We all can relate to those slow days of sniffles, nausea, or an upset stomach that ruin our regular routine. As far as minor illnesses are concerned, home remedies have indeed been the go-to solutions for generations that it would be impossible not to recognise a reason for this. These natural approaches provide comfort, ease, and provide necessary nutrients without the side effects of over-the-counter medication. Here is a guide that outline reliable home remedies that can be applied to common health issues, such as coughs, colds, fevers, vomiting, and constipation. From soothing soups to curative properties of turmeric and ginger, these remedies rely on gentle yet nutrient-rich solutions that help heal the natural way.
Cough and Cold
Coughs and colds often require warm, hydrating foods which, at the same time, provide nourishment and comfort.
Soups: A bowl of chicken, vegetable, or lentil soup can warm and hydrate, thereby helping to alleviate congestion while being a rich source of nutrition. The warmth of the soup drives down congestion, while a good dose of nutrients enhances immunity.
Besan Halwa: Warm spiced gram flour dessert made with ghee, sugar, and cardamom soothes sore throats and coughs as the warming ingredients help minimize them.
Turmeric Milk: It is known as golden milk. This drink is an anti-inflammatory, immunity-enhancing tonic that reduces congestion and inflammation.
Khichdi: This is a very simple rice and lentil meal which is light in the tummy and easy for the stomach to digest, thus providing essential nutrients to the body in helping it recover.
Moong Dal Khichdi: It is light but equates nutritionally. High in protein and easy on the digestive system, it's just what the doctor orders when you're fighting off a cold.
Pineapple: Pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme that breaks up and eases cough and reduces mucus; this is why pineapples have been found to be some relief for cold symptoms.
Idli: Soft steamed rice cakes, idlis, which are digestive friendly, can also be served with sambar or coconut chutney, adding extra vitamins and minerals.
Vegetable Dalia Khichdi: This version of khichdi is prepared using broken wheat and vegetables and is a good source of fibre, vitamins, and minerals. It provides comfort as well as nutrition while boosting the immune system.
Lemon Honey Ginger Water: This classic combination acts as a natural expectorant, soothing sore throats, clearing congestion, and providing a boost of vitamin C and antioxidants.
Vomiting
The body can become very dehydrated and depleted from vomiting. Here are some gentle, hydrating options to help ease nausea and get comforted.
More Fluids: There can't be too much said about getting fluids flowing. Drink plenty of water, electrolyte drinks, and herbal teas to replace what was lost.
Apple: Apples, being light, can be taken raw or pureed for a comforting meal that is easily digestible.
Khichdi: A gentle easily digestible dish like Khichdi recharges energy and comfort for a sensitive stomach
Banana: Ripe bananas are high in potassium. Gentle on the stomach and can replace lost electrolytes post-vomiting.
Oats: Oats are light, high in fibre and digest easily. They provide sustained energy and are good for gentle nourishment.
Curd: Natural yoghurt or curd contains probiotics that help in the restoration of healthy gut bacteria that may have been displaced.
Mathri/Crackers: Plain crackers can absorb the stomach acid and help with nausea, making them a great snack when feeling queasy.
Bread: White bread is easy on the digestive system. and may put a layer over stomach acids, making one's stomach feel better from nausea and discomfort.
Fever
When with a fever, soft, hydrating food elements would be helpful for an otherwise weakened immune system to seek healing and temperature management.
Soups: Thin soups of vegetables or chicken will prove hydrating as well as filled with vitamins, minerals, and easy-to-assimilate proteins for recovery.
Chicken Soup: It is anti-viral, and along with protein and hydration benefits that alleviate congestion.
Milk: Warm milk is a comforting beverage and can even be taken with turmeric to increase its anti-inflammatory benefits.
Coconut Water: Coconut water contains natural electrolytes that help replenish minerals lost due to fever and hydrate.
Khichdi: This easy-to-digest meal provides nourishment along with energy to the body without causing discomfort in the digestive system.
Eggs: With a large protein reserve, eggs prove to be a very good food for building strength and recovery in the muscles, especially when prepared in easily digestible forms such as scrambled eggs.
Oatmeal: The high-fibre and easy-on-the-stomach option gives sustained energy while soothing discomfort.
Halwa: Semolina or Wheat Halwa is comfort food that gives energy. It is a warming treat for one, if suffering from fever.
Warm Ginger Honey Water: It is a mild anti-inflammatory drink and useful for soothing a sore throat or congestion in the nose.
Constipation
High-fibre food and natural laxatives would be required to support digestive functions and ease bowel movements in case of constipation.
Papaya: The rich source of enzymes, helps to digest smoothly, being a natural laxative, relieves constipation.
Peach: A fibre and hydrating fruit, easy on the stomach, peaches assist with bowel movement.
Raisins: Soak raisins. Those soaked raisins can assist with healthy bowel movements and relieve constipation naturally.
Broccoli: A fibre-rich vegetable-aids digestion and maintains healthy gut flora.
Beans: Since beans are high in fibre, they promote healthy digestion and bowel movements.
Fig: Dried or fresh figs are natural laxatives. They can help one avoid constipation effectively.
Oats: Whole oats consist of fibre that eases bowel movements and helps digestion.
Curd: Curd contains probiotics, which help to improve the health of the gut, and thus it promotes regularity.
Oatmeal: A mild, high fibre food that encourages digestive health.
Flaxseeds: Rich in omega-3s and fibre, flaxseeds act as a natural remedy for constipation, thus facilitating easier digestion.