How Ginger Is An Effective Natural Remedy To Protect Us From Flu

Most often when we realize that the symptoms we are experiencing point to a flu, our first reaction is to look for medicine that provides a quick relief. Yet, at some point in our lives, we search for natural, home-made alternatives on how to treat flu. Soon we would realize that these natural remedies serve as a reliable solution as well since not only they ease the symptoms, but they also do not have the side effects brought by medicine. One of the most sought-after remedy for flu is ginger.

Ginger as a Natural Remedy for Flu
Thanks to its active components of gingerols and shogaols, ginger helps to relieve the common flu symptoms such as sore throat, runny nose, headache, and dry cough. The anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory nature of the plant also makes it an effective relief for pain, irritation, and discomfort that usually accompany flu.

Moreover, given that its active components work mainly in the stomach and intestines, ginger can help prevent indigestion and restore the appetite of patients with flu. Just a hot ginger tea can warm the stomach and lungs of patients, stimulating their appetite.

Ginger is known for a great solution for treating flu as it also eases respiratory problems. Its expectorant properties help to restore the proper functioning of the respiratory system. As a great antioxidant, ginger stimulates sweating which helps to get rid of the toxins from the body. This ultimately helps prevent the infection.

 How to Treat The Flu with Ginger
Now that we have learned all health benefits of ginger, it is time to learn how to treat the flu using it.

One of the most effective ways to treat dry cough accompanied by flu is to make ginger tea from fresh grated ginger:

Mix 1/8 tsp. of fresh grated ginger with juice made from a half of a squeezed lemon.
Boil it in a pot with one cup of water.
After it boils, pour it in a cup and leave for five minutes.
Add 1 tbsp. of honey and drink warm.
Another often used recipe for respiratory problems caused by flu is ginger steam:

Prepare a bowl of steaming water while you cut few slices of fresh ginger.
Add the slices into the water and take a towel to cover your head and the bowl during the inhalation process.
Make sure to leave enough space between your face and the bowl.
It is always a great idea to mix ginger with honey and lemon since their combined ingredients help treat all flu symptoms. For best results, mix 1 tablespoon of fresh grated ginger with the squeezed juice of one fresh lemon. Add 1 tablespoon of honey to the juice and stir them well. Drink it once a day for quick flu relief.

Finally, it is important to note that while homemade natural remedies provide significant relief with mild signs of flu, they should be used as preventive measures during flu season and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical opinion. In case of serious flu symptoms that last long, you should see the doctor for help.

Source - http://www.lifehack.org/