The concentrated juice can help shield you from germs.
The gist:
One way to prevent a post-flight cold is by taking a ginger shot before you fly, says Katzie Guy-Hamilton, certified health coach.
Expert insight:
Plane travel often comes with stress, lack of sleep, and tons of germs. “This is a recipe for heightened cortisol, lowered immunity, exposure to viruses and bacteria—in short, it’s a recipe for getting sick,” Guy-Hamilton says.
Ginger has antimicrobial properties, so putting it in your system pre-flight may help shield you from the abundant bacteria onboard. The ingredient also helps optimize your digestion and reduces the bloat that goes hand-in-hand with flying, she adds.
The bottom line:
Stashing a few slices of fresh ginger in your carry-on and drinking it in hot water (from a terminal cafe) will offer some protection. For a stronger immune boost, Guy-Hamilton suggests taking a shot of concentrated ginger juice, which is often sold at juice shops, health food stores, or post-security food stores.