The kitchen is her laboratory

The best thing about being born into a Desi household is that you can actually live your life without ever seeing a doctor. No, not because you never fall sick, it’s because there is no bacteria, virus, or cell mutation that can escape the healing hands of the Desi mom, aunt, and grandmom.

The kitchen is her laboratory, and the spice box her medicine chest. Various permutations and combinations of turmeric, black seed oil, basil leaves, honey, lemon, ginger, garlic, cloves, gooseberry, and milk are used as a cure for virtually anything, from the common cold to cancer.

Another thing to be noted- you are always responsible for any disease you contract. Cold? Probably because you don’t dry your hair properly after showering. Headache? It’s obviously excessive time in front of the TV/mobile/laptop. Hairloss? Not enough coconut oil on your scalp. Back pain? Probably because you don’t help out at home (true story bro).

Some of the medicinal combos that have kept me alive so far- turmeric and milk before sleep, honey and lemon in the morning, onions in honey for sore throat, and concentrated gooseberry juice that reaches your toes.

One time I woke up from sleep and my mom was hovering over my head with a spoon in her hand. As soon as I opened my eyes she said open your mouth and dumped something in and asked me to gulp it down. Honey and blackseed oil. And then I went back to sleep.

All said, I am grateful for this. It’s when I fall sick that I realize how much I need my mom (even now!) and how much she does for me. I think we can say that for most mothers. So thank you maa, moms, mammas and ummas. Please know that although we roll our eyes when you tell us about the latest home remedy to ‘boost immunity’ , we love the Love which makes you do this for us. <3