Traditional Remedies for Common Winter Illnesses
Asma Jarad
Winter is the season of scarves, mittens, and the inevitable colds, sneezes, and coughs. As we spend more time indoors, sharing close quarters and less fresh air, germs circulate more freely, and illnesses will undoubtedly spread. If you’re fortunate enough to spend time with elders during these colder months, you’re bound to be handed a hot cup of something medicinal and told stories of “what we used back when.” Whether it’s a grandmother in Palestine brewing sage tea or a grandfather in Pakistan preparing joshanda, these remedies—rooted in religious teachings, local customs, and nature’s bounty— offer comfort and healing. Let’s explore some of these time-honored remedies, see how they compare to global traditions, and learn how they are integrated and reinforced alongside modern medicine.
A Shared Human Experience
When winter forces people indoors for extended periods, the lack of fresh air and close contact leads to the inevitable spread of germs. For centuries, common ailments like colds, the flu, and persistent coughs were particularly troublesome, especially in times when access to medical care was limited. While modern medicine offers timely relief, the remedies developed over centuries in Islamic cultures are not only simple but effective. Scholars and healers in the Islamic world have long been documenting these treatments, advocating for the use of ingredients that are often found at home in the kitchen or garden.
I remember my grandmother, raised in Palestine, insisting on the power of nigella seeds when I caught a cold one winter. “Black seed,” she would say, “is a cure for everything except death,” quoting the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). Nigella sativa, or black seed, remains a staple in traditional Islamic medicine, particularly for respiratory issues, and modern studies prove its immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have shown Nigella sativa’s anti-inflammatory effects, particularly in inhibiting the pathways of certain inflammatory mediators. The Journal of Pharmacology & Pharmacotherapeutics emphasizes the wide spectrum of pharmacological properties of Nigella sativa, including its immunomodulatory effects, which are beneficial for treating respiratory conditions like asthma and bronchitis (MDPI, ResearchGate).
Remedies in Prophetic Medicine
Prophetic medicine, or “Tibb al-Nabawi,” is based on the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), and it continues to influence how Muslims approach health.
“The remedies prescribed in Prophetic medicine are grounded in natural ingredients that are as effective today as they were centuries ago.”
One such remedy is honey, praised in the Qur’an: “From their bellies comes forth liquid of varying colors, in which there is healing for people. Surely in this is a sign for those who reflect” (Qur’an 16:69). In many Muslim households, honey remains a go-to treatment for coughs and sore throats, often mixed with warm water or herbal teas.
Similarly, dates are frequently recommended as a source of nourishment, particularly during fevers. Rich in vitamins like B6, potassium, and magnesium, dates provide quick energy and support the immune system, which is crucial when the body is under stress from illness. Their fiber content also aids digestion, which is helpful especially when appetite is low. Studies highlight dates’ ability to replenish energy while being easy to digest–a practical and effective remedy during recovery (Cleveland Clinic).
Cultural Medicine in Islamic Societies
“In addition to Prophetic medicine, Islamic cultures developed their medicinal traditions, drawing on local herbs and spices.”
For example, joshanda, an herbal tea blend used widely in South Asia for colds and flu, combines licorice root, vasaka leaves, and mallow flowers. Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is shown to possess antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, making it highly effective in treating throat infections and respiratory issues. Scientific studies confirm licorice’s ability to reduce inflammation and support respiratory health (ResearchGate, SpringerLink). Vasaka leaves further contribute to the tea’s expectorant properties, clearing mucus from the respiratory system (ResearchGate).
In Arab households, thyme tea is a popular remedy, often mixed with honey to treat coughs and colds. Thyme is known for its antibacterial properties, and studies show that it helps reduce the severity of bronchitis and other respiratory conditions. Research published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology highlights thyme’s ability to inhibit bacterial growth and reduce inflammation, supporting its traditional medicinal use (SpringerLink).
In regions like Turkey and Iran, linden flower tea (ıhlamur) is commonly used to reduce fever and relieve congestion. Linden flowers contain compounds that promote relaxation and reduce inflammation, making them a favored treatment for respiratory issues. Pharmacological studies show that linden flower tea alleviates mild respiratory symptoms and supports the body’s immune response (SpringerLink).
