There is no respite from the monsoon rains this year as north India has registered one of its wettest monsoons in a decade. While the pleasant weather is a relief, the fluctuating temperature has triggered a wave of flu, coughs, and colds. Doctors say children and elderly are the most affected, as high humidity lowers immunity and gives viruses a chance to spread faster. As spiritual leader Sadhguru celebrates his birthday today (September 3), his health tips on boosting immunity with ginger feel more relevant than ever.
Why Sadhguru swears by ginger
Sadhguru often talks about finding simple solutions for everyday health issues, and this time in his website blog he has spoken about health benefits of a common spice found in our kitchens – ginger.
Ginger is packed with powerful antioxidants and works as a natural anti-inflammatory, safeguarding the body from common infections. In Ayurveda, it’s been used for centuries to improve digestion, and boost energy levels.
Experts agree too. According to Pratiksha Kadam, Chief Dietitian at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, ginger contains compounds like gingerol and shogaol that fight stress and inflammation, both of which are key for strong immunity. No wonder people use ginger for easing nausea, motion sickness, joint pain, and seasonal coughs and colds.
Sadhguru’s ginger-honey syrup remedy
One of the simplest immunity boosters Sadhguru recommends is a ginger-honey syrup. To make it, crush a small piece of ginger to extract the juice, let it sit for 15 minutes, and then strain it. You can store the juice in the fridge for up to a week. Each morning, mix one teaspoon of ginger juice with a teaspoon of honey and take it on an empty stomach. According to Sadhguru, this easy mix naturally strengthens the body. Honey lends antiviral benefits, while ginger helps keep inflammation under control.
Easy ways to use ginger daily
If syrup isn’t your thing, there are plenty of easy ways to include ginger in your daily routine. You can sip on ginger tea to soothe a sore throat, add grated ginger to soups or dals for extra flavor and health benefits, or blend it into fresh juices for an immunity boost. While ginger won’t magically cure illnesses, it can certainly help support your body and keep you healthier during the monsoon season.
Other natural immunity boosters
If ginger is not your thing then Kadam shares some other immunity-boosting foods to your diet, such as turmeric with black pepper, for fighting inflammation. Garlic, a natural antimicrobial best eaten raw or lightly cooked; citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and amla, which are packed with vitamin C. Green tea, full of antioxidants that combat harmful free radicals; and probiotics like yogurt and other fermented foods to support gut health. And of course, the basics shouldn’t be forgotten, adequate sleep and hydration are essential, as no superfood can replace proper rest and enough water.
How to boost immunity?
While ginger is great, experts say strong immunity is really the result of long-term habits. Eating fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean protein matters just as much. Cutting down on processed food and sugar helps too.
As Kadam explains, “Adding ginger is wonderful, but real immunity comes from a healthy lifestyle. It’s something you build with time, not just one ingredient.”