Cold & cough10 min
Ginger and Jaggery Chew
A little fresh ginger cooked with jaggery until sticky, then chewed slowly when the throat feels rough.
A small ginger jaggery chew
A peanut-sized bit of ginger cooked down with jaggery is an old kitchen chew for a scratchy throat. The ginger brings warmth and the jaggery keeps the piece soft enough to chew. It is something to nibble, not a syrup to drink and not a treatment that clears a cold.
Keep the piece small and chew it slowly. Toddlers can choke on a sticky lump, so this is only for adults and older children who chew well. If the cough lasts beyond a few days, or the throat keeps getting worse, see a doctor.
Ingredients
- A small piece of fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon jaggery, chopped
- 2 tablespoons water
How to prepare
- Chop the ginger fine and add it to a small pan with the jaggery and water.
- Cook on low heat until the water dries and the mix turns sticky, then cool until you can handle it.
How to use
- Chew one small piece slowly. Do not swallow it in one lump.
- Once or twice a day is enough while the throat feels scratchy.
- If the cough goes beyond a few days, stop relying on this and see a doctor.
Helpful habits
- Taste a tiny bit first. Fresh ginger can feel hot.
- Finish leftover pieces the same day. Keep them covered.
Precautions
- Not a cure for cold, cough, or sore throat.
- Skip it if ginger or jaggery upsets the stomach, or if you have been told to limit sugar.
- A cough beyond a few days, fever, or trouble breathing needs a doctor. Not for toddlers, who may choke.
Frequently asked questions
Can children chew this?
- Only older children who chew safely may try a very small piece. It is not for toddlers.
How much ginger is in one chew?
- About the size of a peanut, not a large chunk.
Will it cure a cold?
- No. It is only a warm chew for a scratchy throat. A lasting cough needs a doctor.