Another key remedy in Islamic medicine is olive leaf extract, which has been used for centuries in Mediterranean and Islamic cultures. Olive trees, mentioned numerous times in the Quran as a blessed plant, offer leaves that contain potent bioactive compounds, particularly oleuropein, known for its antiviral, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory effects. In Islamic traditions, olive leaves have been used to reduce fever, treat infections, and support overall health.
Recent studies have confirmed olive leaf’s medicinal benefits. Research published in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy highlights the potent antiviral properties of oleuropein, showing its efficacy against respiratory infections and its role in reducing the severity of flu-like symptoms. Additionally, its antioxidant properties support immune function, making olive leaf extract an effective remedy during cold and flu seasons.
The exchange of goods along ancient trade routes, particularly the Silk Road, played a crucial role in spreading medicinal knowledge throughout the Islamic world. Spices and herbs like ginger, cardamom, and cloves traveled from South and Southeast Asia to the Middle East and North Africa, becoming essential components of local remedies. “The movement of these ingredients not only enriched local pharmacopeia but also facilitated the sharing of knowledge between diverse medical traditions,” notes the Journal of Ethnopharmacology.
“Globalization has further expanded access to these remedies, making ingredients that were once specific to certain regions widely available worldwide.”
“The growing interest in natural remedies has driven the commercialization of these traditional treatments,” according to Pharmacognosy Review. Remedies like these, which originated in the Arab Peninsula and Asia, are now sold in health food stores across the globe, highlighting their continued effectiveness and cultural significance (ResearchGate), MDPI).
Science Meets Tradition
While some traditional remedies may have been met with raised eyebrows in the past, modern science is increasingly proving their effectiveness. My grandmother was convinced that honey could cure my relentless cough, and, like any skeptical grandchild, I brushed it off. But, as it turns out, she was right—yet again. Studies have now shown that honey has antibacterial properties and significantly reduces coughing, especially in children with upper respiratory infections. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) supports what Islamic traditions and grandmothers have long known: honey is a powerful, natural remedy. Looks like Grandma was ahead of the curve!
Ginger, a staple in many Islamic cultures for treating colds and flu, has been scientifically shown to possess potent anti-inflammatory effects. Studies confirm that ginger contains active compounds like gingerol, shogaol, and zingerone, which contribute to its ability to reduce inflammation and improve circulation. These compounds have been shown to help alleviate symptoms associated with respiratory infections and nausea, making ginger a valuable remedy in both traditional and modern medicine. Research published in Frontiers in Pharmacology highlights ginger’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms, noting its ability to modulate the immune response, reduce oxidative stress, and inhibit pathways related to inflammation (Frontiers, BioMed Central).
Finding Balance in Today’s World
Today, many people seek to balance traditional remedies with modern medical treatments, especially in areas where access to healthcare may be limited. In rural parts of the Islamic world, traditional medicine is often the first line of defense against common ailments like colds, offering affordable and accessible solutions. For instance, in many parts of the Middle East and North Africa, healers use remedies like thyme, honey, and black seed oil to treat respiratory issues—remedies that have been used effectively for centuries.
In Western societies, the rise of interest in natural and alternative remedies has led to the adoption of many of these traditional treatments. Herbal teas, essential oils, and dietary supplements rooted in Islamic cultures have gained popularity among health-conscious consumers. According to a study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, the global demand for natural remedies continues to grow, driven by their perceived effectiveness and fewer side effects compared to pharmaceuticals (ResearchGate, Frontiers).
However, it’s crucial to remember that while these remedies are effective for common ailments, they should not replace modern medical care in the face of more serious illnesses. As noted by the World Health Organization (WHO), integrating traditional and modern medicine provides the best of both worlds, but the safety and efficacy of traditional remedies should always be evaluated on a case-by-case basis (BioMed Central).
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Asma Jarad is a Chicago-based writer and communications strategist. Her diverse body of work spans health, food trends, and the intersection of Islam and American culture.