How to Use Ginger for Sore Throat

How to Use Ginger for Sore ThroatSore throat is an extremely common and minor illness that is caused due to infection, cold or flu. Pain, hoarseness while taking, difficulty in swallowing are some of the symptoms experienced by people suffering from sore throat. Usually, sore throat goes away on its own within a week. But due to the discomforts caused by it, we often depend on over the counter solutions.

If you have sore throat along with other symptoms such as high fever, joint pain, rash or difficulty in breathing then it is better to consult a doctor. However, most cases of sore throat can be treated successfully with home treatments using natural ingredients. But it is important to visit a doctor

Is Ginger Good for Treating Sore Throat?

  • Ginger has natural analgesic properties that works as a pain-killer which provides relief from the pain and discomfort associated with sore throat.
  • The potent anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties of ginger fight off the infection causing bacteria.
  • Being an anti-inflammatory agent, ginger soothes swelling of the tissues and glands present in the throat.

How to Use Ginger for Sore Throat?

1. Ginger Tea

  • Peel and chop 2-inch piece of ginger into thin slices.
  • Put the ginger slices into a cup of water and boil it for 5 minutes.
  • Steep the ginger for another 10 minutes and then strain the tea.
  • Drink the tea while it’s still warm.
  • You can drink 2 to 3 cups of this tea every day.
  • For added benefits, you can add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and a teaspoon of honey.

Alternative: You can place a ginger piece in you cheek and suck on its juice to soothe the irritation. Taking an occasional bite of ginger piece helps to release the juices.

2. Ginger Powder

  • Take some fresh ginger and soak it in water for few minutes.
  • Peel it and cut it into small pieces.
  • Spread the pieces on a plate and leave it under the sunlight for a few days.
  • Once the ginger is dried completely, blend it into fine powder.
  • Add 1 tablespoon of ginger powder into a glass of water and drink it.
  • Repeat the process 2 times in a day.

3. Ginger and Salt Water Gargle

Gargling with salt water creates a high-salt barrier in the throat and extracts a lot of fluids form the swollen tissues and washes out the virus.

  • Blend 1 inch piece of ginger to form a paste.
  • Add the ginger paste and 1 teaspoon of salt to a glass of lukewarm water.
  • Use it to gargle your throat.
  • Repeat the process 2 times in a day.

4. Crystallized Ginger/ Candied Ginger

Sucking on the sugar-coated ginger strips help to keep the throat moist by increasing saliva and lubricating the throat.

  • Take 1.5 cups each of water and sugar in a small sauce pan and bring it to a boil.
  • Add 1 cup of peeled and sliced ginger to it, reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
  • Using a spotted spoon, transfer the ginger slices to a wire rack.
  • Allow the ginger slices to dry out completely.
  • Roll them in powdered sugar.
  • You can suck on these crystallized ginger slices or ginger candy whenever you feel irritation in the throat.

5. Ginger Essential Oil Steam

Inhalation of ginger oil infused steam can reduce the swelling of the tissues present around the throat and ease the pain.

  • Bring a pot of water to boil and add a few drops of ginger essential oil to it.
  • Remove the water from heat and inhale the steam for 10 to 15 minutes.
  • You can repeat the process several times in a day.

6. Ginger Ale

Ginger ale contains a decent amount of probiotics that help to boost the immune system and fight of bacteria that causes sore throat. It also opens up the airways and soothes the mucus membranes which in turn prevent throat irritation.

  • Add about 1 cup of sugar and 1/4 teaspoon of granular active baker’s yeast into a bottle through a funnel.
  • Shake the bottle to mix the yeast granules with the sugar granules.
  • Now, add 2 tablespoons of finely grated ginger, juice of 1 lemon and some water into the bottle.
  • Secure the cap and shake it well.
  • Reopen the bottle and fill it with water.
  • Secure the cap again and keep it in a warm location for 24 to 48 hours.
  • After 48 hours, refrigerate the bottle overnight and your ginger ale is ready.
  • Drink a cup of ginger ale whenever your throat feels irritated.

7. Ginger and Lemongrass Tea

The antibacterial, antifungal and fever-reducing effects of lemongrass help to deal with the infection causing sore throat. It also works as an analgesic and sedative that helps to relax swollen tissues of the throat and numb the pain.

  • Bring a cup of water to boil.
  • Add a few slices of fresh ginger and 1 – 3 teaspoons of fresh or dried lemongrass to it.
  • Let it steep for 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Strain the tea and drink it.
  • You can drink this tea several times in a day.

8. Ginger Milk

A glass of warm milk can soothe the inflamed tissues and swollen glands of the throat which provides instant relief from sore throat.

  • Take 1 cup of whole milk in a sauce pan.
  • Add 1 teaspoon of ground ginger and 1 tablespoon of white sugar to it.
  • Bring it to a boil and cook it over medium heat till the milk turns foamy.
  • Remove from heat, strain it and drink this milk while it’s still warm.
  • Repeat the process few times in a day.

