How Does Turmeric Help with Colds?

This bright yellow-orange spice, related to ginger, is frequently used in Middle Eastern, Indian, and Southeast Asian cuisine. For millennia, it has also been utilized as medication in locations like India to address conditions like respiratory difficulties.

Turmeric has recently been hailed as a superfood with anti-cancer and anti-depressant properties. Learn about the benefits and drawbacks of turmeric for your health.

In this post, we’ll look at how turmeric can aid with colds because of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant characteristics. We’ll talk about how to include turmeric into your daily routine, such as brewing calming tea or adding it to recipes, as well as the various forms of turmeric tea.

Is Turmeric Good For Colds?

The short answer is – research is promising, but more conclusive results are required. Turmeric has a long history in traditional medicine, notably in Ayurvedic systems, where it is associated with a variety of health benefits.

The main active ingredient in turmeric, curcumin, is thought to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. These qualities may provide relief from cold symptoms.

Here’s a close look:

• Anti-inflammatory properties: Turmeric includes curcumin, which is a potent anti-inflammatory chemical. Inflammation contributes to certain typical cold symptoms, such as a sore throat and congestion. Turmeric may alleviate these symptoms by lowering inflammation. Furthermore, reducing inflammation can help the body’s general healing process and boost its immunological response to fight infections.
• Antioxidant properties: Turmeric contains antioxidants that can help protect your cells from free radical damage. Free radicals can cause inflammation and sickness.

Benefits of Turmeric When Sick

Pain Relief

Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory qualities may provide some relief from common cold symptoms such as sore throats and muscular aches.

Immune Boosting

Inflammation may decrease the immune system’s capacity to combat infection. Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory effects may potentially contribute to general immune function, but more study is needed to substantiate this link, particularly for the common cold.

Overall Well-being

When dealing with a cold, a cup of turmeric tea may be soothing and warm. Furthermore, the ritual of preparing and drinking a warm turmeric drink might promote self-care and well-being during illness.

How To Take Turmeric For Colds

For thousands of years, people have made tea from the plant’s underground root system, or rhizome stems, using the herbal spice known as turmeric.

In addition to being used in cooking, this kind of turmeric has medicinal and spiritual uses.

It’s also widely utilized in Ayurveda, the traditional Indian medical system. As a result, you may hear turmeric tea referred to by one of its regional Indian names, such manjal or haldi. 

Turmeric tea is easy to make at home, and packaged turmeric tea bags are usually easy to find at grocery stores and specialty tea shops. It often makes appearances on coffee shop and cafe menus too.

Brew A Soothing Tea

This golden tea, made with whole-leaf green tea, turmeric, lemon, and cardamom, will make you feel completely rejuvenated. Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory properties and high antioxidant content make it particularly advantageous throughout the changing seasons.

These properties help shield your body from harmful environmental elements like bacteria, viruses, and germs. While research is ongoing, some studies show that turmeric may help alleviate symptoms associated with the common cold, such as a sore throat or cough

Drink turmeric milk

This is a common natural remedy for treating colds and coughs in addition to sore throats. Turmeric and milk are both abundant in health benefits. Turmeric milk soothes sore throats and treats infections in the throat because of its anti-inflammatory qualities. you get the advantages, make sure you drink turmeric milk twice a day, in the morning and the evening.

Mix a pinch of turmeric in soup

A variety of antibacterial and anti-inflammatory substances, including fresh ginger, pepper, basil leaves, honey, and garlic, are included while cooking soup. Thus, to increase the soup’s effectiveness, add a small teaspoon of turmeric. After 20 minutes, steep all of these components in water and strain. Sip it hot to soothe sore throats and stave against further infections. 

Turmeric can be used for effectively curing sore throat.  If none of the above-mentioned remedies are not providing you effective relief then get in touch with your specialist.

Types Of Turmeric Tea

Some describe the distinct flavor of turmeric tea as earthy or harsh. Although it tastes great on its own, other spices and flavors are also frequently combined with it.

Turmeric tea pairs well with these spices:

• ginger
• nutmeg
• cinnamon
• basi
• anise
• Cardamom

You might also want to try mixing it with another beverage, such as:

• orange juice
• dairy or plant-based milk
• pineapple juice
• green tea

And you might enjoy adding flavorings like these:

• coconut
• lemon
• maple syrup
• lime
• honey
• vanilla
• black pepper

It may seem strange to match black pepper with tea, but turmeric tea makes it work better than you could have imagined.

In addition to enhancing turmeric’s fiery flavor, black pepper has a vitamin called piperine that makes it easier for your body to absorb turmeric’s curcumin. Recall that your body absorbs curcumin less effectively, so this may be helpful. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Does turmeric shorten colds?

While some research shows that turmeric may help manage cold symptoms, there is no conclusive proof that it reduces the duration of the common cold.

Is turmeric effective for flu and cough?

Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory qualities may provide some relief from flu and cold-related symptoms such as sore throats and coughs. However, further study is needed.

Is turmeric and lemon good for cold or flu?

Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory effects, along with lemon’s possible antibacterial advantages, may provide immune system support during the flu. However, it is not an alternative to competent medical advice.

Drink Turmeric Tea

Turmeric tea could be the perfect beverage for you if you’re searching for something new and healthful to sip throughout the day.

Turmeric tea drinking is a popular practice for many people. In addition, the tea has minimal caloric content, has no caffeine, and exhibits promising health effects in experimental settings—though further studies are required.

Not only is it really simple to prepare at home, but you can let your creativity run wild when it comes to the variety of ingredients you may use.

Try some turmeric tea and let me know what you think.

If you enjoyed this article, you may also want to read this article on Turmeric and Oxalates: What You Need to Know.

*This information is not intended to serve as a substitute for professional medical or dietary advice tailored to individual needs.