How Ginger Boosts the Immune System

It is the classic “mom” remedy when you feel a cold coming on—add ginger. From drinking it as a tea, taking it as a shot or eating it with honey, ginger is a favourite home remedy to boost the immune system. It fact, it’s so powerful that it’s caught the attention of medical researchers. In this study, ginger proved to be effective against drug resistant microbial diseases. Let’s break down why it deserves all the attention it gets.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, ginger is used for it’s “warming” effect and ability to cause a sweat. The idea is that when the body begins to sweat, it pushes toxins out, and gets the body “moving”. Ideally, when the body starts to move, the stored toxins and bacteria get eliminated by our body’s own immune system. It is so effective in doing so, ginger is a part of almost half of all Chinese medicine formulas.

The most medically relevant compound in ginger root is gingerol. It’s what is responsible for the hot taste of fresh ginger. Gingerol fights inflammation in the body by boosting the amount of calcium in our cells. This eases cold symptoms like a sore throat, inflammation in the lungs and general aches and pains from colds. It also settles nausea that can sometimes come with the flu.

Mom is right. Ginger is truly an ingredient that has won the test of time. Add some a ginger to your next brew with our Turmeric Kick Flavouring Infusion.