In recent years, natural health and herbal remedies have regained popularity as effective and holistic approaches to maintaining wellness. Traditional Remedies for Everyday Illnesses – Part 2 explores the power of natural solutions that have stood the test of time. In his latest 2024 book, 200 Healthy Recipes-JSR, Dr. Zaidul Akbar shares a wealth of practical herbal recipes that you can easily prepare at home using natural ingredients.

This article highlights some of the key herbal formulas from the book, including ingredients, preparation methods, health benefits, and usage tips. Whether you need relief from flu symptoms, want to strengthen your bones, soothe sinus issues, or support liver and digestive health, these herbal remedies offer natural and effective solutions.

1. Herbal Formula to Relieve Flu Symptoms

Ingredients:

• 3-star anise pods
• 5 cardamom pods
• 1 cup of water

Preparation:

Boil the star anise and cardamom pods in one cup of water until the liquid reduces to about one cup. Strain the mixture and drink it warm.

Benefits:

Star anise contains anethole, which has antiviral and antibacterial properties that help fight respiratory infections. Cardamom has anti-inflammatory effects that open the airways and reduce flu symptoms.

Additional Tips:

• For children, prepare a warm soup with garlic, black pepper, olive oil, and ginger to boost blood circulation and warm the body.
• For adults, an anti-flu soup made with ginger, cinnamon, and black pepper can strengthen the immune system.

2. Preventing Osteoporosis with Nut Juice and Turmeric Drink

a. Nut Juice Rich in Nutrients

Ingredients:

• Dates
• Almonds
• Pistachios
• Walnuts
• Hazelnuts
• Bone broth

Preparation:
Combine equal portions of all nuts with bone broth and dates, then blend until smooth to create a nutrient-dense juice.

Benefits:
Nuts are rich in healthy fats, protein, vitamins, and minerals like magnesium and calcium essential for bone health. Bone broth provides collagen and minerals that enhance bone density. This juice also helps reduce LDL cholesterol, supports heart and brain health, and balances hormones.

Usage:
Drink this juice once a week as a bone-strengthening supplement.

b. Turmeric and Ginger Herbal Drink

Ingredients:

• 300 ml of water
• 2 segments of turmeric root
• 2 segments of ginger root
• Juice of half a lime
• Honey to taste
• A pinch of natural salt

Preparation:
Slice turmeric and ginger, then simmer in water over low heat until fragrant and the water turns yellow. Let it cool to a warm temperature, then add honey, salt, and lime juice.

Benefits:
Turmeric contains curcumin, a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant that supports bone and digestive health. Ginger improves blood circulation and reduces inflammation. Lime adds vitamin C, and honey soothes the throat.

3. Remedy for Sore Throat and Respiratory Health

Ingredients:

• 2 star anise pods
• 5 cardamom pods
• 5 cloves
• Hot water

Preparation:

Steep all spices in hot water for several minutes, then drink warm.

Benefits:

This herbal tea warms the body, soothes infections, and promotes heart health through improved blood flow.

4. Herbal Solution for Sinusitis and Nasal Congestion

a. Young Coconut Juice with Black Seed (Habbatussauda)

Ingredients:

• Water and flesh of young coconut
• 1 capsule of habbatussauda (black seed)

Preparation:
Blend young coconut water and flesh with the contents of one habbatussauda capsule until smooth. Let the mixture settle so the sediment sinks, then drink the clear liquid.

Benefits:

Young coconut water hydrates and provides electrolytes, while black seed has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that help clear sinus infections and ease nasal congestion.

5. Immune-Boosting Herbal Soup

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 thumb-sized piece of fresh ginger
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 small onion
• 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• Salt to taste

Preparation:

Sauté chopped garlic, onion, and ginger in olive oil until fragrant. Add broth, black pepper, and salt, then simmer for 10–15 minutes. Drink warm.

Benefits:

This soup improves circulation, reduces inflammation, and boosts immunity. It’s especially helpful during cold and flu season.

6. Herbal Recipe for Liver Health and Detoxification

Ingredients:

• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 cup warm water

Preparation:

Mix all ingredients in warm water and stir well. Drink first thing in the morning.

Benefits:

Lemon and apple cider vinegar support liver detoxification and digestion. Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory effects protect the liver from damage. Honey balances acidity and soothes the digestive tract.

7. Natural Anti-Inflammatory Drink for Joint Health

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon ginger powder
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 cup warm water

Preparation:

Mix all powders in warm water and add honey. Stir well and drink daily.

Benefits:

Cinnamon, turmeric, and ginger are potent natural anti-inflammatories that help reduce joint pain and improve mobility.

8. Simple Herbal Tea for Digestion

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
• 1 teaspoon chamomile flowers
• 1 teaspoon peppermint leaves
• 1 cup boiling water

Preparation:

Combine all herbs in a tea infuser, steep in boiling water for 5–7 minutes, then strain and drink.

Benefits:

This blend calms the stomach, relieves bloating, and promotes smooth digestion.

9. DIY Herbal Cough Syrup

Ingredients:

• 1 cup honey
• 3 tablespoons fresh ginger juice
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder

Preparation:

Mix all ingredients in a glass jar until well combined. Take 1 tablespoon as needed for cough relief.

Benefits:

Honey soothes the throat, ginger and turmeric reduce inflammation, and lemon provides vitamin C to boost immunity.

10. Stress-Relief Herbal Infusion

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon dried lavender flowers
• 1 teaspoon dried chamomile
• 1 teaspoon lemon balm
• 1 cup hot water

Preparation:

Steep herbs in hot water for 7–10 minutes. Drink warm before bedtime.

Benefits:

Lavender, chamomile, and lemon balm promote relaxation, reduce anxiety, and improve sleep quality.

Conclusion

Dr. Zaidul Akbar’s 200 Healthy Recipes offers a comprehensive guide to harnessing the power of natural herbs and spices for everyday health challenges. These recipes rely on simple, accessible ingredients and can be incorporated easily into daily routines. Not only do they target symptoms, but they also strengthen the immune system, support organ health, and promote overall well-being naturally.

While herbal remedies are generally safe, it is important to consult a healthcare provider before starting any new treatment, especially for chronic diseases or if you are pregnant or nursing. Embracing these natural formulas empowers you to take control of your health with time-tested wisdom.

Want more traditional remedies for modern health? Bookmark this page for Part 1!