Natural remedies have been around for ages, and they’re still around for a reason: They simply work. Before the advent of modern medicine, people relied heavily on natural products to treat every malady or disease that afflicted them, and these remedies never failed them. Today, people may have found other uses for these natural medicines, but they remain just as effective as they ever were centuries ago.

Take turmeric and ginger, for instance. Both brilliant spices in their own right and commonly used in modern cuisine, these edible herbs were once used in two of the oldest systems of medicines known to man, Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

Turmeric and ginger: A brief history of use

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a flowering plant whose rhizomes — stems that run underground horizontally — are used to make dyes, food and medicine. Called the golden spice by many because of its rhizome’s rich golden color, turmeric was originally used to preserve the nutritive value of foods. Eventually, humans learned how to use turmeric for other things, and one of its most well-known applications today is as an ingredient of curry.

But ancient Ayurvedic healers valued turmeric for its ability to treat colds, heal wounds and relieve sprains and swollen joints. They also used it to treat many skin conditions that involved parasitic infections or inflammation. TCM practitioners, meanwhile, used turmeric for painful conditions, particularly those that affect the abdominal area. Turmeric is also known in TCM to relieve flatulence and aid digestion.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a flowering plant that shares many similarities with turmeric. Its rhizome is not only easy to mistake for turmeric if you can’t see the flesh, but its also the most useful part of ginger. Brought by traders from Asia to Europe, ginger was used in medieval times to make delicacy sweets. In fact, this herb was considered so valuable that in the 14th century, it was said to cost just as much as a piece of livestock!

In Ayurveda, ginger is one of the most widely used medicinal herbs. Considered a “universal herb,” ginger is believed to enhance digestion and improve assimilation of nutrients. It also relieves joint discomfort, supports digestive health and promotes rejuvenation and natural healing. In TCM, ginger is known to treat common colds, nasal congestion, cough, loss of appetite and food poisoning from seafood. It is also used to decrease swelling, inflammation and pain.

How to make turmeric and ginger remedies

According to science, turmeric and ginger are rich in compounds that give them their beneficial properties. These active compounds make them good antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and antimicrobial agents. But both herbs are best known for their ability to reduce inflammation, relieve painful symptoms and treat colds.

Here are two easy-to-follow recipes for an effective cold remedy that you can also use to soothe painful, inflammatory conditions.

Tumeric-ginger herbal tea

Turmeric and ginger supplements are all the rage these days. They provide people a convenient way to introduce these useful herbs into their daily diet without the added fuss of cooking. But if you’re not a big fan of supplements and more of a traditionalist, then you’ll be glad to know you can enjoy the many benefits of turmeric and ginger by simply making a warm (or hot, depending on your preference) and soothing cup of tea with them. Here’s what you’ll need: (h/t to AllRecipes.com)

Ingredients:

• 2 cups water
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon chopped ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 lemon wedge

Instructions:

1. Boil the water in a small saucepan.
2. Add the turmeric, ginger and cinnamon and reduce heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Strain the tea into a cup or glass and the honey and lemon wedge. Enjoy.

Turmeric-ginger tonic with lemon and cayenne

Like turmeric and ginger, lemon is another superfood that’s often used to make home remedies. This citrus fruit is good for colds and sore throats and contains plenty of vitamin C to help boost immune function. Cayenne pepper, meanwhile, is more than just a condiment that gives dishes a spicy kick. This medium-hot chili is also a natural painkiller and can boost your metabolism as well as improve your blood circulation.

Here’s how to make an all-around tonic with these amazing ingredients: (h/t to MinimalistBaker.com)

Ingredients:

• 3 cups water
• 1 tablespoon fresh grated turmeric
• 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
• 1 whole lemon, juiced (keep the lemon rind)
• 1-2 teaspoon maple syrup or raw honey
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper (or black pepper)

Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan, add water, turmeric, ginger, lemon juice, leftover lemon rind, cayenne and raw honey or maple syrup. You can use a natural sweetener to adjust the sweetness to your liking.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer (do not boil) over medium heat.
3. Strain the tonic into serving glasses and enjoy while warm. If the tonic is too strong, you can dilute it by adding hot or warm water.
4. Store any leftover tonic in the refrigerator (up to three days only) and reheat on the stove until warm before serving.

Fight colds and relieve painful conditions naturally by making these turmeric-ginger remedies in the comfort of your home.

Sources:

Healthline.com

TheSpruce.com

AyurvedaCollege.com

NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov

MotherEarthLiving.com

MAPI.com

MeAndQi.com

AllRecipes.com

MinimalistBaker.com