How Ginger and Turmeric Combat

Cold Weather

From Within

Quick Summary

Winter is on the way, and here is the powerful OG duo of ginger and turmeric, the very pair that mothers, Ayurvedic sages, and your neighbourhood chaiwala have been raving about for generations. Get ready to transform winter into your favourite season by heating things up with these two ingredients to combat the cold.

Deep Dive

You can view ginger and turmeric as a winter superhero team, like Tony Stark and Captain America, when it comes to combating weakness and other winter-related health issues. A piping hot cup of ginger–turmeric tea is there to save you, whether you are in the middle of binge-watching Stranger Things or caught in a Zoom conference that is colder than the Upside Down. It is not simply a beverage; it is your warm blanket in a mug, filled with magic that strengthens your immune system and reduces inflammation to perfection. 

Let’s learn the truth about how these golden roots have your back this winter, backed by science — we swear.

Turmeric: The Golden Healer 

Indian families have long praised turmeric, or haldi, for its dual role as a culinary staple and a miraculous medicinal herb. Curcumin, a chemical with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capabilities, is responsible for its rich golden tint.

An example of a winter ritual that prominently features turmeric is haldi doodh, a calming nighttime drink that also boosts immunity. While Ayurveda considers turmeric to be a blood cleanser and joint healer, modern science supports its benefits in reducing oxidative stress and boosting immune response.

Ginger: The Fiery Root

Adrak, or ginger, is the fiery relative of turmeric and is highly regarded for its flavour and its capacity to provide internal warmth. From alleviating nausea and boosting circulation to assisting digestion, its usage in Ayurveda is endless, making ginger a universal medicine.

Ginger, with its spicy bite that enhances taste and promotes agni, the digestive fire, is a wintertime staple in savoury dishes like masala chai, herbal kadhas, winter laddoos, spicy candies, and curries. When preparing a meal in winter, it is common to add ginger first to the masala to flavour the fat. Then, at the very end, freshly julienned slices of ginger (with its volatile oils still intact) are added to maximise its warming effects.

One natural cure for seasonal sniffles is gingerol, the main compound in ginger. Studies have shown that gingerol fights inflammation and soothes sore throats.

Wellness Hacks You’ll Love

In Ayurveda, ginger and turmeric are both considered "ushna" (warming), making them ideal for combating the dry, chilly winter weather. Here are ways to enhance the use of these two ingredients even more:

• If you're having trouble sleeping, try making a ginger-turmeric drink and adding some relaxing spices, like nutmeg or ashwagandha, to your nightly ritual.  

• Drinking warm water mixed with turmeric or ginger first thing in the morning will help protect the respiratory system and strengthen the immune system in polluted winter cities like Delhi.

• Spicy ginger chutneys, dals and soups can warm your tongue and strengthen your body's natural defences.

The Go-to Ritual for Chilly Days

Ginger and turmeric are not only to be kept in your cupboard and tossed into daily sabjis; rather, they are winter needs that combine the joy of cooking with the knowledge of their therapeutic properties. So, remember to drink ginger tea and add turmeric to your nightly stew not only to ward off the chill but also to embrace centuries-old traditions that provide nourishment, protection, and warmth from the inside out.