has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. It boosts the immune system and protects against pathogens and toxins. It is an anti-irritant and a cough suppressant. That is why ginger is one of the best remedies for treating cough.
