The winter season has enveloped most parts of Europe and America as things are about to get warmer in Africa. Naturally, the change in weather often causes different reactions in people especially those with underlining health conditions. They can easily get cold or chest infections, get sick and unable to carry out daily tasks efficiently. The fashion stores are quick to respond to the change in weather with new collections that fit the prevailing weather condition during winter season.
For sub-Saharan Africans who experience winter for the first time, the experience is shocking and scary. But the good news is that there are natural food sources that can alleviate several cold symptoms. Here are six of the food-inspired home remedies for treating cold symptoms:
- Peppersoup
The Nigerian peppersoup is a very popular both as a delicacy than as a medicinal soup. New nursing mothers enjoy the peppersoup because it promotes healing and recovery after childbirth. During cold season, peppersoup has proven to be the people’s companion, clearing up the airways and improving lung health. To make peppersoup is quite simple. Most grocery stores sell peppersoup ingredients in portable containers. But if you prefer the farm freshness, you can visit a local market and ask for ingredients such as nutmeg, scent leaves, chilli pepper, dry uziza and your choice of meat or fish to garnish the soup.
- Ginger
If an institution like John Hopkins Medicine can consider the benefits of ginger, so should you. Ginger provides great relief for cold symptoms and reduces nausea and vomiting for patients receiving chemo for cancer or persons suffering from pneumonia or COPD. Eating ginger also helps to reduce fermentation, constipation and other causes of bloating and intestinal gas.
- Oysters
Oysters may be low in calories but certainly rich in Vitamin B12, zinc, and functions as a unique antioxidant. They are largely found in marine habitat such as oceans and bays. Aside from their famed aphrodisiac attribute, they have antioxidant traits in selenium content. Well, if you find yourself on a vacation somewhere near the mediterranean, the whole is indeed your oyster.
- Tagine
This Moroccan delicacy is a must-try. Made from spiced vegetables, Tagine is cooked with light broth, accompanied by meat, chicken, or fish. All ingredients are placed inside heavy pottery vessels called “tagine.”
Tagines have a clay cover to distribute the heat from the top to the whole pot. This accounts for a healthy, slow cooking process so that the ingredients are infused with the flavor-laden steam and the meat melts off the bones. Add some lemon for a unique culinary experience.
- Rooibos Tea
This tea is common in South Africa. It is basically herbal infusion made from the leaves of the rooibos shrub legume, which is native to South Africa and has been used by the Khoisan people for many centuries. It is rich in antioxidant and should be consumed moderately due to its caffeine content.
