KZN-style tips to boost your immunity this winter
With any change of season comes a possible knock to your immune system...
Unfortunately, during the season change and most especially as Winter emerges, we have to take extra care to keep our immunity strong.
This year it feels like Winter came early, and so many people got hit harder than they expected.
But with the emergence of Winter comes a few traditional family tips that somehow make you feel better. It may not always work alone, but consistency is key when maintaining good health.
Things like Vitamin C smoothies, immunity-boosting juice shots, hearty soups, rest, and staying hydrated are all good practices.
And since many people are trying to grapple with the return to office setups, our immunity may be slightly weaker than expected. So, it is important to have a good immunity-boosting plan in place.
Here are some great tips that we got from our moms and grandmothers. Please note that these are cultural practices and should not be relied on solely without a visit to the doctor.
Indian households don't go through Winter or the cold season without a hearty bowl of Rasam or King Soup.
This recipe comes in a variety of forms, but the aim (as per mom) is to make it spicy and sour, this will help knock that cold and flu right away.
"According to Indian Express, rasam's tangy flavour helps to clean out your respiratory tract, and the curry leaves in it help you deal with flu-like symptoms. Curry leaves, tamarind extract, turmeric powder, red pepper, and mustard seeds also have several health benefits if you are prone to a cold and cough."
Check out a great recipe here. Or you can watch this video below from TikTok.
@sukenianaidu Hi Guys, come along with me to make a very old school traditional dish, King Soup or better known as Rasam. It’s spicy and so flavourful, perfect for the cold, here’s my recipe: * 4-5 tablespoons tamarind soaked in one cup of boiling water * 1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns * 1 tablespoon cumin seeds * 1 tablespoon black mustard seeds * 6 cloves of fresh garlic or more if you like * half an onion thinly sliced * 1 medium tomato, skinned and chopped * 1 teaspoon turmeric * as many dried chillies as you prefer * salt to your taste * 1 cup of water * dhania Method In a heavy mortar, crush the pepper, mustard seeds, garlic and cumin seeds with a little salt, until the spices are fairly fine but not a powder and the garlic forms a paste. On medium heat in a pot, fry the onions and chillies until translucent. Add the crushed spices and garlic. Fry for a minute, stirring. Add the turmeric and stir for 10 seconds. Add the tomato and the tamarind juice (strain out any pips). Bring to the boil and lower heat to medium. Cook for 15 minutes. Add half a cup water (or more if the soup is too strong). I strained all the spices out and blended them added to my liquid and your dhania and simmer for few more minutes. Season with salt and serve with fresh coriander. Serve over basmati rice, or strain and serve in mugs. The rasam improves in flavour the next day. Let me know what you guys think🫶 #kingsoup #rasam #southindian #fyp #indianfood #comecookwithme #delicious #spicyfood #traditional #durban #southafrica #indiantiktok ♬ original sound - sukenia naidu
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Another great way to boost your immune system is ginger milk, ginger juice or a simple combination of four ingredients taken as a juice shot.
We like to use a combination of ginger juice, lemon juice, cayenne pepper, and honey, but you can mix and change. Chilli is also a great source of Vitamin C, so the cayenne helps cut the flu.
A modern-day version of ginger milk is 'Golden milk' - and its a great after-supper drink.
Check out the video below, courtesy of TikTok
@saneshmakeup How I make my Ginger milk🥰❤️ Recovering from a cold sucks🥺 remember to take your vitamins everyone🌸 #tiktoksouthafrica #tumericlatte #gingermilk #coldandfluremedies ♬ original sound - 🧿Saneshnie Naidoo🧿
Don't discount following a good sleep routine. When your body is well rested your immunity is stronger.
So, no late nights when you feel a knock. Rest, rest, rest.
Also, drinking water and staying hydrated is integral in keeping your body ready to fight off infection.
Image Courtesy of Facebook