1. Turmeric helps with inflammation
Turns out your dadi was right. Turmeric contains curcumin, which has proven anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Clinical trials show benefits in arthritis, metabolic syndrome, and even depression (as an add-on).
2. Gargling with salt water soothes a sore throat
Not just a home remedy. Salt water creates a hypertonic environment, reducing throat swelling and flushing out irritants. RCTs show it shortens illness duration in upper respiratory infections.
3. Clove helps relieve toothache
Clove contains eugenol, a natural anesthetic and antiseptic. It’s used in actual dental pastes and temporary fillings. It works not forever, but enough to reduce pain.
4. Curd (probiotics) helps with gut health after antibiotics
Very real. Antibiotics kill off good gut flora too. Fermented foods like curd/yogurt restore the microbiome. WHO even recommends Lactobacillus species during antibiotic therapy to prevent diarrhea.
5. Honey soothes coughs
Honey coats the throat, reduces irritation, and has mild antimicrobial effects. Studies have shown it can be as effective as dextromethorphan for children’s night coughs — and safer.
6. Keeping your legs elevated helps reduce swelling
Textbook vascular medicine. Elevating legs promotes venous return, decreases capillary pressure, and relieves dependent edema especially in varicose veins and post-surgical recovery.
7. Tulsi boosts immunity
Tulsi (holy basil) has immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, and adaptogenic effects. Studies show it helps reduce cortisol levels and increase T-cell activity.
8. Don’t eat curd or banana during cold.
Not a cure, but both are mucogenic so they might make throat symptoms feel heavier for some people. Not dangerous, but not entirely baseless either.
9. I got wet in the rain, now I have fever.
Rain doesn’t cause infections, but getting cold and wet can stress the immune system, making you more susceptible if a virus is already floating around.
10. Cough gets worse at night.
True. Lying down increases postnasal drip and irritates the airway more… so night cough is real.
11. Hot water helps digestion.
Not a magical fix, but warm fluids can aid in relaxing GI muscles and easing bloating. It’s more comfort than cure but still helpful.
here are the references for my claims…
Curcumin: A Review of Its’ Effects on Human Health - PMC
(Double-blind randomised trial of saline solution for gargling and nasal rinsing in SARS-CoV-2 infection - PMC?
Eugenol (Clove Oil) - LiverTox - NCBI Bookshelf
.
You explained everything so simply. These “desi nuskhe” are not just old thoughts, they actually have science behind them! 
Good to know dadi and nani were right many times. Loved the way you added proof also. Very informative and easy to understand!