After being struck with the virus almost four times last month, I decided to search for an article that I had written for Arab News back in 2004.
Sometimes your own kitchen cabinet can be of much more help than swallowing medicines.
Honey and turmeric in warm milk always work for me if I get a sore throat. However, I plan on trying more of the recipes below if I fall ill again!
Published in Arab News Review | Publication Date: Sat, 2004-10-30
The weather is changing, and there is a runny nose or an aching head where ever you turn. Everyone seems to be suffering from viral infections known as ‘cold’ and ‘flu.’
Unfortunately, there is no cure for cold or flu, but there are some vaccines. The protection they provide lasts only a year as the virus itself undergoes annual changes. That is why we hear one year of a certain strain of flu, and the next year of a different strain. Most doctors recommend bed rest and plenty of fluids.
However, there are some traditional recipes to try, for faster healing, if you have a cold or flu.
Herbal Remedies
1. Ginger Tea
A satisfying winter beverage: it warms the body, treats the common cold and soothes coughs.
To prepare it, add a teaspoon of ginger powder, a teaspoon of fennel seeds, a teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of powdered cloves to one cup of hot water. Let the herbs brew for about ten minutes; then strain them out of the tea and drink it. You may drink as much as you wish.
CAUTION: Do not drink ginger tea within two hours of taking aspirin as both are blood thinners.
2. Steam Inhalation
Add tea tree oil or eucalyptus oil to hot water and inhale the steam to relieve bronchial and chest congestion.
3. Honey
– Mix a teaspoon of honey with a teaspoon of lemon juice. Take this every 12 hours.
– Mix a teaspoon of raw onion juice with one teaspoon of honey. Let it stand for 3 to 4 hours before drinking.
– Drink a mixture of ginger juice and honey three or four times a day. It gives relief from a cough and cold.
4. Garlic with Turmeric
Crush and boil two garlic cloves in water with half a teaspoon of turmeric powder. It is an excellent remedy for cold.
5. Cold Drink!
This remedy will clean your system.
1/4 pound seedless raisins
3 ounces ginger root
3 cups of honey
6 lemons
4 oranges
1 gallon of distilled water
Put the water in a large pan. Add the softened ginger root, honey and seedless raisins. Bring to a boil and simmer for about an hour. Skim the top as needed. Cool, strain and place in a tightly closed container overnight in the refrigerator. The next day, squeeze six lemons and four oranges and add to the mixture. Mix well. Drink 2-3 glasses per day.
Prevention Is Better Than Cure
Prevention is the best way to avoid colds and flu. Make sure you:
- Wash your hands frequently.
- Avoid close contact with infected people during the contagious period; i.e., the first three days. During that time, the virus is highly transmittable.
- Stop smoking as smokers get more cold viruses because smoking reduces the body’s ability to overcome viruses that invade the nose and throat.
- Rest and drink fluids to replace fluids lost due to cold and flu symptoms.
