As Tet approaches, the cooler weather and long holidays can affect your health. Cold temperatures may lead to issues like facial paralysis, colds, respiratory infections, or strokes. To protect your health during this time, explore these traditional remedies using garlic, honey, ginger, and other common spices for effective prevention and treatment.
Cold Weather – Health Risks to Note
According to forecasts, northern regions will experience colder temperatures during Tet. Sudden or rapid changes in temperature can cause serious health issues. Elderly people and children should pay special attention to keeping warm when playing outside or at home, avoiding drafts and late-night bathing.
Simple and Effective Traditional Remedies
In Vietnamese households, spices like garlic, ginger, and honey are not only used for cooking but also as medicine. Here are some useful recipes:
1. Boosting Immunity
Keep a jar of garlic infused honey at home. Each morning, mix one tablespoon of garlic-infused honey with warm water. Alternatively, use one clove of garlic + 20ml honey + 200ml boiling water to make a nutritious tea.
Additionally, herbal teas are great options. Combine herbs like cilantro, cinnamon, mint, and green tea (5g each) with 200ml of boiling water, steep for 5-10 minutes, and enjoy while it’s warm.
2. Treating Common Cold
To alleviate cold symptoms, cook porridge with mint, cilantro, perilla, and garlic (30g each). Eat it hot to induce sweating or drink the strained liquid while it’s warm.
3. Supporting Respiratory Health
For respiratory infections, nasal congestion, or runny nose, dilute garlic juice in a 1:20 ratio and use it as a nasal rinse. Additionally, drinking tea made from mint and cilantro can help relieve discomfort.
4. Treating Indigestion and Fullness
Ginger is a digestive powerhouse. Boil five slices of ginger in water and drink it warm, or mash 3-5 cloves of garlic and apply them to the navel area (use cloth to avoid burns).
5. Alleviating Hangovers
After parties, drinks like green bean soup, rice water mixed with sugar, or white radish juice are beneficial for those who have consumed alcohol. These help detoxify and quickly restore the body.
House Fumigation – Warm Your Home During Tet
Fumigate your house with soapberry, dried pomelo peels, or essential oils like lemongrass, cinnamon, and mint to eliminate bacteria and create a pleasant aroma, enhancing relaxation during Tet.
Tips for a Healthy Tet
- Nutrition: Increase intake of dark leafy greens to boost vitamin C. Limit salty and fatty foods like sausage, preserved meats, and sausages.
- Exercise: Engage in light exercises like qigong, tai chi, or yoga to enhance health.
- Hydration: Stay hydrated and eat regular meals to avoid overloading your digestive system.
- Limit Alcohol: Drink moderately and prefer warming spices like pepper, ginger, and galangal to keep your body warm.
With these simple yet effective measures, you and your family can enjoy a safe, healthy, and joyful Tet.
Source: Dan Tri
