If you grew up in an Indian home, you must have experienced some of the wisdom behind traditional home remedies that have been passed down through generations. These remedies have very strong roots in India's rich history of Ayurveda and herbal medicine, holding effective solution measures for a host of ailments. As seasonal changes bring in common illnesses such as indigestion, colds, and joint pain, these time-tested remedies can provide relief without the need for synthetic medications. Below are some home remedies that can help you in the fight against seasonal illnesses and help you stay healthy.
Home Remedies for Seasonal Illnesses
Indigestion and Flatulence
Dietary habits and certain underlying health conditions are a common cause for indigestion and flatulence. Cumin, fennel seeds, and carom seeds are spices known to stimulate the secretion of enzymes responsible for digestion and break down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.
Remedy:
- Roast cumin, fennel, and carom seeds in equal quantity.
- Grind them into fine powder
- Take one teaspoon of this formulation after every meal with half a cup of warm water to alleviate indigestion and flatulence.
Stomach Ache
Abdominal pain can be caused due to several conditions, including acidity, constipation, and poor eating habits. Asafoetida is a potent spice that relieves digestion disorders through its digestive and anti-inflammatory activities, and, thus can be helpful in reducing stomach pain.
Remedy:
- Mix one-third teaspoon of cumin powder with a pinch of asafoetida and a pinch of rock salt. Chew it well and drink one glass of warm water afterward.
Nausea
Nausea may be caused by motion sickness, pregnancy, or food poisoning. Cardamom, or elaichi, is very beneficial in treating nausea due to its anti-inflammatory and carminative properties.
Remedy
- Chew on 1-2 cardamom pods directly.
- Alternatively, mix half a teaspoon of honey with two pinches of cardamom powder and half a cup of plain yoghurt.
Common Cold
The respiratory system gets disturbed due to the cold weather and pollution. Ginger or adrak and black pepper are known for their properties to soothe the respiratory muscles and expel out mucus.
Remedy:
- Boil fresh ginger slices in water to prepare ginger tea.
- Add jaggery and black pepper in the tea for better relief from common cold.
Persistent Cough
Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties which come in handy for chronic cough. Honey is added to the remedy due to its antimicrobial properties that are soothing on the throat.
Remedy:
- Mix 5 ml of fresh ginger juice with jaggery and have it twice or thrice a day.
- Prepare herbal tea by mixing ginger, cinnamon, and lemongrass in equal quantities. To a teaspoon of this powder, add hot water, cover and steep for 10 minutes, then strain and add honey to taste. Drink.
Sinusitis
Sinusitis is the inflammation of the sinuses. Headaches and pain around the eyes and nose are its modalities. Analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of ginger relieve from sinusitis symptoms.
Remedy:
- Mix fresh ginger juice with jaggery and filter it in a cloth.
- Apply it to the nostrils to get relief from the headache caused by sinusitis.
Joint Pain
Joint pain, mostly caused due to old age or insufficient diet, can be overcome by milk and jaggery. Both of these things contain essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium.
Remedy
- Drink a cup of lukewarm milk with one spoon of jaggery every day to make the bones strong and get relief from joint pain.
Excess Body Heat
This can create a series of problems such as sleeplessness and indigestion. Amla or Indian gooseberry cools the body heat and provides balance.
Remedy:
- Take 25 g of amla powder and boil it in 200 ml of water till it reduces to 50 ml.
- Add 5 g of jaggery powder to the cooled mixture and drink 20 ml before the meal once or twice a day.