Remedies

The Remedies journal

Eight ways into the subject.

A growing editorial map for readers who want explanation, not just advice.

01Such set of spices is quite common in an Indian household. (Going clockwise)Yellow on top is Turmeric, red to its red chilli powder, grey-brownish is Garam Masala, dark red is ginger-garlic-chilli dry masala, red is again red chilli powder, dark brown is corriender seeds and cumin seeds powder. At centre are black mustard seeds.

Honey and cough

Evidence supports limited cough relief for people over one year old. Honey is unsafe for infants under 12 months.

Evidence supports limited cough relief for people over one year old. Honey is unsafe for infants under 12 months. The useful question is not simply whether an idea sounds right, but when it applies, what it leaves out and whose experience changes the answer. This entry places the issue inside a wider social and practical context.

Look for observable details, trustworthy sources and language that leaves room for revision. A serious account can be clear without pretending that every person or situation follows the same path.

02This simple dish is very popular across India. I used the recipe <a href=" http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Baingan-Bharta-Eggplant-Curry/Detail.aspx " rel="noreferrer nofollow">here</a> With a few variations: Take 3 medium size (long purple) aubergines. Wash and dry with a kitchen towel. Coat them with vegetable oil and make 4-5 lengthwise skin deep cuts on each aubergine. This makes it easy to remove the skin after it is baked. <a href=" https://www.flickr.com/photos/rovingi/753308978/in/photostream/ ">see</a> Place in a pre-heated oven for 40 minutes at 200 deg C until they become soft. When the baked aubergines are cool enough, peel off the skin by hand and remove the stalk. Mash the flesh of the aubergine coarsely with a potato masher or a spoon. <a href=" https://www.flickr.com/photos/rovingi/752454471/in/photostream/ ">see</a> Heat 4 tbsp of oil in a thick bottomed vessel. Flavour the oil with cumin & mustard seeds, 1/2 tsp turmeric powder, a pinch of asafotedia and 3 chopped green chilies. Add one medium sized finely sliced onion and fry on medium heat until translucent. Add finely chopped ginger and garlic and fry for 2 min. Add 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tbsp garam masala (curry powder), 1 tbsp Sambar powder and fry for 2 min. Add 1/2 cup stirred plain yogurt and mix well. Fry & mix until the sauce regains it's colour. Add the mashed baked aubergine & salt and mix. Cook on low heat for 30 min. Serve with chapati. The traditional way of making this dish is by roasting the aubergines over an open flame (of a gas hob) instead of baking it. This gives it a wonderful smoked flavour that is really the signature of this dish. But it's always easier to bake it in an oven.

Ginger for comfort

Ginger is commonly used for nausea and warm drinks, but concentrated products can interact with medicines.

Ginger is commonly used for nausea and warm drinks, but concentrated products can interact with medicines. The useful question is not simply whether an idea sounds right, but when it applies, what it leaves out and whose experience changes the answer. This entry places the issue inside a wider social and practical context.

Look for observable details, trustworthy sources and language that leaves room for revision. A serious account can be clear without pretending that every person or situation follows the same path.

03Patrel1 – Fresh Colocasia leaves stacked with gram flour paste between the layers. Picture taken in the kitchen.

Saline nasal rinsing

Only distilled, sterile or previously boiled and cooled water should enter a nasal-rinsing device.

Only distilled, sterile or previously boiled and cooled water should enter a nasal-rinsing device. The useful question is not simply whether an idea sounds right, but when it applies, what it leaves out and whose experience changes the answer. This entry places the issue inside a wider social and practical context.

Look for observable details, trustworthy sources and language that leaves room for revision. A serious account can be clear without pretending that every person or situation follows the same path.

04Ready dish Patvelia portioned on two different plates and photos taken from different angles, with variety of presentations

Turmeric in food

Culinary use differs from high-dose extracts, which may carry interaction and liver risks.

Culinary use differs from high-dose extracts, which may carry interaction and liver risks. The useful question is not simply whether an idea sounds right, but when it applies, what it leaves out and whose experience changes the answer. This entry places the issue inside a wider social and practical context.

Look for observable details, trustworthy sources and language that leaves room for revision. A serious account can be clear without pretending that every person or situation follows the same path.

05Ready dish Patvelia portioned on two different plates and photos taken from different angles, with variety of presentations

Warmth and muscle comfort

A warm compress can ease ordinary tension. Avoid burns, impaired sensation and use over acute injury without guidance.

A warm compress can ease ordinary tension. Avoid burns, impaired sensation and use over acute injury without guidance. The useful question is not simply whether an idea sounds right, but when it applies, what it leaves out and whose experience changes the answer. This entry places the issue inside a wider social and practical context.

Look for observable details, trustworthy sources and language that leaves room for revision. A serious account can be clear without pretending that every person or situation follows the same path.

06Ready dish Patvelia portioned on two different plates and photos taken from different angles, with variety of presentations

Vinegar and mineral scale

Useful on compatible household surfaces, but acids must never be mixed with chlorine bleach.

Useful on compatible household surfaces, but acids must never be mixed with chlorine bleach. The useful question is not simply whether an idea sounds right, but when it applies, what it leaves out and whose experience changes the answer. This entry places the issue inside a wider social and practical context.

Look for observable details, trustworthy sources and language that leaves room for revision. A serious account can be clear without pretending that every person or situation follows the same path.

07Ready dish Patvelia portioned on two different plates and photos taken from different angles, with variety of presentations

When “detox” misleads

The body already uses the liver, kidneys, lungs and gut to process waste. Extreme cleanses can cause harm.

The body already uses the liver, kidneys, lungs and gut to process waste. Extreme cleanses can cause harm. The useful question is not simply whether an idea sounds right, but when it applies, what it leaves out and whose experience changes the answer. This entry places the issue inside a wider social and practical context.

Look for observable details, trustworthy sources and language that leaves room for revision. A serious account can be clear without pretending that every person or situation follows the same path.

08Ready dish Patvelia portioned on two different plates and photos taken from different angles, with variety of presentations

The red-flag rule

Breathing difficulty, severe pain, confusion, dehydration, bleeding or rapid worsening need professional assessment.

Breathing difficulty, severe pain, confusion, dehydration, bleeding or rapid worsening need professional assessment. The useful question is not simply whether an idea sounds right, but when it applies, what it leaves out and whose experience changes the answer. This entry places the issue inside a wider social and practical context.

Look for observable details, trustworthy sources and language that leaves room for revision. A serious account can be clear without pretending that every person or situation follows the same path.