Coughing is one of the most common symptoms that brings people to the doctor. It can be caused by a variety of conditions, from the common cold to more serious diseases. Many people look for natural remedies to help relieve coughing. One popular option is ginger.
What causes coughing?
Coughing occurs when nerves in your throat, airways or lungs are stimulated. Coughing helps clear your airways of irritants and secretions. Some common causes of coughs include:
- Viral infections like colds and flu
- Bacterial infections like pneumonia
- Allergies
- Asthma
- Smoking
- Environmental irritants like pollution or smoke
- Chronic conditions like chronic bronchitis
- Medications
Coughing helps your body clear out the substances causing irritation. It is a protective reflex that keeps your airways clear. However, excessive coughing can be uncomfortable and disrupt your daily life.
What is ginger?
Ginger is a flowering plant originally from Asia. The root or underground stem (rhizome) is the part commonly used as a spice and medicine. Ginger has been used in cooking and healing for centuries. Today, you can find ginger products like:
- Fresh ginger root
- Dried, ground ginger
- Ginger tea
- Ginger ale and beer
- Ginger supplements like capsules and extracts
- Ginger essential oil
Does ginger help relieve coughing?
Research suggests ginger may help relieve coughing in a few ways:
1. Suppresses cough reflex
Some studies have found compounds in ginger can suppress coughing reflexes. A 2019 review of 7 studies found ginger significantly reduced coughing induced by irritants or respiratory illness.
2. Anti-inflammatory effects
Compounds in ginger exhibit anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation of the airways can stimulate coughing. Ginger may help reduce airway inflammation to decrease coughing.
3. Antimicrobial effects
Ginger contains antimicrobial compounds like gingerol and shogaol. These can inhibit growth and activity of microbes like bacteria and viruses. By fighting infections, ginger may help resolve coughs caused by colds, flu or bacterial infections.
4. Immune boosting effects
Some research indicates ginger can enhance immune system activity. A stronger immune response helps your body fight and clear infections faster, reducing coughing duration.
5. Antioxidant effects
Ginger contains potent antioxidants. These compounds can help reduce oxidative damage and inflammation in the airways caused by pollution, smoke or infections. Less airway irritation means less coughing.
Scientific evidence on ginger for coughs
Multiple scientific studies have examined whether ginger is effective for treating coughs:
| Study | Methods | Key Findings |
|---|---|---|
| Randomized, double-blind trial in 100 adults with upper respiratory tract infections | Participants took ginger capsules or placebo 3x per day for 3 days | The ginger group had significantly greater relief in cough severity vs. placebo group |
| Clinical trial in 30 children (ages 1-5 years) with acute cough | Children received honey, honey + ginger syrup, or no treatment before bedtime | Both honey and honey + ginger significantly reduced nighttime coughing and improved sleep compared to no treatment |
| Study in mice with coughs induced by citric acid | Mice were pretreated with ginger extract, morphine sulfate or saline | Ginger extract inhibited the cough reflex comparably to morphine sulfate |
While results are promising, larger and longer human trials are still needed. But many doctors recommend ginger as a natural supplementary treatment for coughs.
How to use ginger for coughs
There are several ways to use ginger to help suppress coughing:
Ginger tea
Drinking ginger tea is an easy way to get its benefits. Steep fresh grated ginger or ground ginger in hot water for 5-10 minutes for a robust, spicy tea. Add honey and lemon for extra cough relief and flavor.
Ginger supplements
Ginger capsules and extracts provide concentrated doses of its active compounds. Follow package directions. Look for options standardized to contain high levels of gingerol.
Ginger ale/beer
Sip on real ginger beer or ale made with fresh ginger. Commercial ginger ales often contain little actual ginger. But specialty ginger beers have a strong ginger bite that can clear your airways.
Ginger honey mixes
Combining ginger and honey is a doubly effective cough remedy. Mix fresh grated ginger into hot honey water or tea. You can also find ginger honey cough drops.
Ginger essential oil
Inhaling ginger essential oil provides immediate cough relief. Add a few drops to an oil diffuser, inhale directly from the bottle, or rub a diluted oil blend on your chest.
Add ginger to foods and drinks
Adding grated or ground ginger to recipes like soups, stir fries and smoothies gives you an extra dose of its therapeutic compounds. Let ginger spice up your diet along with relieving coughs.
Is ginger safe?
For most people, ginger is very safe and causes minimal side effects. Minor side effects can include:
- Heartburn
- Mouth or throat irritation
- Upset stomach
- Diarrhea
Higher doses may be unsafe for people with bleeding disorders or taking blood thinners. Talk to your doctor before using ginger supplements. Otherwise, enjoy ginger tea, foods, oil and other products in moderation.
The bottom line
Research indicates ginger can effectively suppress coughing through its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and immune enhancing effects. Drinking ginger tea, taking supplements, or inhaling essential oil provides relief from coughs caused by colds, flu and other conditions. Adding fresh or ground ginger to your diet can also be beneficial. Ginger is safe for most people and can be an excellent natural remedy for coughs when used properly.