Whenever we admire our exquisite Polish pottery garlic keeper on the countertop, entertaining thoughts of Babcia’s wives tales for curing the common cold pop up. This heirloom piece effectively corrals the papery mess of garlic cloves, keeps them fresh, and also reminds us of our heritage and the clever methods our ancestors used to make life better. On National Garlic Day, we thought we’d share some of the more interesting tricks we’ve been told will keep us happy and healthy.
Garlic: Nature’s Antiseptic
Garlic, often known for warding off vampires, is also touted as a potent natural antiseptic. Consuming a whole clove might not make you the life of the party, but it could help fend off a cold. Plus, it’s an excellent conversation starter—if you dare to get close enough.
Chicken Soup: More Than Just Comfort Food
Chicken soup isn’t just a comforting bowl of goodness; it’s a hydrating and nutrient-rich elixir that has stood the test of time as a cold remedy. Grab a soup mug or bouillon cup and slurp away the sniffles with this classic remedy that’s been passed down through generations.
Lemon and Honey: The Dynamic Duo
A hot concoction of lemon and honey isn’t just soothing; it’s a tag team of germ-fighting and throat-soothing goodness. It’s like a spa day for your throat, minus the cucumber slices and fluffy robes. In fact, a spoonful of local honey a day can also work similarly to allergy shots, if you’re prone to seasonal stuffiness — so keep a honey jar at hand and put a teaspoon in your cup!
Onions in Socks: The Quirky Quotient
Believe it or not, some swear by placing sliced onions in socks to draw out toxins and combat a cold. We suspect the key to this is the crying (and clearing your sinuses) while the onions are still on the cutting board. While this might work similar to a menthol rub on the chest, keeping the onions the farthest from our noses (e.g., in our socks) is probably the closest anyone can tolerate for very long – genius!
The Final Word
While these age-old remedies may seem unconventional, they often contain kernels of truth. So, the next time you feel a cold coming on, why not give one—or all—of these quirky remedies a try? They just might make you giggle, and we all know — laughter is the best medicine! Remember “zdrowie to największy skarb!” (Health is the greatest treasure.)
🧛🍲🍋🍯🧅