Do Indian Home Remedies Still Work in Australia’s Winter?

As soon as the chill hits, so do the coughs and colds. But before turmeric shots lined Woolies shelves, our families brewed kadha, stirred haldi doodh, and passed down spice secrets from one generation to the next.

Every winter, Indian-Australians face the same question- should we stick with home remedies or try the latest health trend in stores? From ginger-honey teas to fancy wellness drinks, there’s no shortage of options. But which ones actually help, and which are just hype?

This article explores whether traditional Indian remedies offer a real advantage in Australia’s winter health landscape, or if modern products are simply repackaging old wisdom with a new price tag.

Kadha – a simmering herbal brew made with tulsi, ginger, cinnamon, and other spices, varies across regions in India. In Australia, Indian households continue to adapt it using local ingredients. This blend is valued for its immunity-boosting and decongesting properties.

In contrast, Australia’s growing range of turmeric shots and wellness tonics, while often effective, can contain sweeteners and preservatives. Homemade kadhas offer bioavailable, potent forms of the same ingredients, tailored to the drinker’s symptoms.

Dr. Preeya Alexander, a Melbourne-based GP, believes that “Traditional remedies often provide a holistic approach that commercial products can’t replicate.” (AIA Source)

Dr. Rahul Jadhav, a Sydney-based Ayurvedic consultant, echoes the sentiment: “We’re seeing a resurgence of Ayurvedic herbs in both Indian and mainstream homes.”

Indian kitchens house nature’s best defences: ajwain for cough, turmeric for inflammation, methi for blood sugar, and black pepper to enhance absorption. Popular home remedies include turmeric milk, ginger-honey paste, and amla juice.

Australian companies have picked up on this too. Brands like Swisse and The Good Vitamin Co now offer golden milk powders and ashwagandha capsules — but at a higher cost than traditional alternatives.

Here’s a list of household staples still widely used among Indian-Australians:

• Turmeric milk (Haldi doodh): Anti-inflammatory and warming. A staple for sore throats and colds.
• Ajwain water or steam: Great for decongestion and cough relief.
• Tulsi and ginger tea: Immune-boosting, soothing for irritated throats.
• Honey with ginger or black pepper: Calms cough and acts as a natural antibiotic.
• Amla juice: High in Vitamin C; good for overall immunity.
• Mustard oil chest rubs: Often used with garlic and ajwain to relieve congestion.
• Abhyanga (warm oil massage): Promotes circulation and immunity during cold weather.

These age-old remedies are not only effective but also affordable and accessible.

While Australians often rely on eucalyptus steam, Indian households swear by ajwain or garlic steam. Sydney-based Dr. Sam Hay notes: “Steam therapy is effective across the board. The key is early, consistent use.” (Dr Sam Hay)

Whether it’s Vicks or vapours from crushed ajwain, the aim is the same: relief through warmth and consistency.

Indian traditions like abhyanga (oil massage), hot water sips, and seasonal diet adjustments still thrive in Australia — but often modified. Sesame oil might be replaced with lighter almond oil; turmeric water might be consumed instead of full-fledged kadha.

These rituals align with modern habits like yoga, warm lemon water, or brisk winter walks. As Dr. Jadhav suggests, “It’s not about choosing one over the other — it’s about finding synergy.”

While supermarket shelves offer convenience, they can’t replicate the intent, care, and cultural knowledge embedded in home remedies. Indian-Australian families continue to rely on their spice racks not just for flavour, but for resilience.

In fact, according to a recent survey by Health & Wellness Australia, over 47% of Indian-origin residents in Australia still rely on home remedies during cold and flu season.

So as winter settles in, the choice may not be between turmeric pills and kadha — but in embracing the strengths of both. Let tradition stir the pot, while science stirs validation.