Use of Fresh Ginger in the Common Cold

Common Cold and Flu

• Ginger contains gingerol and shogaols, which can open nasal and sinus passages. The same ingredients are in many herbal remedies for congestion. Ginger is beneficial for respiratory ailments, sore throats and chronic allergies.
  
  Taking ginger can counteract the spread of cold and flu viruses, because of the plant's antiviral properties. Ginger is an antiseptic and antioxidant, and has a mild sedative property that helps to reduce pain and fever.
  
  

How to Use It

• Ginger can be taken in many forms: You can get the same effect from using the actual ginger root as from using it in an herbal medicine. Grate the root for fresh ginger, or take it in capsule form. Use it as an oil and apply it to any areas of chronic aches and pains. Consume it as an extract for respiratory blockage.
  
  When buying fresh ginger root, choose a sample with a pungent smell. If you're not up to the task of sniffing ginger, select the capsule form.
  
  To treat cold and flu symptoms, take ginger on a daily basis. As an extract, in capsule form, take 100 to 200 mg three times a day. Take 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon of fresh powdered ginger. Fresh peeled ginger, which can be eaten as is or added to a tea, should be taken every four hours, three times a day. The ginger pieces should be fully peeled and no more than 1/2 inch thick.
  
  Countless recipes use ginger as a cold remedy. Here is an Ayurvedic remedy: Combine one grated and peeled ginger root, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, a pinch of cayenne pepper, and 2 teaspoons of honey or maple syrup.