herbs that heal in your kitchen

In today’s age of modern medicine, most of us rely on medications even for a minor problem such as a headache or a mild stomach cramp. While I don’t forbid the use of medications, I don’t recommend depending on them either. Mother Nature has bestowed us with the best of medicines that are with minimal or no side-effects! These secret “grandma” remedies do a magic of their own. People of the past didn’t use medications but used herbs and kitchen remedies to treat several kinds of illnesses at the comfort of their own houses. We, too, can have these simple remedies at hand whenever needed. So, here are a few that are present in your kitchen cabinet that can give you a quick remedy! Ginger: Dried, freshly crushed or diced, each has its own benefits. If you are suffering from sore throat, take four pieces of freshly diced ginger (peeled) and boil it in a cup of water for 10 minutes. Add a tablespoon of honey. This ginger-honey tea is best for any flu due to its anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties. It is also good for vomiting and motion sickness.
Garlic: Freshly crushed. If you feel there is a mild rise in blood pressure, add 2 tablespoons of yogurt to the freshly crushed garlic. Mix it well. Swallow two tablespoons of this mixture but be careful not to drink water. Relax. After 15 minutes, have a glass of water. It was seen that people who normally have this everyday had normal blood pressure levels for those who slightly have a rise in their blood pressure.
Cinnamon: Powdered or boiled. Cinnamon is a great menstrual regulator and helps during the premenstrual syndrome. It also helps in digestion disorders, bad breath and common cold. The cinnamon sticks can be boiled and a teaspoon of honey can be added to it during infections and common cold problems. Powdered cinnamon can be added to tea or boiled for its maximum benefits.
Black pepper: Increases body’s immunity and keeps you away from regular seasonal flu and fevers. It is definitely one of the best alternative options and an easy way to take black pepper is to add honey to a seven peppercorn mixture and voila!
Caraway seeds (Habba Barakah/Habbah Sawdah): Every local herb seller in Saudi Arabia highly recommends caraway seeds due to its multipurpose healing properties and its significance in Islam, as mentioned by our Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him). Caraway seeds help in the digestion process. Whether it is indigestion or gas, caraway seeds can help you. Herbalists recommend an infusion of caraway seeds to those who have digestion problems. Caraway seeds also prove to be helpful for gripping. So, next time you have an indigestion problem, you know what to look for instead of your antacids.
Turmeric: Usually taken as a powdered form. This is highly recommended for pregnant women having cough in their pregnancy (or anyone else as well). In a cup of warm milk, a pinch of turmeric is added. Very helpful during menstrual cramps and nosebleeds.
Mint: While mint is a great flavouring agent, it has its medicinal benefits too. It works wonders for colds and indigestion problems. Herbalists recommend mint for parasitic conditions such as ring worms. It is also good for constipation and nausea. If you are with an ulcer, it helps in healing ulcers. Mint has a good fragrance with a refreshing taste. It makes a great alternative to a black coffee and offers you a fresh morning ahead.

While there may be many more (depending on “your” grandma’s remedies), the above can be found in every kitchen shelf. I do recommend using these herbs with caution due to sensitivities or allergies. Remember, too much of anything is trouble, so use it moderately and as every health practitioner would say, please see your doctor in case of emergency.