The Jamaican Grandmothers Cold & Flu Fighting and Immunity Recipe - Ginger, Garlic & Lime - Jamaicans and Jamaica - Jamaicans.com (2024)

FAQs

What do Jamaicans drink when sick? ›

In Jamaica overproof rum with lime is the mixture of choice. Said to be great for sore throats, honey and lime is a popular cure-all when the cold strikes. Some islands add onion to the mixture for increased effectiveness.

Garlic and ginger offer powerful antiviral and antibacterial effects against a variety of pathogens, including the flu and respiratory infections ( 46 , 47 ).

In the Jamaican community, Fever Grass is often used for colds/fevers. In addition, it is awesome for its anti-inflammatory properties, reducing cholesterol, and providing kidney protection. To make it, you simply boil the leaf in water as a tea or it can also be served cold after it cools fully.

Lemon ginger tea, sometimes with a touch of honey, is a home remedy for colds, coughs, and sore throats. It's also a valuable herbal tea that can boost your immune system. During the flu season, many people use it to fight off infections.

Jamaica (or Jamaican) dogwood (Piscidia erythrina or Piscidia piscipula) has been used as a traditional remedy for treating nerve pain, migraine, insomnia, anxiety, fear, and nervous tension. As early as 1844, Western scientists discovered that Jamaica dogwood had pain-relieving and sweat-promoting properties.

The combination of these powerful ingredients works together as a natural way to heal the body. This tonic will boost your immune system, fight off viruses and bacteria, balance your cholesterol, sugar levels, and blood pressure, promote weight loss, heal your sore throat, and more!

Ginger might aid digestion and ease inflammation, garlic may boost immunity, and lemon offers vitamin C. Research on the combo is limited though, and it's not a cure-all. It can be safe (check with a doctor if needed) and offer some benefits, but focus on a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle for optimal well-being.

While there is no established effective dosage of garlic, some studies on raw garlic use 100 mg crushed raw garlic per kilogram of body weight twice per day. This equals about three to four cloves per day ( 18 ). You may also take an aged garlic extract supplement.

FEVER GRASS

Also known as lemongrass, the leaf when boiled and made into tea can be used to treat cold and flus. Its anti-inflammatory properties are ideal in reducing cholesterol and providing kidney protection. The tea also aids in relieving headaches, stomach and urinary problems.

What kills fever naturally? ›

Self-treatment suggestions for fever

Take paracetamol or ibuprofen in appropriate doses to help bring your temperature down. Drink plenty of fluids, particularly water. Avoid alcohol, tea and coffee as these drinks can cause slight dehydration.

Drinking lemon-ginger tea regularly may bring about some unwanted effects. It could potentially interact with blood thinners, disturb your sleep, or cause upset stomach. Speak with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns.

Regular consumption of lemon water may help strengthen bones, promote oral health, and prevent anemia and kidney stones due to its citrate content. Lemon juice contains various antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins that boost brain and heart health.

Pregnant or breastfeeding women, people with heart conditions, and people with diabetes should not take ginger without talking to their doctors. DO NOT take ginger if you have a bleeding disorder or if you are taking blood-thinning medications, including aspirin.

Fever grass (Cymbopogon citratus)

Jamaican fever grass, also known as lemon grass, is an aromatic healing herb that is a favorite of many due to its pleasant taste and aroma. It got the name "fever" grass because it is typically used to reduce fevers.

(Learn how to stock your medicine cabinet and how to cope with colds, flu and other viruses at home.) Good options for staying hydrated include: Beverages, such as water and tea. Electrolyte solutions or sports drinks, such as Pedialyte for children and Gatorade (try the sugar-free version), are good options.

We love our rum here in Jamaica, not only in rum punch, but to clear up congestion. Mix a cap-full of over-proof Jamaican rum with lime juice. Rub the mixture on your neck and chest, splash a little on your cheeks, and finally inhale the mixture.