As the rainy season blankets the country with its characteristic downpours and cool breezes, many people find themselves battling common ailments such as colds, catarrh, and flu.

These illnesses, though typically mild, can disrupt daily life, causing discomfort and fatigue.

However, the solution to these rainy season woes might just be found in your kitchen.

Drawing on the rich culinary and medicinal traditions of Nigeria, here are some natural remedies that can help reduce symptoms and promote a speedy recovery.

1. Pepper soup

Pepper soup is a beloved Nigerian dish known not only for its delicious taste but also for its medicinal properties. It is particularly effective in treating colds, catarrh, allergies, and loss of appetite.

Key ingredients should include protein like fish, chicken, or goat meat, cayenne pepper (Shombo) to ease throat irritation and clear nasal passages, alligator pepper with its stimulant and medicinal properties, and other spices like ginger, garlic, mint, and onions.

2. Honey, lemon, and cayenne cough syrup

A simple yet potent remedy involves mixing raw honey, a pinch of cayenne pepper, and fresh lemon juice.

This syrup can be taken as needed to soothe sore throats and suppress coughs. Honey is known for its soothing properties, lemon juice is rich in Vitamin C, and cayenne pepper provides warmth and aids in clearing nasal passages.

3. Garlic, ginger, and lemongrass tea

This herbal tea is a powerhouse for preventing and treating cold and flu symptoms. To make it, boil a combination of garlic, ginger, lemongrass, lime, onions, unripe pawpaw, and utazi leaves.

Garlic is known for its antimicrobial and immune-boosting properties, ginger acts as an anti-inflammatory and helps to relieve nausea, lemongrass provides a calming effect and aids digestion, while lime and onions are rich in antioxidants and Vitamin C.

4. Vitamin C-rich foods

Boosting your intake of Vitamin C is crucial during the rainy season. Incorporate plenty of fruits and vegetables high in Vitamin C, such as oranges, lemons, limes, pawpaw, and leafy greens, into your diet.

You can also consider taking Vitamin C supplements to ensure you’re getting enough of this vital nutrient.

5. Warm salt water gargle

Gargling with warm salt water can help reduce throat inflammation and kill bacteria causing sore throats and coughs. It’s a simple and effective remedy that can provide immediate relief.