Healing Like Grandma Did

Healing Like Grandma Did: Natural Remedies I Grew Up With (That Still Work Today)

There was no pharmacy in my grandmother’s house.

Just a warm kitchen, a cabinet filled with spices, and a firm belief in the healing power of nature.

Growing up, every cold, ache, or bad mood had one solution: “Go to the kitchen, beta.” For years, I thought her ways were just old-fashioned. But as I’ve grown older—and watched the wellness industry catch up—I realize Grandma’s remedies weren’t outdated. They were brilliant.

In this article, I want to share a few of the natural remedies I grew up with. These aren’t complicated wellness trends. They’re simple, accessible, and they still work.

1. Turmeric Milk (Haldi Doodh): The Original Golden Latte

Before Starbucks made it trendy, my grandmother was heating turmeric with milk for centuries-old reasons.

If I had a cough, she’d add honey. If I had a sore throat, she’d add a pinch of black pepper.

The result? A soothing, anti-inflammatory drink that healed from the inside out.

Why it still works:

Turmeric contains curcumin, a powerful anti-inflammatory compound. Combined with warm milk and a touch of fat (like ghee or almond oil), it becomes a highly absorbable immune booster

2. Mustard Oil Massage: The Warmth That Heals

In winter, Grandma would warm mustard oil with a clove of garlic and rub it on our chests, backs, or aching joints.

She called it “garmi wali malish”—a warm massage. And it worked like magic.

It soothed muscle pain, opened up sinuses, and left us feeling comforted and sleepy.

Why it still works:

Mustard oil is naturally warming and antimicrobial. Garlic adds anti-inflammatory benefits. This combo is still used across South Asia for pain relief and cold care.

3. Ginger Tea with Honey: The Cure-All Brew

If I ever sneezed near my grandmother, she’d start boiling fresh ginger before I could say “Bless me.”

She’d throw in some crushed cardamom, lemon zest, and a spoon of honey—and hand me the steaming cup with a knowing look.

Why it still works:

Ginger is a natural decongestant and anti-nausea agent. Honey soothes the throat and is rich in antioxidants. It’s nature’s NyQuil.

4. Steam Inhalation with Cloves & Carom Seeds (Ajwain)

Before Vicks, there was steam.

Boiling a pot of water, she’d throw in crushed ajwain seeds, cloves, and sometimes eucalyptus leaves.

We’d cover our heads with a towel and inhale until our noses ran and we could breathe again.

Why it still works:

Steam clears nasal passages. Cloves and ajwain have antimicrobial properties and help reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract.

5. Fenugreek Water for Digestion & Energy

Every morning, Grandma drank a glass of water soaked with fenugreek (methi) seeds overnight. She swore by it for blood sugar, digestion, and strength.

As a child, I avoided it. Now? I do it every other day.

Why it still works:

Fenugreek seeds improve digestion, reduce bloating, and stabilize blood sugar. Plus, they’re rich in fiber and iron.

6. Saltwater Gargle for Sore Throats

No fancy mouthwashes. Just warm water, salt, and the phrase: “Do it properly or don’t bother!”

Why it still works:

Saltwater helps draw out infection and soothes throat tissues. It’s one of the oldest and most effective home treatments for sore throats.

7. Burnt Sugar Syrup for Coughs

Yes, you read that right. Burnt sugar. Grandma would melt sugar in a pan until caramelized, add water, a bit of ginger, and sometimes fennel or crushed pepper. It tasted smoky and sweet, and it soothed even the roughest coughs.

Why it still works:

Caramelized sugar coats the throat, and the added herbs relieve irritation and act as mild expectorants

Why This Matters Today

As wellness trends become billion-dollar industries, many of us forget that true healing doesn’t always come in a bottle.

It can come from a cupboard. From a hand-pressed massage. From food that’s made with intention.

From rituals, not routines.

My grandmother never studied nutrition or Ayurveda or herbalism.

But she lived wisdom that modern science is now catching up to.

What I’ve Learned

The biggest lesson Grandma taught me wasn’t just how to heal the body—it was how to care.

Her remedies were a mix of intention, presence, and love.

She listened to your symptoms. But she also listened to your heart.

That’s something no supplement can replace.

Your Turn

If your grandmother (or grandfather) had a home remedy you still use, share it in the comments.

Let’s keep their wisdom alive—one remedy, one story, one generation at a time