Greek grandmas or “yiayia” in all their accumulated wisdom and vast experience have been known to use traditional homemade remedies for various illnesses ranging from a simple cold to burns and nausea for millennia.
Eight traditional remedies from Greek grandmas
Some of the following remedies have been known to have been used for hundreds of years, especially by Greek yiayias, who are experts on traditional solutions for all modern problems.
Scientists now say that many of those traditional remedies that yiayia advocated for have a significantly positive impact on our health.
Colds
According to a study published in the journal Chest, grandma’s chicken soup may indeed contain a number of substances with mild anti-inflammatory properties which could help reduce the symptoms of colds. In addition, the soup’s heat can help reduce congestion by loosening mucus.
Sore throats
Grandma was right! Salt water can relieve sore throats, according to the Mayo Clinic. Furthermore, a study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that gargling salt water can even help prevent upper respiratory tract infections.
Burns
Grandma always had fresh milk in her kitchen to help treat burns. “Milk proteins have anti-inflammatory action,” says Arielle Kauvar, director of the New York Laser & Skin Care company and a clinical dermatology professor at the New York University School of Medicine. She advises burn patients to “soak a towel in a bowl with a mixture of equal amount of milk and water. Touch the compresses in the area for 10-15 minutes.”
Nausea
Make a soothing tea by slicing fresh ginger in boiling water. According to acupuncturist Jeff Gould, all you have to do to avoid this horrendous sensation is “Add some brown sugar and drink it to relieve nausea.”
Insect Bites
For insect bites imply rub an ice cube repeatedly over the affected area to reduce itching and swelling—so simple and so effective!
Fever
According to doctors, fever is not the enemy. It indicates that your body is trying to kill the virus or the bacteria. To make one feel better, many suggest what a Greek grandmother would suggest: a lukewarm bath and cool compresses on the forehead.
Cough
Clinical studies have shown that consuming one teaspoonful of honey thirty minutes before bedtime can reduce coughing but should only be given to children who are older than two years. Greek grandmothers use honey for many ailments.
Eczema and dry skin
Oats are not just for breakfast! Research published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology has confirmed that oatmeal does have moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties which indeed help with pruritus. So fill up your bath, throw in some oats, soak in it for twenty minutes, and finish your bath with the most moisturized skin you’ve ever had.