Even without the coronavirus, colds and viruses lurk everywhere. You become infected particularly quickly in autumn and winter, when your immune system is weakened. For this reason, it is worth knowing some tricks and home remedies that help with colds, pain and discomfort. Today we'll take thatPowerwurzel Ingwertake a closer look and give you the best ginger recipes for health.
The Health Benefits of Ginger
Ginger is one of themclassic home remedies against viruses. Although the miracle tuber has no healing properties, it can inhibit the reproduction of viruses thanks to the active ingredients gingerol and zingerone. It further strengthens the immune system, making the organism less susceptible to infections.
In TCM (traditional Chinese medicine), ginger has long been used as a remedy, especially for coughs, fever, pain and cramps, high blood pressure and nausea during pregnancy. Western medicine has not yet researched all of these areas of application for the miracle tuber, but it does say that ginger has positive effects on gastrointestinal complaints and against motion sickness.
But one thing is certain: ginger is healthy. The small power root contains many important ingredients such as vitamin C, zinc, magnesium, potassium and iron. Ginger root can do all of this:
- Relieve pain topically
- Calm the stomach for motion sickness
- protect against pregnancy vomiting and prevent nausea
- act against digestive problems
- Help treat food poisoning and intestinal infections
- promote natural blood circulation
- reduce the risk of high blood pressure
- reduce the risk of blood clots and arteriosclerosis
- reduce blood cholesterol levels
Is ginger dangerous during pregnancy?
Ginger root generally helps treat and prevent nausea and vomiting. It is therefore often used in the first trimester of pregnancy. However, it is not recommended to use it in the second and third trimesters, as ginger can stimulate blood flow and thus trigger premature labor.
If you would like to prepare natural remedies with ginger yourself, you can use both fresh ginger root and ginger powder. For thePreparation of drinks, such as teas or juices, it is recommended to use the fresh tuber, although the ground form is also well suited for ointments and oils.
Stay healthy and try our ginger recipes!
Ginger tea for a cold
Ingredients:
5 cm long piece of ginger
1 liter of water
1 tbsp fresh lime juice (the juice of 1/2 lime)
1-2 tbsp honey (to taste)
Preparation:
If necessary, peel the ginger and cut it into thin slices. Then put it in a pot, pour boiling water over it and let it steep for 10 minutes. For a stronger tea, let it steep a little longer. In principle, the longer the brewing time, the hotter the tea will be. Strain the ginger tea and add the lime juice (if using) and honey. Drink as warm as possible.
Application:
If you feel tired or have a cold coming on, drink ginger tea. It tastes spicy and hot and warms you quickly from the inside.
Are the ginger recipes also suitable for children?
Ginger is considered to be harmless to children's health if the recommended daily dose is not exceeded. If you would like to prepare ginger tea for children, use a little less ginger and do not let the root steep for longer than 5 minutes. To temper the spiciness, you can combine the tea with fruity teas as it increases appetite.
Ginger recipes for a strong immune system: Ginger shots with turmeric
This recipe for healthy,vegan ginger turmeric shotsis the perfect daily boost for your immune system. From anti-inflammatory properties and digestive aids to warding off colds, this recipe has a lot to offer. Plus, it only requires 4 ingredients, a juicer and 10 minutes of your time! But don't be fooled: ginger is not a panacea that can protect you 100% against viruses. However, the root supports the functioning of the immune system and its regular consumption makes it less susceptible to viruses and bacteria. Here is the recipe:
Ingredients:
250 g of ginger
250 g Turmeric
3 medium lemons
2 oranges (optional)
¼ teaspoon black pepper, ground
Preparation with juicer:
Wash the turmeric and ginger well and clean if necessary (it is best to use organic quality). You don't necessarily have to peel the roots. First juice the turmeric and then the ginger. Remove the lemon peel and juice the lemon pulp (you can also squeeze the lemon juice separately). Do the same with the oranges (if using). Mix everything and add the black pepper. This is necessary for turmeric to achieve its full benefits. Pour into small glass bottles and keep refrigerated.
Preparation without a juicer:
If you don't have a juicer, you can either puree the shots finely in a blender or finely grate the ginger and turmeric roots and mix with the squeezed lemon juice. If you don't like chunks in your shot, let the juice steep for 5-6 hours and then strain it.
Application:
Drink a ginger shot with turmeric every morning to strengthen your immune system. The recommended daily dose is 60-80 ml. You can let the remaining pieces of ginger and turmeric dry and grind them into powder.
Ginger recipes for sore throats and coughs
Because of its disinfectant properties, ginger can provide rapid relief from sore throat symptoms. You can prepare the root in the form of a tea and enrich it with lemon for even more vitamin C. Another option would be to make your own lozenges or cough syrup. The recipes follow.
Ginger tea with lemon
Ingredients:
500 ml water
2.5cm ginger root, thinly sliced
1 slice of lemon
1 TL Honig (optional)
Preparation:
Put the ginger slices in a pot, pour water over them and bring to the boil. Remove from heat and let steep for a few minutes. Strain and pour into a cup with lemon and honey. Drink hot for quick relief.
Make your own throat sweets with ginger
Ingredients:
170 g Honig
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
Powdered sugar, cornstarch or cinnamon for coating
Preparation:
Using a wooden spoon, combine honey, lemon juice and fresh ginger in a medium, deep saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently to avoid burning. Using a candy thermometer, heat the mixture to 350-350°F (146-154°C) until it reaches the strong ball stage (if a thermometer is not available, test the mixture by dropping a drop of it into a bowl of cold water - if it hardens, the mixture is ready).
*Watch the pan closely as the mixture will foam up the sides of the pan. Remove the pan from the heat briefly to allow the foam to subside and place it back on the burner to continue cooking. You may need to turn the heat down to low to prevent the honey from burning.
