The All-Natural Remedies Our Abuelas Knew About First

Honey & Lime

Sore throat? No worries, grab some honey and lime and mix them together for the best soothing medication out there. It’s sweet, it’s sour, and it’s going to help you! Do we recommend you use it as a chaser for a tequila shot? Absolutely. Rumor has it that tequila can help kick those pesky bacteria to the curb and give your throat some much-needed relief.

But don't just take our word for it - honey has been hailed since the good old days for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, while lime brings a hefty dose of vitamin C to the party. Plus, the lime's acidic kick will help liquefy mucus and free you from congestion.

Arnica

Aching muscles? Our abuelas have long known the power of these tiny yellow flowers that grow freely in open fields. Once they are collected and dried up, you can add them to a pot of water and bring them to a boil to extract their potency. Add alcohol for additional strength, make a compress, then place the towel over the achy body area for relief.

This inflammation-reducing, blood flow improving superhero of natural remedies will have you feeling like a new person faster than you can say "sana, sana, colita de rana" (which, by the way, is also a magical cure-all according to abuela).

Garlic

Garlic for coughs is not exactly our top pick for natural remedies. But according to abuela, it's the bee's knees. Turns out garlic has some serious antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties that can help calm down your respiratory system and ease that pesky cough.

The recipe is as follows: cut up a head of garlic, a handful of radishes, an entire purple onion, and five ounces of lemon and honey. Mix them together and take a spoonful of this concoction three times a day. Beware the potency but get ready to feel so much better (and probably have stinky breath)!

Cannabis

The craze about the powers of CBD has taken over the internet as the next best thing for anxiety, depression, and countless other body ailments. But our abuelas knew way back when that cannabis had the power to soothe aches and pains, especially those pesky hand cramps from years of hard work (or just aging). So what did they do? They infused their alcohol bottle with cannabis, and extracted CBD to rub onto their hands and soothe the pain of arthritis. The only thing we don’t have an explanation for is where they got the cannabis from…

Aloe Vera

Aloe has grown in popularity among mainstream brands, but we remember our mamás growing Aloe Vera in their own backyard for personal use. Its hydrating properties make it popular in skincare products, while its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties can aid in wound healing. Aloe Vera also has a soothing effect on the digestive tract and may boost the immune system.

From sunburn to hair health to indigestion, this plant seems to be a miracle plant for all ailments! We suggest peeling the skin and cutting it into strips, then placing them onto a plate and into your fridge for a nice, cooling relief after a sunburn. For indigestion, fix up a smoothie of peeled aloe, green apple, pineapple, and basil.

Peppermint

While coffee is revered as the drink of choice in Latine households, we recommend you opt for peppermint tea from time to time. Why? Peppermint can serve as a great digestive enzyme and help you with indigestion and stomach aches. Plus, who doesn't love a soothing cup of tea? So next time your belly’s feeling a little off, skip the java and reach for some minty goodness. Your gut will thank you.