Native to Southeast Asia, ginger has been used as a flavor enhancer and herbal remedy to cure various ailments, including colds and nausea, for thousands of years. Its spicy and strong flavor can be off-putting to some, but to many, including myself, the relief from symptoms like a scratchy and painful throat is enough to set that minor inconvenience aside.
But what makes ginger tea so good for soothing sore throats?
Contents
Three reasons why ginger is great at relieving sore throats
1. It has anti-inflammatory properties
Ginger reduces swelling in the body. The “soreness” or pain you experience when swallowing is due to inflammation of the throat and its surrounding area. But, if there’s one thing that ginger does well, it’s to reduce inflammation — thanks to its active compounds, including Gingerol, Shogal, and Zingerone.
2. It’s high in antioxidants
Ginger helps the body stay strong and fight off illnesses. Several compounds in ginger have antioxidant properties, which are believed to prevent free radicals from attacking and weakening the body’s defense system, which gets compromised when we get sick.
3. It has anti-microbial and anti-bacterial properties
Ginger may inhibit the growth of microbes and bacteria. Serval studies show that ginger has both anti-microbial and anti-viral properties — thanks to compounds like gingerol, paradol, shogaols, and zingerone — which is great news because while common colds are typically viral, sore throats can be a symptom of either viral or bacterial infections.
Why drink it with lemon and honey?
Everyone likes honey’s sweetness and smooth, viscous texture, but there’s more to honey than its delicious taste and texture. Honey, like ginger, has anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and anti-bacterial properties. Moreover, some studies show that it also works as a cough suppressant, which you’ll want if you’re battling a cold and have an accompanying cough. Lemons, on the other hand, are high in vitamin C, which also plays an essential role in supporting immune health. Add hot water, which increases circulation to the area, and what do you get? A remedy that is sure to help you feel better.
So, is it worth it?
Having a sore throat isn’t fun. But there’s a lot of evidence to suggest that ginger tea, when brewed with lemon juice and honey — ingredients that promote immune health and reduce inflammation — can effectively soothe a sore throat. So the next time you feel a tingle in your throat or start looking for remedies, make sure you reach out for those three key ingredients first.
Related Questions
Is ginger a spice or an herb?
In its dried form, ginger is considered a spice, but in its natural form, it is a potent herb.
Fresh vs powdered ginger: which ginger form is best?
While there are times when using ginger powder might make sense, when you’re making tea, you’ll want to stick with fresh ginger. Not only is fresh ginger more spicy and flavourful, which can feel nice when you’re down with a cold, but it also has higher amounts of active compounds than its ground powder counterpart.
Leave a Reply