Does ginger actually help with a cold?

Ginger actually does help, but more with the symptoms than against the cold itself. The active compounds have anti-inflammatory effects and can ease sore throat or give your immune system a bit of a boost - but it's not a miracle cure and it doesn't replace actually letting the cold run its course. Drinking it warm and getting plenty of fluids are probably more important than the ginger itself, which basically just makes drinking more pleasant.