Here is a fun post of 3 scenarios on what goes on in our home when one of us or the both of us get sick. He may be Dr. J outside of home, but once he walks through the door, he is just “J” and I become Dr. C! Perhaps my asian friends can relate to this one, and to my non-asian friends, I hope this post gives you a good chuckle and some insight to various asian “remedies”! Happy readings!
1 . Ginger is the answer to everything!
Not sure if its because ginger has the ability to make you sweat and sweating is good for you when you are fighting off the flu, but growing up when we got sick, my mom would put ginger in EVERYTHING we ate. Ginger soup, ginger tea, ginger chicken, ginger CHICKEN soup, ginger porridge, and even ginger cough drops. Mind as well eat a whole stump of raw ginger!
Example scenario:
Dr. C: ” This will make you feel better in no time!” * putting large chunks of ginger in everything*
J: *coughing -teary eyed- half choking-breathing hard* ” Can you at least mince the ginger?!*
Dr. C: Mincing is for the weak. Sorry no can do!
2. Tiger Balm is the Bomb! And also the answer to everything..
For those of you who do not know what Tiger balm is, it is this minty smelling balm that many Asians use for pain relief. The balm itself claims to be filled with a number of essential oils and is probably similar to Bengay, however to many Asians, it is more than just pain relief… it is the cure of ALL pain! Please refer to the trusty website http://www.tigerbalm.com for more information :p Here is a short blurb from their page:
” Tiger Balm aims to deliver health and well being through proven oriental wisdom. Our belief is that that no one should be constrained from leading a full and active life because of aches, pains and everyday discomforts.”
There you go! I’m sold. Always in stock in our home. Headaches, stomaches , muscle cramps, mosquito bites, the possibilities are endless! ( Actually not too sure about mosquito bites ..)
Example Scenario:
J: ” I have a headache.” * Lays down in clear discomfort*
Dr. C: ” Here just use Tiger balm!” * Shove the open jar close to his nose* ” I just used some too because I feel a migraine coming on. Works like a charm!”
J: “uh….. I’ll pass… btw you smell like a Chinese grandma..” * scoots away*
3. Avoiding showers and baths like the plague when you are sick.
Like going outside when its windy without a jacket, my mom, grandma, aunts, great aunts, friend’s aunts etc. were always VERY strict about not exposing your body to the “elements” when you get sick. Taking baths and showers are apparently a few of the worst things you could do to your body while being sick. ( I believe there is a similar concept about women not taking showers for an entire month after giving birth? Yikes!)
Example Scenario:
Dr. C: * sweating profusely from all the ginger I ate * ” I wonder if there is something else I can do to make myself feel better..”
J: ” I think you should take a hot steamy bath. That sounds nice doesn’t it?” ” I can start it for you if you want.”
Dr. C: ” ARE YOU CRAZY?! Absolutely not! Don’t you know you are not suppose to expose your body to the ELEMENTS?! Don’t you know that?!! you are a doctor! You went to med school!!! Gosh..”
J: “……. Carrie.. PLEASE shower… I beg you” *face palm*
Hope you had a good laugh 🙂 Theres definitely a lot more of these stories to share, so stay tune for part dos!
Keep Chuckling!
Carrie
Charting Along 
C Money… Oh my gosh this is theeee best. Yes to all of these, and especially tiger balm, it is the answer to everything. Put some above your belly button, put some under your nose so you keep smelling it and feel better… hahaha. Love you!
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belly button is a must! Feels so good :p
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Haha. The interaction was Hilarious!! I can totally picture on J’s expression!! The sharing was creative and warm!! Love it!!
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Thank you!!! 🙂 Had so much fun writing this post.
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