It's cough season, right? Your throat starts to itch, your voice gets hoarse, and it's downright uncomfortable! Usually, we rush to find cough medicine, which, frankly, isn't very palatable. But don't worry, you don't have to rely on medication. There's a natural alternative that tastes better and is just as effective: ginger tea.
Source: 1. By Schahryar. - CC BY-SA 3.0, 2. By Korea.net / Korean Culture and Information Service - CC BY-SA 2.0
Ginger is known to have many health benefits. According to Prof. Dr. Sumali Wiryowidagdo, a herbal expert from the Center for Natural Medicine Studies, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Indonesia, ginger can help relieve nausea, warm the body and throat, improve blood circulation, and reduce the pain of coughing. So, besides being delicious, ginger drinks can also be a natural, soothing solution when a cough strikes. Here are three recommended ginger drinks you can try at home!
Wedang Jahe Madu
This is a classic and always a go-to! Simply boil fresh ginger slices in water, then add a tablespoon of honey after removing from heat. It's warm, naturally sweet, and incredibly effective at soothing coughs and relaxing the body.
Lemon Ginger Tea
If you like a refreshing yet warming sensation, a combination of ginger and lemon is perfect. Boil the ginger, then mix it with tea (either green or black) and lemon juice. Bonus: the vitamin C from the lemon also helps boost your immune system.
Spiced Ginger Milk
This is Indonesia's version of a "ginger latte." Boil ginger with cloves, cinnamon, and a little cardamom, then add milk (you can use almond or oat milk if you want a healthier option). It's creamy, spicy, and soothing. It's perfect for drinking at night before bed.
Sources: 1. By 국립국어원, CC BY-SA 2.0 kr, 2. By 맛짱 - CC BY 2.0 kr
No need to worry about cold weather or a nagging cough. Try making this warm drink at home. It tastes delicious and has real benefits. Who knows, it might even become your new favorite drink. Choose your favorite and experience the benefits for yourself!
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Reference:
- Pendapat Prof. Dr. Sumali Wiryowidagdo
- Alodokter. (n.d.). Cara Memanfaatkan Jahe untuk Batuk.
- Hello Sehat. (n.d.). Jahe untuk Batuk: Ini 4 Manfaat dan Cara Olahnya.
- Antara News. (2022). Keunggulan Bahan Herbal sebagai Obat Batuk.
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