When I was growing up, my grandma didn’t believe in running to the pharmacy for every little thing. Instead, she’d head straight to the kitchen. A sore throat? Warm honey and lemon. An upset stomach? A spoonful of ginger tea or plain rice with a pinch of salt. She had a remedy for everything, and they usually worked.
These old-school healing foods are assed down through generations, they’re natural, simple, and surprisingly effective. Here I have collected some of the classics that might help you, too.
Note: The content of this article is not medical advice.
Ginger
If we had a penny for every time our parents made us try ginger tea because we had an upset stomach, we’d probably be millionaires. And yet, it’s one of those things that always works, no matter how crazy it sounds.
Ginger is the best home remedy for nausea and indigestion because it has antiemetic properties. This basically means ginger can tackle nausea, indigestion, vomiting, and similar problems without a hassle.
Lemongrass
As kids, it seemed lemongrass had a placebo effect because it distinctly tasted like some medicinal herb. And yet, when we grow up, we realize there was something special that made it work.
That special thing is quercetin, a substance with anti-inflammatory properties. Lemongrass is used to improve circulation and is also an effective prevention against heart disease.
Tea
There are several varieties of tea that have medicinal properties and each works like a wonder against specific problems. For example, green tea seems to soothe indigestion, while black tea is a good remedy for headaches.
Similarly, chamomile is an excellent remedy for anxiety and exhaustion, so it helps people calm down and is used as a sleep aid. Hibiscus tea manages blood pressure and may even lower cholesterol.
But tea works against general issues as well. We can drink tea when we’re exhausted, overworked, sleepy, or have the cold and flu.
Turmeric
Turmeric is an excellent healer in general, so it can be used for injuries and upset stomachs.
Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties that help it prevent cell damage and protect the body against further harm. It also accelerates healing from injuries, bruises, and cuts.
Orange
It always felt stupid to eat an orange when we had a cold. But magically, all symptoms would disappear within a day or two.
This is because oranges are rich in vitamin C, which boosts immunity. Although oranges don’t exactly heal the cold, they do boost immunity and accelerate recovery. Similar effects can be achieved from other citrus or vitamin C-rich fruits.
Honey
Honey has been used as a remedy for ages, and there’s a simple reason why: it can battle just about every ailment. Of course, we’re not saying honey is a magical potion that fixes everything up, but it’s close.
Honey can treat a sore throat, cold, cough, and even acid reflux. If we play our cards right, using honey regularly can boost digestive health and get our stomach on the right track.
Homemade broth
Basic chicken or meat broth is an excellent remedy for several health problems, including stomach issues, poor gut health, and diarrhea.
But did you know homemade broths are an excellent pick-me-up? It’s a great way to regain strength after being in bed due to the flu, fever, exhaustion, and everything else.
Drinking broth can also boost immunity and strength after giving birth or an extensive surgery.
Bananas
Oh, the good ol’ Charlie horse, ruining everything in just a matter of seconds.
It’s weird that every time we get a cramp, our parents recommend that we eat a banana because it helps. And as impossible as it seemed, that stretchy feeling dissipates after a banana or two.
This is all thanks to the electrolyte content in bananas. Bananas have a lot of magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus, all elements that maintain electrolyte balance and keep the body strong.
Black pepper
This might be the most ironic remedy, but using black pepper soothes a sore throat.
Yes, this seems far-fetched, but black pepper is an expectorant, which means it pushes excessive mucus out of the body, relieves nasal infections, clears sinuses, and even treats cough.
Of course, trying this remedy always gives a scorching feeling at the back of the throat, but that means it’s working.
Mustard oil
Mustard oil increases the body’s blood flow and provides warmth, a combo that works against most aches and sores.
Rubbing mustard oil on a light bruise or massaging a pulled muscle with it gets the blood flowing, boosting circulation and accelerating recovery.
Mustard oil is also a great remedy for ear pain.
Seaweed
Seaweed has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, so it's an effective remedy against most common ailments.
However, seaweed soup is rich in iron, calcium, and iodine, which strengthen the body and help it recover from trauma. This is why many Korean hospitals serve seaweed soup to mothers just after they’ve given birth.
Mint
Mint can improve respiratory issues and help with allergic symptoms. Some sources suggest mint can manage IBS or relieve stomach problems, but this varies from person to person.
However, using mint regularly can keep the stomach in check and may even boost digestion. Mint is also an excellent support herb for pregnancies.
Mint has anti-inflammatory properties, so it’s also a great way to manage itchiness and skin breakouts.
Sardines
Sardines may not be the most appealing food on this list but they have some serious healing properties. The little silver fish are full of calcium and also vitamin D. They contain more omega-3 fatty acids than any other fish, a compound necessary for strengthening your bones. Between the calcium, the Omega-3's, and the vitamin D, sardines are a fantastic choice for healing bones.
Kimchi
Kimchi is a fermented mix of cabbage and veggies that is full of natural, beneficial bacteria. Eating all that healthy bacteria is good for your gut and will help you deal with tummy problems. A little bit of kimchi every day will keep your stomach functioning and feeling good.
Lemons
Lemons are packed with vitamin C, which not only boosts your immune system but also supports heart health. Lemons have even been found to help lower your cholesterol and prevent kidney stones. They can protect against anemia and even reduce your risk of cancer. Is there anything that lemons can't do?!
Garlic
Everyone has garlic in their pantry, ready to be used as a natural medicine. Garlic has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. It can help cure everything from the common sore throat to help fight cancer cells.
Garlic is seriously powerful and very underused in the modern world. You should definitely add raw garlic to your medicine cabinet immediately.
Coffee
You may know that coffee contains caffeine, which helps you wake up and gives you the energy you need to get through the day. But coffee has lots of other benefits, too.
Coffee can help cure headaches, support brain health, lower the risk of diabetes, and even help you manage your weight. Maybe this is why Grandma always had an afternoon cup of coffee in her hand!
Horseradish
Horseradish is a very pungent root vegetable that will clear your sinuses with just one whiff. This strong ingredient has been used to clear congestion for decades, but it also may have antibacterial and anticancer components as well. Sounds like we should all be grating horseradish and eating it by the spoonful!
Sunflower Seeds
Sunflower seeds are a great source of vitamin E, which fights infection. They also contain selenium, a vitamin that boosts your immune system. Grab a handful of sunflower seeds and start eating now!
This article was first published at Spatula Desserts.
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