3 Homemade Babushka's Remedies (Lemon Ginger Tea, Garlic Rye Bread & Raspberry Tea)

Today I wanted to share with you 3 super easy Babushka's remedies that my family always made when someone felt a cold coming on. They are all so simple to make, warming and comforting, and full of good things like lemon, ginger, honey, garlic and berries. Let me know if you have any homemade remedies that your parents or grandparents gave you!

Remedy 1. Lemon, Ginger & Honey Tea

This is the one every Babushka swears by. Lemon gives you vitamin C, ginger is warming and soothing, and honey coats a sore throat.

• 1/2 lemon
• 1 thumb-size piece (about 2 cm / 1 inch) fresh ginger
• 1-2 tsp raw natural honey
• 250 ml (1 cup) hot water

How to make it: Slice the ginger thinly (or grate it for a stronger tea) and put it in a mug. Squeeze in the lemon juice and add a lemon slice. Pour over hot (not boiling) water and leave it for 5 minutes. Stir in the honey once it has cooled slightly and sip while warm.

Remedy 2. Rye Bread Sandwich with Garlic

In Latvia and Russia, raw garlic rubbed onto dark rye bread is a classic! It's strong, but so tasty.

• 1-2 cloves raw garlic
• 1-2 slices dark rye bread
• Bologna, sausage or any type of kielbasa (chicken slices will do as well)
• Cucumber, sliced

How to make it: Toast the rye bread lightly if you like. Cut the garlic clove in half and rub the cut side all over the bread – the rough surface works like a grater. Top with your meat slices and cucumber and enjoy.

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Remedy 3. Raspberry Hot Tea

Every Babushka has a jar of raspberry jam saved for when someone is poorly. It tastes like summer in a mug!

• 1-2 tbsp raspberry jam
• 250 ml (1 cup) hot water (or hot black tea)

How to make it: Spoon the jam into a mug, pour over hot water or freshly brewed black tea, stir well and sip slowly while warm.

Alla's tips

• Don't add honey to boiling water. Let the water cool a little first to keep honey's natural goodness.
• Grate the ginger if you like your tea extra strong and spicy.
• Let the garlic sit for a few minutes after rubbing or crushing it – that's when it's most potent.
• Make a big batch: slice lemon and ginger into a jar and cover with honey. Keep it in the fridge and spoon some into hot water whenever you need it.
• Add extras: a cinnamon stick, a few cloves or fresh mint all work beautifully in these teas.

Storage

The teas are best made fresh. A lemon, ginger and honey jar keeps in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Garlic sandwiches are best eaten straight away.

Frequently asked questions

Can I give these to children?
Never give honey to babies under 1 year old. For older children, the raspberry tea is a lovely gentle option.

Can I use dried ginger?
Yes, use about 1/4 tsp ground ginger, but fresh ginger has a much brighter flavour.

How often can I drink lemon ginger tea?
Most people enjoy 1–3 cups a day. It's caffeine-free, so it's great in the evening too.

Can I use frozen raspberries instead of jam?
Yes – mash a handful of raspberries with a little honey or sugar and pour over hot water.

Do these replace medicine?
No. These are comforting family traditions, not a cure. If you're unwell, please speak to your doctor.

More comforting recipes to try

• Easy Keto Bone Broth
• Pineapple, Mango & Spinach Smoothie
• Cherry Smoothie Bowl
• Russian Caramel Cookies (Oreshki)

I hope you enjoy these easy recipes, and if you try any, let me know :)

Hugs, Alla xox

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