Ginger and Lemon for Colds?

The answer is YES.

Ginger is anti-inflammatory and lemon has vitamin C.

Let’s talk about Vitamin C first:

Optimal vitamin C status has to be present before first symptoms appear in order to shorten the duration of colds (Hemilä & Chalker, 2013). This means that you need to meet the RDA for Vitamin C every day, even if you do not expect an onset of a cold. RDA for Vitamin C is just 75mg for women and 90mg for men (National Institutes of Health, 2021). Eating 5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day will provide enough Vitamin C for the general population to boost immunity year-round, plus those foods contain other important nutrients such as fiber, vitamin A, vitamin E and zinc that are needed for a strong immune system (U.S Department of Agriculture, 2021). It works by Vitamin C enhancing the production of interferons (the body’s antiviral defense mechanisms). Interferons inhibit viral replication AND stimulate other cells to heighten their resistance to infection.

Now let’s talk about Ginger:

The active compound in ginger, gingerol, helps the body to produce pro-inflammatory cytokines which will reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms such as sore throat and nasal congestion associated with colds.

Vitamin C and Ginger are both antioxidants which neutralize the free radicals produced by viral infections. By neutralizing free radicals, you lower oxidative stress! This helps your immune system do what it needs to do 😃

Looking for a supplement anyway? Click here.

However we have something better:

Blend the following ingredients in ½ cup of water until an applesauce consistency and pour a heaping spoonful into hot water with honey.

1/4 cup fresh ginger

1/2 Large Lemon

Cheers