Almost every country in the world has its own proven home remedies for a runny nose, sore throat, or earache. Most of them have been handed down for generations. These are the best recipes from around the world.
When winter begins, the first cold is usually not far away. A runny nose, earache and sore throat are harbingers of an infection or the flu. It is not always necessary to reach for the medicine cabinet right away. Sufficient bed rest and home remedies can alleviate the first symptoms and help the body fight the infection. Hot tea with honey and chicken soup has proven itself in this country.
In Thailand, people go for a tom yam soup with mushrooms, ginger, onions, carrots, peppers and tofu, while the Scots go for “hot toddy” – a mixture of whisky, lemon, honey and spices. And so almost every corner of the world has its own secret tip for colds – these are the best recipes.
Golden milk from India
In India, the so-called “golden milk” is used as a home remedy for respiratory infections. The spice turmeric, which has an anti-inflammatory effect, is responsible for the golden color. Ginger has an antibiotic effect, cardamom is rich in antioxidants and can loosen mucus. Cinnamon reduces inflammation and fights bacteria. Honey is antispasmodic and antibacterial.
For one cup you need: 200 ml milk, 1 cardamom pod, 1 tsp turmeric powder or grated turmeric root, 1 tsp ginger, 1 pinch pepper, 1 pinch cinnamon, 1 tsp honey.
Preparation: Remove the seeds from the cardamom pod and simmer in a saucepan with the other ingredients, except for the honey, for five to ten minutes, stirring constantly. Strain into a cup and stir in honey.
Hot seaweed from South Korea
Seaweed is considered a real “superfood” in Asia – it is not for nothing that algae are also an ingredient in many nasal sprays in this country. In South Korea, they are eaten in a hot soup called “miyeok guk” when they have a cold. It provides the body with important vitamin C and iodine.
For two servings you need: 30 g dried seaweed (miyeok), 300 g beef, 1 l water, 2 tbsp sesame oil, 3 tbsp soy sauce.
Preparation: Soak the seaweed in water for ten minutes, then pat dry and divide into small pieces. Cut the beef and sauté in a saucepan with sesame oil over medium heat for about five minutes. Add the seaweed and fry until it changes color to a lighter green. Then add water and soy sauce and let the soup simmer with the lid on for about 30 minutes.
Fire Cider from the USA
In the US, many people turn to fire cider when they have a cold. The spicy vinegar sud impresses with its warming and expectorant effect. Ginger and horseradish heat up from the inside, garlic, onion and turmeric inhibit inflammation. However, “Fire Cider” is not a quick solution: the brew has to steep for about four weeks.
Ingredients for one liter of “Fire Cider”: 600 ml apple cider vinegar, 100 g fresh horseradish, 50 g ginger, 1 onion, 7 cloves of garlic, 3 tbsp honey, 1 organic lemon, 1 tsp turmeric, 1 pinch of pepper
Preparation: Peel and chop or grate the ginger, horseradish, onion and garlic. Pour all the ingredients into a mason jar and pour over the apple cider vinegar. Close the jar tightly and store in a dark place at room temperature. The brew has to steep for about four weeks, and the glass should be shaken regularly. Then pass the brew through a sieve and fill the liquid into a bottle. The “Fire Cider” can be taken pure or diluted in water – also to prevent infections.
Onion honey from the Dominican Republic
Honey is used almost everywhere as a herbal alternative to cough syrup – after all, it has a calming effect and loosens phlegm. In the Dominican Republic, the sweet syrup is combined with the antibacterial onion.
For a mason jar you only need an onion and two tablespoons of liquid honey. Finely dice the onions and place in a glass, pour over the honey. Let it soak for several hours or overnight. Then pour off the resulting liquid and collect it – the homemade cough syrup is ready.
Black radish juice from Egypt
In Egypt, black radish juice has proven effective against cold symptoms. More than 4,000 years ago, the Egyptian priest Imhotep is said to have recommended a mixture of onions, garlic and black radish to workers during the construction of the pyramids at Saqqara. Radish is particularly rich in vitamin C.
For about 50 ml of cough syrup you need: 1 large black radish and 70 ml of honey.
Preparation: Hollow out the black radish, leaving a wide edge. Dice the flesh of the plant into small pieces and mix with the honey. Mix the mixture in a mortar or with a wooden spoon and press lightly, then leave to stand for several hours. Drill a hole in the bottom of the hollowed-out radish, pour in the mixture and drain into a glass.
(This article was first published on Wednesday, November 16, 2022.)
