Traditional cold remedies from around the world

With Coronavirus fast-spreading around the world, it's important to ensure that our immune systems are strong enough to fight off any symptoms of the virus.

Around the world, there are many different traditional remedies to cure cold symptoms.

Dawa is a very popular Kenyan traditional concoction for colds. The immune-boosting drink is made with ginger, turmeric, honey and lemon which are all flu-busting ingredients. Other folk remedies may further help you feel better.

Onions don’t only add flavour to meals, they can also cure cold symptoms. Raw onions are able to absorb bacteria and viruses. The Ghanaian folk remedy requires that you cut a peeled onion into two and place each half on either side of your bed while you sleep. This will purify the air, making you feel much better the next morning.

India is the home of ayurvedic healing treatments. One such treatment is ‘golden milk’. This healing milk has two ingredients: turmeric and milk. Turmeric is a highly nutritious food supplement and it can be found in practically every Indian kitchen.

Simply simmer one cup of milk then add one teaspoon of turmeric to it. The turmeric will boost your immune system and ultimately help you recover from any cold symptoms.

This southern African country is famous for the breath-taking Victoria Falls. One Zambian remedy for the symptoms of a cold is a herbal steam. This will relieve respiratory issues, boost your immune system and improve blood circulation.

The traditional Zambian remedy requires boiled Mayani leaves but you can substitute these with a drop of eucalyptus oil, peppermint oil or menthol. Simply boil some water, pour it into a pot and add your oil of choice. Proceed to sit under a blanket with the steaming hot pot for 30 minutes.

Té de Canela is a traditional cinnamon tea which hails from this Spanish-speaking country. This tea is loaded with antioxidants which are great for warding off cold symptoms. Té de Canela is typically served as a morning tea. To make it, boil one cinnamon stick, some honey and a ¼ lime in four cups of water. Strain it once it has steeped for 15 minutes and enjoy.