No matter your age, we all wish that when we get sick, our parents could be there to take care of us. Here’s some surprising ways that Mum’s and Grandma’s from all over the world have been using home remedies to make us feel better.
CHINA
From Pak Fah Yau, a white flower oil rubbed on your chest, to Grandma’s favourite, Congee. Made from rice and water, you then add ingredients depending on whether you have cold cold or a heat cold. A heat cold comes with sever fever, mild chills, sore throat, sweating and thirst. Where as the cold type is severe chills, profuse, clear discharge from the nose, mild fever, no sweat, headache and general aching…..confused? It’s ok, Grandma knows best.
SPAIN
Garlic tea, made from garlic cloves, honey, lemon juice and water. Supposedly the properties of the tea help stimulate the immune system and can help shorten the duration of a cold.
RUSSIA
Gogol-Mogol a hot drink that supposedly will help ease an itchy throat. Made up of an egg yolk, a teaspoon of honey, and half a cup of warm milk mixed with a tablespoon of unsalted butter. For a little kick they often add cognac as well. Or you could try soaking your feet in hot water mixed with dry mustard powder and then get into a pair of warm socks and dive under a heavy blanket.
JAPAN
Umeboshi - A super salty plum which is high in citric acid and known for its antibacterial qualities. Grandma would soak it in green tea or in a bowl of okayu, a congee-like rice gruel that’s perfect when feeling under the weather.
HONG KONG
Snake soup - Yes you’ve got it, a soup made from snakes. It is believed that it is a “warming food” so it heats up the body and keeps you warm in the cooler months. Supposedly it can also help boost the love life….. so two birds, one stone with this one.
SCOTLAND
Hot toddy - Probably not one your mum or grandma would recommend given it’s whiskey based but maybe your favourite aunt or uncle. Whiskey is a great decongestant and then you combine it with known cold fighters, honey, lemon and hot water. Don’t forget though, with this remedy you can have one too many then you have something else to cure in the morning!