Once upon a time upon a trip to the Amazon jungle, I came down with something. Nothing dramatic – a feverish, fluey phenomenon – but not fun. Fortunately, a local was alerted and out of nowhere, a home remedy was whipped up: a near-unpalatable concoction of onion juice and other ingredients that at the time, I preferred to remain a mystery. But voila! I was better in no time, something which could only be attributed to my mysterious potion. I was reminded (and many more times with Ayurveda and TCM), that often, the simpler the better. For this reason, here are some home remedies which we both love and stand behind.
Home Remedies We Love
1. Terry’s Fermented Turmeric & Ginger Drink
My landlord introduced me to this goodie, and as a sufferer of IBS, bloating and other gut issues – it’s worked wonders. Turmeric is well known for its antioxidant properties. Its active compound in turmeric (curcumin), helps reduce inflammation, support joint health, and boost the immune system. Ginger has been used for centuries for its numerous health benefits; aiding digestion, reducing inflammation, and providing a natural energy boost.
Ingredients: 60g ginger, 60g turmeric, 300g raw honey, 3 lemons (juiced), 1 lemon rind, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1.3L water.
Method: To create this elixir, grate fresh ginger and turmeric finely, and mix together in a bowl bowl. Leave out for twenty-four hours to ferment (covered), before popping the bowl into the fridge for 24 hrs. Next, strain the juice (pulp can be used for another batch with honey), and enjoy!
2. Morning Lemon Water
Already quite a popular remedy – starting your day with a glass of warm lemon water is a rejuvenating way to kickstart your metabolism and hydrate the body. Lemons are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, which help boost and detoxify the immune system. A 2022 study found that the citric acid in lemon juice helped to boost gastric acid, the digestive fluid that helps the body break down and digest food. Lemon water can also provide a natural energy boost.
Method: Squeeze the juice of half a lemon (or whatever your preferred amount) into a glass of warm water and drink it first thing in the morning.
3. Epsom salt baths
You don’t need to be an athlete to benefit from the soothing effects of a good epsom salt baths. Epsom salt, composed of magnesium sulfate, can help reduce muscle aches, ease stress, and even improve sleep quality. Simply add two cups of Epsom salt to a warm bath and soak for 20-30 minutes. This remedy is particularly beneficial after a strenuous workout, or simply a long day!
4. Moroccan Mint and Peppermint Tea
If I were to list the benefits of  all herbal teas this article would never end, so I want to focus on some favourites. When it comes to headaches, my go-to is Moroccan Mint. It’s a little lesser known, but you can almost certainly find it at your local grocery or bulk food store. For nausea, I swear by peppermint tea. Various kinds of mints have been used for herbal infusions in Europe and Asia for thousands of years. They can ease digestion, relieve tension headaches and migraines, alleviate clogged sinuses, and even boost energy. Menthol, the aromatic oil in mint leaves, helps to drain phlegm from the nasal cavity and throat.
Note: where possible, try and opt for organic or loose leaf tea. Better yet, why not grow and use your own mint?
5. Essential oil steams
One of my most cherished home remedies; I stumbled upon the magic of diffusers back in the early months of 2020, when the nationwide bushfires had rendered breathing regularly almost impossible. Steam is of course helpful for asthma, as an expectorant that prevents the mucus membrane of airways from drying. But a specific blend of camphor, lemongrass, and peppermint essential oils, really does the trick. This remedy is particularly helpful during seasonal changes, when dust-mite, allergens and pollen are at a high. I can now pop on my diffuser and happily sleep through the night.
Method: Simply turn on your diffuser, fill with water and add a few drops (the desired amount/intensity) of all the above.
Nisha is a freelance writer and Vedic astrologer, based in the magical Byron Hinterlands. As well as running her candle business, her life and loves involve: yoga, gardening and all things esoteric. You’ll find her out in nature, or curled up at home with a good book. Happy Buddha is one of her most treasured places on earth (and indeed where she met her fiancĂ©!).
