Desi Remedies

Nani's wisdom, checked honestly

Respecting traditional knowledge while being clear about what science does — and doesn't — support. Never replace prescribed treatment with a home remedy.

Ginger Tea

Adrak ki chai

Limited evidence

Traditionally used for nausea and an upset stomach.

Ingredients: Fresh ginger, about 2 cm, sliced
1 cup water
Optional: honey or lemon
Preparation: Simmer sliced ginger in water for 5–10 minutes, strain, and drink warm.
What the evidence says: Some studies suggest ginger may help with certain types of nausea, including pregnancy-related nausea, but results are mixed.
Risks & side effects: Heartburn or stomach discomfort in some people
Medicine interactions: May increase bleeding risk with blood thinners such as warfarin
Who should avoid it: People on blood-thinning medicines without doctor advice Before surgery

See a doctor if: Vomiting lasting more than 2 days, signs of dehydration, or blood in vomit.

NCCIH — Ginger

Turmeric Milk

Haldi wala doodh

Traditional use, insufficient evidence

Traditionally used for colds, aches and general wellness.

Ingredients: 1 cup milk
¼ teaspoon turmeric (haldi)
Pinch of black pepper
Optional: honey
Preparation: Warm the milk, stir in turmeric and black pepper, simmer briefly and drink warm.
What the evidence says: Turmeric as food is generally safe, but there is no strong evidence it treats any specific health condition.
Risks & side effects: Stomach upset in high amounts Concentrated turmeric supplements have been linked to rare liver injury
Medicine interactions: Supplements may interact with blood thinners and diabetes medicines
Who should avoid it: People with gallbladder problems High-dose supplements during pregnancy

See a doctor if: A cold lasting over 3 weeks, high fever, or difficulty breathing.

NCCIH — Turmeric

Honey for Cough

Shehad

Established evidence

Used to soothe coughs and sore throats.

Ingredients: 1–2 teaspoons honey
Optional: warm water and lemon
Preparation: Take honey directly or mixed into warm (not boiling) water with lemon.
What the evidence says: Honey is recommended by the NHS as a self-care option for coughs in adults and children over 1 year.
Risks & side effects: High in sugar — use with care if you have diabetes
Medicine interactions: No major known medicine interactions in food amounts
Who should avoid it: Never give honey to babies under 1 year (risk of infant botulism)

See a doctor if: Cough lasting more than 3 weeks, coughing up blood, chest pain or breathlessness.

NHS — Cough

Fennel Seed Water

Saunf ka pani

Traditional use, insufficient evidence

Traditionally chewed or brewed after meals for bloating and digestion.

Ingredients: 1 teaspoon fennel seeds (saunf)
1 cup hot water
Preparation: Steep fennel seeds in hot water for 10 minutes, strain and drink after meals.
What the evidence says: There is not enough reliable research in people to confirm fennel helps digestion.
Risks & side effects: Allergic reactions in people sensitive to carrot or celery family plants
Medicine interactions: May interact with some antibiotics and hormone-sensitive medicines
Who should avoid it: Concentrated fennel products for infants and during pregnancy without medical advice

See a doctor if: Persistent bloating, tummy pain, change in bowel habits or weight loss.

NCCIH — Herbs at a glance

Oral Rehydration Solution

ORS / Namkol

Established evidence

Replaces fluids and salts lost through diarrhoea or vomiting.

Ingredients: 1 sachet WHO-standard ORS
Clean drinking water, as directed on the pack
Preparation: Mix one sachet with the exact amount of boiled and cooled water stated on the pack. Sip frequently.
What the evidence says: WHO recommends ORS as a key treatment to prevent dehydration from diarrhoea.
Risks & side effects: Incorrect mixing (too concentrated) can be harmful — follow the pack
Medicine interactions: Consult a doctor if you have kidney or heart disease
Who should avoid it: Do not replace ORS with sugary drinks or juices

See a doctor if: Blood in stool, high fever, signs of dehydration, or diarrhoea in infants, older people or pregnant women.

WHO — Diarrhoeal disease

Fenugreek Seeds

Methi dana

Limited evidence

Traditionally soaked overnight for blood sugar and digestion.

Ingredients: 1 teaspoon fenugreek seeds
1 cup water
Preparation: Soak seeds overnight and drink the water or eat the seeds in the morning.
What the evidence says: Some small studies suggest an effect on blood sugar, but evidence is not strong enough to recommend it for diabetes.
Risks & side effects: Diarrhoea, gas, bloating Allergic reactions
Medicine interactions: Can lower blood sugar further with diabetes medicines — risk of hypoglycaemia May interact with blood thinners
Who should avoid it: Pregnancy (in amounts greater than food) People with peanut or chickpea allergy

See a doctor if: Never stop prescribed diabetes medicine. Speak to your doctor before using it alongside treatment.

NCCIH — Fenugreek