Aviva Dharmaraj checks in with medical experts to find out if grandma's kitchen remedies really do work
Aviva Dharmaraj checks in with medical experts to find out if grandma's kitchen remedies really do work
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Steam inhalation for colds:
How to? Bring some water to boil. Switch off the gas. Keep a towel over your head and place your head over the vessel. Inhale and exhale deeply. Do this for 10 minutes, twice a day, throughout the duration of your cold to help relieve chest congestion and open up nasal passages.
>> Kitchen remedy for asthma
Ingredients
2 tbsp ajwain ka ark (water of ajwain) (readily available in the market)
a pinch of saunth (dry ginger)
a pinch of black pepper
a pinch of pippali (long pepper)
Mix the ingredients well.
"Having this thrice a week for two to three months will completely cure the person of asthma," says ayurveda consultant Dr Ravi Kothari.
Why it works: These spices are "ushana" (hot) and "tikshana" (pungent). They help in aiding digestion and prevent the formation of mucous in the lungs.
Tonic to up immunity
Boost your BMR and stave off viral, bacterial and fungal infections with this potion
Health Tonic
10 tulsi leaves
10 pudina (mint) leaves
1" ginger
3-4 lemongrass leaves
2 black peppercorns
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Method
Boil all the ingredients in one litre of water. Cool it. Strain. Sip on it throughout the day.
Recipe courtesy Dr Ravi Kothair, ayurveda consultant
>>Drink chicken soup to get rid of a cold
Why it works
"Chicken soup provides your body with protein in a concentrated form. But chicken is not necessarily superior to any other form of protein. Soup made from chickpeas will work just as well. It's a good option for vegetarians," says Dr Anita Mathew-Davis, infectious disease specialist and physician, Fortis Hospital, Mulund (formerly Wockhardt).
Go to the doc if
If the severity of the cold persists for over 48 hours. "More often than not, the body is able to tackle most viral infections. Just taking a break from work can be good enough," says Dr Mathew-Davis.
>> Add pinch of black pepper to boiled water to rid gas
Why it works
The symptoms for several illnesses often overlap. What a person might experience as indigestion could indicate any number of problems including Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GRD), commonly referred to as reflux. It could be Colitis or even a stomach ulcer," says Dr Chandrakant Kenia, GP. As a preventive measure, avoid chillies and drink more water.
Go to the doc if
If the symptoms are accompanied by severe pain, which persists for more than 12 hours.
>> Apply clove oil to soothe a toothache
Why it works
"Clove oil helps numb the nerves, and is in fact an integral component of temporary dressing materials we use. It works as a topical antiseptic. However, applying clove oil is a temporary measure and its effect is not likely to last for more than a day or two," says Karishma Jaradi, chief aesthetic dentist, Dentzz Dental Care.
Go to the doc if
If the pain persists for over 24 hours and if you haven't been for a dental check-up in more than six months.
>> Hot water bottle to ease menstrual cramps
Why it works
"This remedy works for women experiencing mild to moderate menstrual pain," says Dr Ashwini Bhalerao-Gandhi, consultant gynaecologist, Hinduja Hospital. Moderate exercise also helps relieve pain, adds Dr Bhalerao-Gandhi. "We don't want to unnecessarily give medication," she says.
Go to the doc if
If you experience severe pain that prevents you from carrying out simple day-to-day tasks.
>> Drink carrot juice to better eyesight
Why it works
"Carrots have a high content of Vitamin A, which is good for the eyes. Though, it is a myth to assume that by drinking carrot juice, you'll improve eyesight. Eating a diet rich in colourful fruits and vegetables is your best defence against age-related eye diseases. Egg yolks and fish are good too," says Dr Ajay Dudani, director of Mumbai Retina Centre.
Go to the doc if
Not applicable
>> Apply baking soda paste to rid body odour
Why it works
Applying baking soda and lime juice (on the underarms and feet) is the recommended remedy. "Soda bi-carb absorbs moisture and keeps the area dry, cutting down on sweat that bacteria usually act on. It also keeps the number of bacteria in check. But I wouldn't recommend lime juice since it can irritate the skin," says Dr Nina Madnani, dermatologist.
Go to the doc if
If despite maintaining good hygiene, body odour persists, you might be genetically prone to it. It's best to visit a dermatologist.
>> Drink a glass of warm milk to sleep better
Why it works
"Drinking warm milk helps keep the breathing passage warm and helps control reflux. The typical habit among Indians is to eat late and sleep immediately. To ensure a good night's rest, eat dinner an hour-and-a-half or two hours before going to bed," says Dr Ashok Mahashur, head of PD Hinduja Hospital's Sleep Clinic.
Go to the doc if
Not applicable
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