5 Flu Remedies Our Malaysian Mums Used That Are Actually Scientifically Legit
And you can still use them now that you're an adult!
By Khirthnadhevi Kumar — 08 Feb 2024, 05:29 PM
1. If you grew up in a Malaysian home, you probably remember your mum boiling barley water with pandan leaves, especially when you were sick (or almost falling sick)
In fact, you may recall hearing how barley is 'cooling' and good for 'reducing heatiness', and there is some truth to that!
According to the National Institute of Health, barley is known to boost your immune system and soothe your throat, thanks to its high content of beta-glucan, a type of soluble fibre that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
Plus, it's easy to prepare and tastes great with some honey and lemon. Just soak some barley in water overnight, then boil it until soft and strain the liquid. You can drink it warm or cold.
2. Nothing feels better than sipping on peppery, tangy rasam, especially when you're dealing with sinuses and flu
Rasam is made with tomatoes, tamarind, garlic, ginger, and various spices that have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. In fact, a scholarly review on rasam found that it contains many ingredients that are suitable for various ailments.
One of the key ingredients in rasam is black pepper, which not only adds a kick to the soup, but also helps ease the symptoms of cough and cold. Black pepper is also rich in vitamin C, which boosts your immunity and acts as an antibiotic. You can enjoy rasam as a soup or with some rice and papadam!
3. Some of us may remember our mums using rubs like Vicks on our chests, throats, and backs, then covering us with a blanket
According to Healthline, Vicks contains menthol, camphor, and eucalyptus oil, all of which can relieve congestion and cough by stimulating the nerve endings in the nose and throat.
They also have a cooling effect that can soothe the irritation.
4. Gargling salt water was the worst, even though we all knew it would work
Salt water can kill bacteria and viruses in your mouth and throat, reducing inflammation and preventing them from spreading to your lungs, according to MedicineNet. Regular gargling with salt water may also help keep away upper respiratory tract infections like the common cold and flu.
It's cheap, easy, and safe to do, despite how much of a hassle it is. The next time you feel a tickle in your throat, just gargle — you know your mum would be proud.
5. If these leaves look familiar, it may be because you grew up eating them when you fell sick
Tulsi, also known as holy basil, has many health benefits. Taking a few leaves of tulsi along with honey helps relieve cough and flu as it improves immune health. According to the National Institute of Health, tulsi has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral properties that can fight off infections and reduce fever.
You may feel like a cow munching on tulsi leaves, but they could work wonders for your flu!
These flu remedies are effective, natural, and easy to make! But most importantly, they remind us of the love and care that our mums have for us.
So, the next time you catch a flu, don't forget to try these remedies and thank your mum for her wisdom. You'll be feeling better in no time!