9. Ginger and Garlic Tonic

Allicin found in garlic kills bacteria causing strep throat, pain and irritation. Garlic provides relief from the painful and swollen tissues of the throat.

  • Crush 4 to 5 cloves of fresh garlic.
  • Add 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger paste to it.
  • Mix the ingredients and consume 1 tablespoon of this mixture followed by a glass of water.
  • Repeat this remedy once every day for 3 to 4 days.

10. Ginger and Turmeric Tea

Active ingredient curcumin present in turmeric inhibits inflammation and provides quick relief from the symptoms of throat infection.

  • Bring a cup of water to boil.
  • Add a teaspoon of turmeric powder and a tablespoon of fresh ginger paste to it.
  • Mix it using a spoon and drink this tea while it’s still warm.
  • Repeat the process 2 – 3 times in a day.

11. Ginger and Honey Syrup

Honey contains potent anti-inflammatory properties that soothe irritation in the throat and mucus membranes. The special infection-fighting enzymes called glucoseoxidase enzyme fights bacterial-infections that cause throat pain and swelling.

  • Crush a 2 inch piece of ginger and extract the juice.
  • Add 1 tablespoon of organic honey to it and mix well.
  • Consume this syrup 2 to 3 times a day until you get relief.

12. Cayenne and Ginger Drink

Chemical compound capsaicin found in cayenne has the capacity to relieve pain by hindering substance that transmits the signal of pain from the brain.

  • Add 1/2 teaspoon each of ginger paste and cayenne pepper to a cup of boiling water.
  • Let the water cool down a bit.
  • Drink this concoction slowly while it is still slightly warm.
  • Follow the process 2 times in a day.

13. Ginger and Cinnamon Drink

The powerful anti-oxidants of cinnamon help to open up the sinuses and reduce the production of mucus which in turn helps to relieve throat irritation and sore throat.

  • Bring a cup of water to boil.
  • Add 1 to 2 cinnamon sticks to it and boil for 5 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and discard the cinnamon sticks.
  • Add 1/2 tablespoon of freshly crushed ginger to it and enjoy this drink.
  • You can consume it 2 to 3 times a day.

14. Ginger and Chamomile Tea

The beneficial components in chamomile kill infection-causing bacteria and also act as a natural pain-killer. The anti-spasmodic properties of chamomile also help to soothe and rest the body.

  • Bring a cup of water to boil and pour it into a mug.
  • Add 1 chamomile tea bag to the mug and cover it for 10 minutes.
  • Remove the tea bag and add a teaspoon of fresh ginger paste to it.
  • Mix well and drink it.
  • Repeat the process 2 times in a week.

15. Ginger and Sage Gargle

The astringent properties of sage contract the swollen tissues of the throat. Phenolic acids in sage kill the bacteria that cause throat infection.

  • Bring a cup of water to boil and add 2 teaspoons of dried sage to it.
  • Cover the cup and let it steep for 10 minutes.
  • Strain the water and add 1 teaspoon of ginger juice to it.
  • Use this concoction to gargle.
  • Follow this method at least 2 times a day to get relief from sore throat.

16. Ginger and Apple Cider Vinegar Drink

The high acidic levels present in apple cider vinegar destroy bacteria effectively and soothes soreness of the throat.

  • Add 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and 1 teaspoon of fresh ginger juice to a cup of warm water.
  • Stir it using a spoon and drink it up while it’s still warm.
  • Repeat the process 2 times a day till soreness of the throat heals completely.

Tips and Precautions:

  • The safe dosage of ginger for adults is 4 grams per day. However, pregnant women should not consume more than 1 gram ginger per day.
  • If you are using ginger for the first time then introduce it gradually to your diet, because too much of it at once can irritate your mouth.
  • Although, there are no potential side effects of consuming ginger, but in rare cases, it can cause heartburn, bloating, stomach upset, etc.
  • People with allergies, heart problems and central nervous system problems are adviced not to take ginger in medicinal from.
  • Pregnant women should exercise caution while consuming ginger. Excessive use of ginger may promote miscarriage or affect foetal sex hormones.
  • Anti-clotting property of ginger interacts with blood thinners, anticoagulants and anti-platelets medications.
  • Dehydration can make sore throat even worse. So, drink plenty of fluids to thin the mucus and soothe the irritated throat.
  • Drink more warm fluids such as tea, soup, etc. to soothe the throat.
  • Use a vaporizer or humidifier in your bed room to add moisture to the air. Moist air helps to sooth the swollen air passages and relieves hoarseness of voice.
  • Do not smoke and avoid second-hand smoke as well.

Try any one of these remedies to get relief from sore throat. Don’t forget to share your experience and tips with us in the comments section.

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