The Wisdom Jar

Grandmother's cabinet

Home remedies for everyday complaints

Simple recipes from the Ayurvedic tradition. Use them alongside — not instead of — advice from your practitioner.

For Cough & sore throat

Tulsi–ginger decoction

  1. 1Simmer 8–10 tulsi leaves and a thumb of crushed ginger in 2 cups water.
  2. 2Reduce by half, strain, add ½ tsp honey once warm (not hot).
  3. 3Sip twice a day.

For Indigestion & bloating

CCF tea (cumin, coriander, fennel)

  1. 1½ tsp each of cumin, coriander and fennel seeds in 2 cups water.
  2. 2Simmer 5 minutes, strain, sip warm after meals.

For Restless sleep

Golden milk with nutmeg

  1. 1Warm 1 cup milk with ¼ tsp turmeric, a pinch of nutmeg and cardamom.
  2. 2Sweeten lightly with jaggery or honey.
  3. 3Drink 30 minutes before bed.

For Tension headache

Brahmi oil scalp massage

  1. 1Warm a tablespoon of brahmi or coconut oil.
  2. 2Massage into scalp and temples for 5 minutes.
  3. 3Rest in a dim room; wash out after an hour.

For Low immunity

Daily chyawanprash

  1. 11 tsp of chyawanprash on an empty stomach.
  2. 2Follow with warm water or milk.
  3. 3Especially helpful through seasonal changes.

For Dry skin

Almond–milk ubtan

  1. 1Mix 1 tbsp almond flour, ½ tsp turmeric, milk to a paste.
  2. 2Apply, leave 10 minutes, rinse with cool water.