When the mixture reaches the thickening stage, remove from the heat and let cool for a few minutes until it thickens slightly. Pour into suitable silicone molds or shape with a teaspoon on baking paper or a silicone mat. Allow to cool until the candies are hard and firm. Once the pastilles have completely cooled, roll them in powdered sugar, cornstarch, or ground cinnamon to prevent them from sticking together. Place in a screw-top jar and store in a cool, dry place.
Application:
Children and adults can suck a ginger candy every two hours for a sore throat. Do you suffer from motion sickness? Then just take a bag with you on your next trip, because these lozenges can calm your stomach even when you're feeling sick.
Thyme, lemon and ginger cough syrup recipe
In addition to sweets, a syrup also helps against coughs. We'll show you how to make a herbal oneMake your own cough syrup, which relieves spasmodic coughs and removes mucus from the lungs.
Ingredients:
250 ml water
2.5 cm ginger root, grated or chopped
200 g Honig
1 lemon with peel, thinly sliced and seeds removed (preferably organic)
6 sprigs fresh thyme or 1 tablespoon dried thyme
Preparation:
Place water and ginger in a medium saucepan. Simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes until the water has reduced by half. Meanwhile, mix the lemon and honey and mash to release the juices from the lemon. Set aside. Once the water reduces, bring back to the boil and turn off the heat. Add the thyme, cover the pot and let steep for 5-10 minutes. If desired, strain out the ginger, thyme and lemon slices. Add the lemon, honey and ginger mixture back to the pot and stir. Pour the syrup into a glass bottle or screw-top jar. Label and date the bottle or glass.
Application:
For coughs, children take 1 teaspoon and adults 1 tablespoon every half hour or as needed. Children under 1 year old should not consume honey. Store the homemade cough syrup in the refrigerator for up to a month.
Ginger recipes for refreshing drinks against tiredness
Do you feel tired and listless? Such a feeling is particularly common in winter and can also be a sign ofseasonal affective disorderbe. The following ginger recipes work well against tiredness and ensure a good start to the day.
Ginger drink with lemongrass
Lemongrass also has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help fight colds. Combined with ginger, this drink can work wonders.
Ingredients:
1 stalk of lemongrass
500 ml water
2.5 cm of ginger root, thinly sliced
1 TL Honig
Preparation:
Halve the lemongrass stalk lengthways and pound until soft. Pour boiling water over the lemongrass and ginger and let it steep for 5 to 10 minutes. Strain the drink and sweeten with honey. Enjoy hot or cold.
Application:
Drink a cup in the morning or afternoon to combat tiredness and strengthen the immune system.
Grapefruit Carrot Ginger Juice Recipe
Ingredients:
2 grapefruits, peel and white skin removed
5 carrots, peeled and roughly chopped
1 inch fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
Preparation:
Juice all ingredients with a juicer. Stir and drink immediately.
Application:
Drink in the morning or afternoon during the cold season to combat tiredness and strengthen the immune system.
Homemade ginger ale for nausea
There's nothing better than ginger ale when you're feeling sick. We'll show you an easy way to make the ginger drink at home. This recipe is also suitable to combat first trimester pregnancy sickness.
Ingredients:
250 ml water
1 large ginger root, cut into thin slices
100-150 g Honig
Carbonated mineral water
fresh lemon and lime (optional)
Preparation:
Place the ginger root and water in a medium saucepan and simmer over low heat until the liquid has reduced by half, about 20 to 30 minutes. Strain the ginger and return the liquid to the pan. Stir in honey until well blended. (You have now made a ginger syrup that you can also use for coughs, colds, sore throats, and nausea.) Allow the ginger syrup to cool completely in the refrigerator.
Application:
If you feel sick, add 1-2 tablespoons of ginger syrup to a glass of cold mineral water. Add some fresh lemon and lime juice to taste and drink cold. The ginger syrup can be stored in the refrigerator for at least a month.
Homemade ginger oil for headaches
Making your own ginger oil is an easy and inexpensive way to reap the numerous health and culinary benefits of this natural ingredient.
Ingredients:
5 cm of ginger root
350 ml olive oil (or coconut oil)
Preparation:
Cut the ginger into very thin slices using a vegetable slicer or a sharp knife. Spread on a wire rack or use a dehydrator to dry. Dry in the dehydrator for 2 hours or in the air dryer for 24 hours. Place the dried ginger slices in a pot and pour the oil over them. Let it steep over very low heat for 2 hours. Strain through cheesecloth into an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator or in a cool, dry place.
Application:
To get rid of the headache, simply massage some of the homemade ginger oil gently onto your temples and let it take effect.
Ginger ointment or massage oil for pain
Ingredients:
125 ml sweet almond oil
1 EL Cayennepfefferpulver
1 THE Ingwerpulver
12 drops of frankincense essential oil
15 g beeswax pastilles or grated beeswax
Preparation:
Allow the almond oil to boil down together with the spices in a water bath over low heat. Simmer gently for 30 to 60 minutes or a little longer. The longer the infusion, the better the oil will be. Strain the infused oil using cheesecloth.
For the massage oil: If you are making a massage oil, allow the oil to cool slightly, stir in the frankincense essential oil and place in a glass bottle (a glass bottle with a pipette works great for massage oils). This recipe makes approximately 50ml of massage oil.
For the salve: Wipe off any remaining spices from the double boiler, then add the infused oil and beeswax. Heat over medium heat until beeswax is melted. Add the essential oil and stir well. Pour immediately into prepared cans or small preserving jars. Don't forget to label and date the ointment. This recipe makes approximately 100-120 ml of ointment.
Application:
For arthritis and other chronic pain, massage the massage oil or ointment into the affected areas daily. Do not touch your eyes or face with your hands after application.
