Why Grandmom’s Kitchen Remedies for Cold & Cough Still Works - Even Today !
- Dt. Ankita Gupta Sehgal
- 16 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Growing up in India, the moment we sneezed or coughed, our grandmothers had a remedy ready before we even asked. A pinch of haldi in warm milk… ajwain roasted in a cloth… ginger-honey paste… tulsi leaves boiled into a kadha.
Back then, these kitchen rituals felt like love wrapped in warmth. Today, science calls them anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and immunity-boosting therapies.
And the truth is simple — grandmom’s kitchen formula still works, because it was always rooted in nature, balance and biology.
Let me walk you through the timeless remedies that every Indian household has used for generations… and why they are just as effective today.
1. Haldi Doodh — The OG Anti-Inflammatory Drink
Turmeric milk wasn’t just a comfort drink; it was an immune elixir. Curcumin in turmeric has:
antiviral properties
anti-inflammatory effects
mucus-thinning benefits
Grandmothers added a pinch of black pepper, unknowingly improving curcumin absorption by 2000%. This is why haldi doodh still remains one of the most powerful remedies for cold, sore throat and congestion.
2. Ginger-Honey Mix - Nature’s Cough Syrup
A spoon of crushed ginger mixed with honey was (and still is) a magic potion for cough. Here’s why:
Ginger improves circulation & breaks mucus
Honey coats the throat and soothes irritation
Both have strong antimicrobial effects
Modern studies have shown honey to be more effective than many OTC cough syrups for children over 1 year of age.
Your grandmom definitely didn’t need a clinical trial to know this — she could see it working.
3. Tulsi Kadha - The Indian Immunity Booster
Tulsi (Holy Basil) is one of the most powerful antibacterial and antiviral herbs known. Boiled with ginger, clove, cinnamon or black pepper, tulsi kadha helps:
reduce inflammation
clear nasal passages
boost immunity
soothe a sore throat
Grandmothers made us drink it warm in winters - and today, this same kadha is recommended by Ayurveda practitioners globally.
4. Ajwain Steam or Potli - A Natural Decongestant
Ajwain (carom seeds) is a forgotten hero. The vapours help open blocked sinuses, reduce congestion and support easier breathing. A potli of warm ajwain placed on the chest or inhaled as steam relieves cold symptoms naturally — much before vapour rubs existed.
This remedy works because ajwain contains thymol, a compound with powerful antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effects.
5. Warm Soups — The Original Gut-Healing Medicine
Grandmoms always insisted on:
vegetable soups
moong dal soup
tomato rasam
chicken broth
Why? Because warm liquids:
✔ Keep you hydrated
✔ Thin mucus
✔ Provide easy-to-digest nutrients
✔ Reduce inflammation
A warm soup can genuinely speed up recovery — and now nutrition science agrees with what dadi already knew.
Why These Grandmom's Kitchen Remedies for Cold & Cough Still Work Today
What makes these remedies timeless is their simplicity and science.
They work because they are:
anti-inflammatory
immunity-boosting
mucus-clearing
soothing for a sore throat
gut-friendly
free from chemicals
Modern medicine treats symptoms. Grandmom’s kitchen treated the root - inflammation, digestion, warmth and immunity.
Can These Remedies Replace Medicine?
Not always.They work wonderfully for mild to moderate cold and cough symptoms. But if symptoms persist, worsen, or include high fever, medical attention is essential.
Think of these remedies as the first line of defence - gentle, natural and effective.
A Dietitian’s Note — Why I Still Recommend These Remedies Today
As a clinical dietitian working with thousands of clients, I still use these remedies because:
They work
They’re safe for most people
They’re part of our cultural wisdom
They improve immunity naturally
They support gut health
They complement medical treatment
Sometimes the most powerful solutions don’t come from a pharmacy…They come from your grandmom’s kitchen.
If you want personalised diet guidance to improve immunity, reduce inflammation and build long-term health using simple Indian meals — I would love to help you.
👉 Book a consultation or DM me “HEALTH” to get started.
Some Key FAQs
Q1. Why do grandmom’s kitchen remedies work for cold and cough?
Because they use natural anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antibacterial ingredients that soothe the throat, reduce congestion and support immunity.
Q2. Is haldi doodh effective for cold?
Yes, turmeric contains curcumin which reduces inflammation and supports immune response.
Q3. Can ginger and honey help with cough?
Ginger breaks mucus and honey soothes the throat, making it a highly effective natural cough remedy.
Q4. Is ajwain good for blocked nose?
Ajwain steam or ajwain potli helps open nasal passages and ease congestion.
Q5. When should I see a doctor instead of using home remedies?
If symptoms last more than 3–5 days, or include high fever, breathing issues or severe throat pain, seek medical care.
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