Before You Spend on Cough Syrup: Grandma’s Natural Remedies That Can Help Your Health and Your Pocket

Some people think natural remedies are far-fetched or just plain bizarre. But you might find that a simple pantry remedy works better than over-the-counter medication. Worth a try, we think.

With the economy like it is and prices rising every day, it makes sense to check what you already have in your kitchen cupboard before you rush to the pharmacy.

There are many ailments that may not necessarily require a trip to the doctor, unless it is serious of course. You could save some money if you find that a natural remedy has actually worked.

Please note, however, that we do stress that you should see your doctor if your symptoms persist.

Five popular “Granny remedies” from your pantry

These are some of the most common home remedies that have been handed down over the years. Have you tried any of them?

1. Turmeric and Honey – Nature’s strongest antibiotic

Experts have found that turmeric has potent anti-inflammatory properties and has been used in Chinese, Indian and Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. It has been used in a myriad of complaints, such as respiratory issues, digestion problems, skin conditions and more. It is however, also an excellent remedy for a cold.

How to make it:
Mix 1 tablespoon of organic turmeric powder with 100g honey in a glass jar.

How to take it:
Take ½ tablespoon of this remedy every hour for the first day. On the second day, take the same dose, but every two hours. And on the third day, take it three times a day.

Preferably melt the mixture in your mouth and do not swallow it straight away. You can also drink it in your tea.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar, Garlic and Honey

This is reputed to be one of the most effective and healing combinations out there. Some health experts say that this combo is ten times more efficient than penicillin. Use this remedy to treat colds, infection, arthritis, gout and joint pain. It is said to boost immunity, lower blood pressure and bad cholesterol.

How to make it:
Mix 10 finely-crushed garlic cloves, 1 cup apple cider vinegar and 1 cup honey. Blend this for 15 seconds. Store in a glass jar in the fridge for no more than 5 days. Stir the mixture every day.

How to take it:
Take 2 teaspoons of the syrup in the morning before you eat or drink anything. The taste is very strong, so it might be preferable to combine this with a glass of water.

3. A natural antibiotic for bladder and kidney infections

For those who have suffered from bladder and or urinary tract infections, you will know that they are extremely painful and unpleasant. If the symptoms are severe, please see your doctor in case you are suffering from cystitis.

How to make it:
Blend together:
250g root of well-washed parsley
250g of the rind of organic lemons
250g organic honey
1 cup olive oil

Store the mixture in the fridge.

How to take it:
Take 1 tablespoon of the remedy every morning.

Drink lots of water (at least 8 glasses a day), as this does help to eliminate the bacteria from the bladder.

In a previous edition, a reader also asked whether ginger should be added to this remedy, and while it is not part of the original recipe, it is widely regarded as a very effective home remedy for UTIs.

4. Sinus infection sufferer? Try this concoction

Sinus infections, or sinusitis, bring on a multitude of unpleasant and painful symptoms such as a stuffy nose, headache, cough, fever and facial pain. Here is a homemade remedy for sinus infections that is often quite effective.

How to make it:
Boil ½ cup drinking water and pour it into a mug. Add ¼ cup apple cider vinegar, stirring all of the time. Cool at room temperature. Then add 1 tablespoon of cayenne pepper, and 1 tablespoon of honey. Stir once more. Add 1 squeezed lemon and stir again.

How to take it:
Drink this remedy on an empty stomach in the morning, and again at night before going to bed. Drink daily until the sinus infection symptoms have been relieved.

5. An accumulation of phlegm in your lungs

Here is a natural remedy for those who suffer from discomfort and breathing difficulties due to an accumulation of phlegm or mucus in the lungs.

How to make it:
Cut a knob of ginger into pieces. Peel a piece of the ginger and add it to a bowl with water. Boil this and then leave it to cool for ¼ hour. Once cool, pour into a glass container.

When you need it, add:
1 teaspoon coconut oil
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon honey

Mix this altogether and drink it right away.

A few trusted extras shared by YEI readers

One of the best things about “Granny remedies” is that they are often handed down with real stories and lived experience. Here are a few that readers have shared over time.

Friar’s Balsam
One reader swears by Friar’s Balsam for steam inhalation to relieve severe croup in a young child, describing it as instant relief. It is a classic remedy that many South Africans grew up with.

Staal druppels (stuipdruppels)
Several readers mentioned staaldruppels for stopping bleeding fast, especially for serious cuts. One reader later shared that they found it at Checkers and Shoprite, and another mentioned Dis-Chem. It is one of those “keep it in the cupboard and the car” products for many households.

Running tummy
A reader shared that 2/4 cup water with 1 teaspoon vinegar helped for cramps and vomiting.

Flu “hot toddy” style remedies
A few readers mentioned variations using lemon, a tot of brandy, and Jamaica ginger, taken hot and then resting well covered.

A quick reminder before you try anything new

Natural does not always mean harmless.

If you are on chronic medication, or you have a condition such as diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney issues or ulcers, speak to your healthcare professional before trying strong herbal or home remedies. And if symptoms persist or worsen, always consult your doctor.

Over to you

Which remedy did you grow up with and still keep in your cupboard today?

If you reply in the comments, please include what you use it for and how you were taught to use it. Sharing is caring, and it helps other readers separate the useful remedies from the far-fetched ones.

Article by YEI