Straight from a Persian mom: 8 natural Persian remedies

Written by Talia Bina

Growing up in the U.S. as a second generation immigrant, experiencing a cold was sometimes more of a cultural experience than a physical one. My mother’s first resort was never to grab some Tylenol to deal with a sudden onset of symptoms — it was a cup of hot Persian tea with honey. As an adult, I find myself teaching my friends the same things.

“When you make soup, put some turmeric in it. Yes, turmeric. And do you have turnips? Eat those, too.”

When I’m under the weather, I heal my body with food rather than a cocktail of pharmaceutical drugs.

While I initially rolled my eyes at my mother’s suggestions, I have now found comfort in them and feel a sense of motherly love when I share them with others. As a society, we have become so reliant on medications for an array of medical issues. We accept that bottle of blood pressure medication or migraine pills without even consideration that there may be alternatives. Fortunately, there are some natural methods to try first. Put down those capsules, and pour yourself some Earl Gray because I’m about to spill the tea (literally).

Tea

According to any Persian mother out there, tea is the cure. My Persian friends and I mock our mothers: “Oh, your foot hurts? Have some chai.” Yes, it’s perhaps an exaggeration (a Persian mother would probably lather egg yolks and turmeric on your foot instead), but tea is an essential part of our culture and therefore, an essential type of remedy. While it is normally suggested that caffeine is avoided when you have a cold or are experiencing menstrual cramps, a Persian mother will roll their eyes and hand you a scorching cup of Sadaf tea.

As a spice-infused culture, we also spice up our tea. Particularly tea with rock candy (infused with saffron) is the cure-all. From my understanding, the antioxidants in the tea, as well as the natural benefits saffron brings, can be beneficial for stomach aches, sore throats and any other pain.

Herbal distillates

If you want to spice up your tea even more, stir in a spoon or two of an herbal distillate. The two primary ones are rose water and mint water. For those of you who have been bombarded by TikToks that go on and on about the benefits of rose water for your skin, try using it orally as well.

Rose water contains vitamins and other antioxidants that can help lead to clear skin. It can also reduce inflammation and help balance emotions. Its floral notes can naturally bring a subtle sweetness to any dish, which is why it’s often used in many Persian desserts like my favorite pistachio saffron ice cream.

Another herbal distillate you may want to try is “aragh nana” or distilled mint water. Primarily, it is used for stomach pains or digestion issues, and may be helpful for people with IBS. Lesser used, there is orange blossom water, which is beneficial for muscle spasms, anxiety, skin concerns and upset stomach, while pussy willow water can help manage high fevers, the common cold, minor infections, mild headaches and pain caused by inflammation.

Saffron

Saffron is the most expensive spice in the world, as each Crocus sativus flower has only two threads of saffron each. It is used in almost every Persian dish, and aside from its beautiful orange hue and floral scent, the little threads have extensive health benefits. Saffron can protect an individual against cancer, can help with menstrual disorders and can improve learning and memory. Additionally, many studies have found that saffron has mood-boosting properties that can fight against depression and anxiety disorders. Unfortunately, it seems like even the natural forms of antidepressant medication/therapy are expensive.

Green cardamom

Cardamom is often used in teas, desserts and even my grandmother’s famous gondi, a Persian chickpea meatball. Green cardamom has an earthy, spicy, yet slightly sweet undertone — a perfect warm spice for cold weather. Cardamom has antibacterial properties, anti-inflammatory effects and cancer-preventing properties. It can also be beneficial for bad breath, dental issues, insomnia, detoxification and blood sugar.

Turmeric

To all Persians worldwide, the turmeric supplement trend is laughable and eye-roll worthy. While it seems like a huge new discovery, Persians have used turmeric as a staple spice for centuries: your salt and pepper are our saffron and turmeric. Turmeric is widely known for its anti-inflammatory properties (which is why many Persians create a turmeric paste and apply it to sore body parts), and it can help with digestion, weight loss and sleep.

Teff

Teff, known as “khakshir” in Farsi, is a fine grain the size of a poppy seed. While it directly translates to “dirt milk,” it definitely doesn’t look like it. In my opinion, it doesn’t really have a taste, but it does have a softer texture once mixed with water. My mother mixes teff seeds with warm water and drinks it to manage coughs and other effects of colds. It is a great source of protein, but also packed with minerals like copper, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, manganese, zinc and selenium, which makes it great for moments where your body is under the weather and lacking energy.

Borage

Borage, known as “gol gavzaban” in Farsi, is a plant with vibrant blue flowers. In Persian culture, it is made into a tea, but borage oil is also widely available on the market. It has been used for medicinal purposes in areas around the world. It is sometimes used for a hormone problem known as adrenal insufficiency, but it has also been used as an antidepressant, to alleviate arthritis, detoxification and for colds and bronchitis. Unlike some of the other natural remedies, however, borage is a plant that should be taken with caution, especially for those who are on blood thinners, have liver disease or are pregnant. It is important to do your research and discuss with a doctor before using borage.

Turnips

Chicken noodle soup? Think again. Persians will hand you cooked turnips or turnip soup, known as “ash shalgham,” when you’re sick. While at first, I hated the taste, I’ve learned to dice them finely and put them in a vegetable soup, and now they are the best addition. The root vegetable helps relieve intestinal problems, lowers blood sugar and can protect against harmful bacteria and inflammation — and according to Persian moms, they cure any cold.

Header photo by Karolina Grabowska