Rainy day remedies
Today’s fast-paced world has forgotten to look at nature for its cues. For those who believe in astrology, feng shui, and the like, the current season is one where we pause and reflect. Similarly, the rains that cause class suspensions, heavy traffic, and even illness is a sign from nature to slow things down.
It seems crazy to look at the seasons, stars, and weather to tell us what to do—especially when everyone equates productivity with busyness.
Eating what’s truly in season
But the signs have been there all along—nature has been telling us how to live, when to bloom, and when to rest since the beginning of time—we just stopped listening. Even the food we should be eating flourishes at the right season and is scarce when it’s not supposed to be there.
But because of modern agriculture with fertilizers and artificial additives, it’s been impossible to tell what is truly in season.
This rainy season, yellow and orange vegetables are becoming abundant: think squash, carrots, camote, and sayote—although not yellow, is a cousin to squash. Thankfully, nature provides natural remedies for us to use to heal us from our overstimulated lives.
Staying healthy during the rainy season
Rainy season in the Philippines, roughly June to November, brings more than just wet commutes—it brings colds, flu, joint aches, flooding, and the occasional dengue scare.
I have been finding that lately, I’ve been so careful about catching a cold. I am turning into a real auntie—carrying jackets, umbrellas, and sweaters, and sipping on hot tea to avoid catching a cold. Because these days, the common flu is a scary superbug that gets us down for a long time. While a cold is technically caused by a virus, being chilled and wet can weaken the body’s defenses, making infection more likely if you’re already exposed.
And old-fashioned remedies are the best: prevent illness before it happens. Cover your head when it’s cold, don’t get wet—all of these things are important to follow.
Filipino recipes that fight the common cold
Most homes have what we need to stay illness-free. Local oregano, sometimes called Mexican oregano, steeped in tea is a common remedy. Calamansi with honey and hot water is a favorite for sore throats. Suob (steam inhalation with herbs like eucalyptus or guava leaves) is still practiced in some households to relieve congestion.
Filipino recipes that we have every day include ingredients that are perfect for warming the body and fighting off “cold” in the body. In tinolang manok, ginger—the warming element—is key in this recipe. The chicken provides a “heating” element according to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), while the green papaya or chayote and malunggay leaves are prized for being both nourishing and easy on a weakened appetite.
Arroz caldo, a thick rice-ginger porridge topped with fried garlic, scallions, and calamansi, is often the meal of choice for anyone feeling under the weather. In champorado—a sweet chocolate rice porridge—chocolate is also seen as a warming food. These dishes share a pattern: hot broth, ginger, garlic, and something sour or spicy—all of which help soothe the throat and clear the sinuses.
While I am an advocate for eating all kinds of vegetables, staying away from raw food, especially outside your home is advisable in the rainy season. Germs and bacteria tend to grow more easily and spread. Cooked vegetables are also gentler on the digestive system. Spices such as ginger and turmeric are warming to the body and provide relief from days in the damp weather.
Sayote turmeric soup for the soul
Sayote is a great diuretic when you are feeling bloated and is perfect to get the extra salt out of your body. Curcumin is the active ingredient that has all the benefits—anti-cancer, antiviral, improves digestion, and a whole host of other benefits. And the garlic and onions not only add taste but are also little flavorful powerhouses.
Ingredients
3 whole sayote, cubed
1 Tbsp onions
3 cloves garlic
2 tsp turmeric powder, or 1 thumb-sized knob turmeric
1 cup alugbati leaves
Procedures
1. In a soup pan, boil the sayote, garlic, and onions.
2. If using fresh turmeric, add the knob in the mixture. If using powder, add it at this point.
3. Cook until the sayote is tender.
4. In a blender, add the boiled sayote, garlic, and turmeric and blend until it forms a puree. Add water or vegetable stock if you want to thin it out.
5. Pour out the soup into bowls or a serving dish and top with alugbati leaves.
Oregano ginger shot
For a kick to the system, take this oregano shot. This is best for expelling phlegm and easing congestion.
Ingredients
2 leaves native oregano
1 clove garlic
1 juice of calamansi
1 tsp honey
1/2 cup of hot water
Procedures
1. Blend all ingredients together, or, if unavailable, macerate the garlic and oregano with a fork.
2. Add the hot water and the rest of the ingredients.
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