Not many would know that ginger, which has been a part of Indian kitchen for ages, can also be a remedy for getting rid of cough, cold and headache.

The rhizome used extensively as a spice in cuisines is beneficial in curing cold and cough when taken with jaggery.

According to the Central Council for Research in Ayurveda and Siddha, two to five grams of dry ginger divided in three parts taken with jaggery thrice a day is useful in cold and cough.

Alternatively, two teaspoons (10 ml) decoction prepared from ginger taken every morning prevents recurrent attack of cold. Five grams of crushed rhizome with salt or jaggery twice a day before meal is beneficial for persons having complaint of indigestion.

Ginger is also an antidote for aches and pains. Decoction (10-20ml) prepared from two grams of dry rhizome is useful. For headache, ginger paste, which is slightly warmed, can be applied on the forehead three to four times in a day.

A teaspoon or five ml of ginger juice in a glass of butter milk with lemon and salt is recommended in abdominal pain.

Ginger is often pickled in vinegar or sherry as a snack. Ginger stewed in boiling water makes perfect herbal tea, to which honey is often added as a sweetener. Remember the roots for gingerly care when you or your loved ones have cold or cough.