For generations, families have turned to traditional remedies to combat the unpleasant symptoms of winter colds and coughs. One such natural approach, reportedly popular in India, involves creating a vibrant orange-coloured 'shot' from simple kitchen ingredients that many households already possess.
The Viral TikTok Remedy
TikTok user @Bettylikestoeat recently showcased this traditional cold remedy, demonstrating how to blend turmeric, honey and black pepper into fresh orange juice. The social media creator added ginger to her personal version, explaining: "I just feel like it is essential if you have a cold."
Without precise measurements provided in the original recipe, Betty relied on estimation when combining the ingredients. The resulting mixture was described as "so tasty" and surprisingly pleasant for a health-focused drink.
A Cost-Effective Alternative
After sampling her creation from a shot glass, Betty compared the homemade version to commercial wellness products, noting: "That is delicious. It tastes like one of those ginger shots you can buy from Pret-a-Manger for £4."
Remarkably, all necessary ingredients can be purchased from Tesco for under £3.50, with some items likely already available in kitchen cupboards. The complete shopping list includes:
- Tesco Clear Honey (340g, £1.19)
- Tesco Ground Black Pepper (25g, £1.15)
- Tesco Ground Turmeric (45g, £1.10)
- Grower's Harvest Smooth Orange Juice (1L, 89p)
Scientific Support for Traditional Ingredients
Each component of this traditional remedy has established benefits for cold symptom relief, making their combination particularly effective for winter health support.
Orange Juice Benefits
Fresh orange juice provides substantial vitamin C content alongside other essential nutrients that support immune system function and maintain hydration levels during illness.
Honey's Soothing Properties
The NHS recommends honey mixed with warm water for its natural cough-suppressing qualities and throat-soothing capabilities. However, this remedy is unsuitable for infants under one year old due to potential health risks.
Turmeric and Black Pepper Synergy
Turmeric contains curcumin, a powerful anti-inflammatory compound frequently included in herbal tea blends. When combined with black pepper, which enhances curcumin absorption, this spice combination may help soothe sore throats, reduce congestion and strengthen immune responses.
Cultural Remedies for Winter Health
This traditional Indian approach follows a pattern of cultural remedies passed through generations. Previously, the same TikTok user shared another family remedy from her Cantonese background involving heated Coca-Cola blended with lemon and ginger.
While not medically certified, such folk remedies remain popular in various cultures for their perceived benefits in easing cold symptoms through steam, warmth, ginger's properties and sugar's energy boost.
As winter continues across the UK with occasional bitter weather, such traditional approaches offer accessible, affordable alternatives for those seeking natural relief from seasonal cold symptoms.
