Fighting the Flu Season with Dadi’s Old Nuskhe: A Timeless Battle Against the Changing Weather

The Changing Weather and the Flu: A Timeless Struggle

As cold winds replace the warm sun, our bodies undergo a seasonal transition. The inevitable flu season, when the body is more vulnerable to viruses and colds, coincides with this shift. Flu-related ailments become common, causing sneezing fits, sore throats, and continuous bouts of weariness, leaving us hoping for an immune booster or perhaps a miracle cure.

As we balance our social obligations, jobs, and other responsibilities, maintaining our health frequently suffers as a result. We frequently neglect the importance of getting enough sleep and eating a healthy diet, which increases our vulnerability to seasonal illnesses. While modern medicine provides quick solutions such as flu vaccines and over-the-counter medications, many people still rely on traditional remedies passed down through generations.

In all honesty, the consolation and affection that these family customs provide are just as important as prevention. The old nuskhe, recounted over warm bowls of soup and comfortable haldi doodh, are some well-kept secrets.

So, what if we could fight flu season the old-fashioned way — with a little help from two renowned chefs- Chef Amrita Raichand and Chef Chinu Vaze, who share some of their Dadi’s Nuskhe!

Chef Amrita Raichand's Flu-Fighting Wisdom: A Family Tradition of Care

Chef Amrita Raichand, known for her warmth in the kitchen, advocates maintaining a healthy lifestyle to stay protected against seasonal illnesses. "I believe it's more about keeping your overall lifestyle in check," she shares, emphasizing that no single remedy or nuskha can replace the benefits of good habits like sleep, proper nutrition, and physical well-being.

However, coming to traditional flu-busting remedies, Chef Amrita’s memories are anchored in her mother’s kitchen. “My mother always made me haldi doodh — the classic turmeric milk — and a hearty chicken soup loaded with whole spices, chicken, vegetables, and pasta,” she recalls. She would also prepare the soup for her son, Agastya, who loves it just as much.

One of her most trusted remedies for flu prevention is an ultimate classic- a potli made of ajwain (carom seeds). "I still believe in all the old-fashioned remedies,” she says, a testament to the power of tradition.

Amrita also emphasizes the importance of sleep in maintaining a strong immune system. "The maximum repair happens during sleep," she says. "When you're well-rested, you're less susceptible to catching a virus." Additionally, eating seasonal produce is another key aspect of staying healthy. “There’s a reason certain foods are available during certain times of the year. They're designed to support your body through the seasonal transitions.”

When she catches the flu, Amrita’s go-to remedy is a hot, clear soup. Coupled with rest and a lot of care and love, it becomes the perfect recovery potion.

Chef Chinu Vaze’s Seasonal Flu Remedies: A Mix of Ayurvedic Wisdom and Modern Wellness

Chef Chinu Vaze is known for her culinary expertise and her recent cookbook ‘Baby Knows Best’ which focuses on feeding your kids with high-value, nutritious meals! Chef Chinu’s focus on wellness is evident in her recipes and she also swears by the power of traditional remedies. "My go-to remedies for flu prevention are simple but effective: turmeric, ghee, honey, and ginger,” she explains. "I make a paste of honey and haldi, which I use as a ‘Chatan’ (a paste that is consumed as is for best medicinal properties), and also drink various kadhas made with a mix of Ayurvedic herbs."

For Chinu, these remedies are a part of her daily life. She shares a fond memory from her childhood: “My mother would always make gul balls (jaggery balls) and give us sitopaladi churan, an Ayurvedic formulation. It was a gentler approach than hardcore medicines, and I still carry it forward.”

Chinu’s approach to health involves taking quality supplements and focusing on a balanced diet. She avoids gluten, prefers whole grains like rice, and ensures that her meals are rich in proteins and good fats. "I also believe it's important for women to be consistent with their natural supplements and superfoods, especially for hormonal health," she notes.

When the flu strikes, Chinu’s trusted remedy is always a batch of homemade chicken stock. "I always have loads of chicken stock in my freezer,” she says. "I add it to everything — soups, stews, or even just drink it as a broth. It's an easy way to stay nourished." She also advocates for a hearty bowl of chicken soup before almost every meal to keep her immune system in check.

Like Amrita, Chinu is a firm believer in the powers of turmeric. “We live in the land of turmeric," she says. "I keep fresh turmeric in my freezer, and I also use dry turmeric — both in its whole form and powder. Turmeric is a miracle ingredient for flu prevention.” she proudly says, “Go Turmeric!”

The Secrets of Dadi’s Nuskhe: Why They Still Work

In a world where quick fixes and modern medicine often take center stage, it's refreshing to look back at the old ways that still work wonders. Whether it's Amrita's potli of ajwain or Chinu's favorite kadha, these traditional remedies are more than just nostalgic. They carry the wisdom of generations that knew the importance of nourishing food, rest, and seasonal adjustments.

By focusing on a balanced lifestyle, eating with the seasons, prioritizing rest, and incorporating this time-honored nuskhe, we honor the generations that came before us as we work to protect our bodies.

As Chef Amrita and Chef Chinu have shared, the secret lies in holistic care — from turmeric-based concoctions to nourishing soups and quality sleep. This flu season, let’s fight back with a little help from Dadi’s old nuske. After all, sometimes the best remedies are the ones that have stood the test of time.