Studies conducted by the University of Maryland Medical Center state that an individual should ingest 2 tbsp. of shredded or chopped ginger root in hot water, 2/3 times each day to treat cold and flu symptoms. Drinking ginger tea is also great for reducing the pain from a sore throat, due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Ginger will also boost your immune system, which is something we could all use when we are sick.