🌿 Granny Knows Best: South African Winter Remedies That Have Stood the Test of Time

When the temperatures drop, South Africans don't just reach for another jersey—we reach for the remedies that our mothers and grandmothers swore by.

At PensionersPayLess, we wanted to know which old-fashioned winter remedies people still use today, so we asked our sister community, PensionersForum.

The responses came flooding in. From Vicks on the chest before bed to a steaming mug of honey and lemon, it seems Granny's medicine cupboard is still alive and well across South Africa and Granny knows best.

While these traditional remedies may not replace medical advice, they've brought comfort to families for generations and remain part of many winter routines.

Here are some of the favourites shared by the PensionersForum community.

💙 "Rub Some Vicks On It!"

If there was one remedy mentioned more than any other, it had to be Vicks VapoRub.

Many members remember being tucked into bed with Vicks rubbed onto their chest, back and sometimes even the soles of their feet before thick socks were pulled on.

Whether it actually cured the cold or simply made everyone feel looked after is open for debate—but for many South Africans, winter simply doesn't feel like winter without that familiar menthol smell.

🍋 Honey, Lemon & Ginger

A kettle on the boil was Granny's first response to almost every winter sniffle.

Fresh ginger, hot water, lemon and a spoonful of honey remain a favourite among our community, with some adding cinnamon or even a splash of fresh orange juice.

It's warm, comforting and tastes like winter at home.

🌿 Lennon's Was Always in the Cupboard

Long before pharmacy shelves were packed with dozens of cold remedies, many South African homes relied on Lennon's products.

Several PensionersForum members fondly remembered Lennon's Dutch Medicines or Lennon's Behoedmiddel, saying their parents or grandparents always had a bottle tucked away for winter ailments.

Whether you still use them or simply remember the distinctive bottles, they're part of South African family history.

As with any over-the-counter medicine, always follow the instructions on the label.

🥣 Chicken Soup Solves Almost Everything

There's a reason chicken soup has become legendary.

Many members said a homemade pot filled with vegetables, garlic, herbs and plenty of love was Granny's answer to almost every winter bug.

Even if it didn't make the cold disappear overnight, it certainly made everyone feel better.

🧄 Garlic: Love It or Hate It

Some people eat it raw.

Others pile it into soups and stews.

One member joked,

"If the whole family eats garlic, nobody complains!"

Whether you enjoy the taste or not, garlic remains one of the most talked-about traditional winter remedies.

🧦 Never Let Your Feet Get Cold

South African grannies were firm believers that cold feet led to a cold body.

The advice?

• Wear warm socks.

• Keep your slippers nearby.

• Use a hot water bottle.

• Stay off icy tiled floors.

Simple advice that's just as useful today.

🌬️ Steam Away the Sniffles

Before fancy humidifiers became popular, there was always a bowl of steaming hot water and a towel over your head.

Some members added eucalyptus leaves from the garden, while others used a few drops of eucalyptus oil.

Just remember to be careful around boiling water.

🧅 The Famous Onion Trick

Almost everyone remembered this one.

A cut onion left next to the bed was believed to "draw out" illness overnight.

Science may not agree, but many members admitted they still do it because that's exactly what their mothers did.

Some traditions are simply too comforting to let go.

☕ A Cup of Comfort Before Bed

Warm milk with honey.

Rooibos tea.

Milo.

Or even a mug of hot lemon.

Many members said their favourite winter remedy wasn't really a remedy at all—it was simply taking time to warm up before climbing into bed.

🚶 Keep Moving, Even When It's Cold

One of the best pieces of advice came from members who refuse to let winter slow them down.

A short walk around the garden.

Feeding the birds.

Doing a bit of pruning.

Or simply standing in the sunshine with a cup of coffee.

❤️ As one member put it: "They are more Than Remedies... They're Memories"

Reading through all the comments, one thing became clear.

These weren't just winter remedies they were memories.

They reminded people of mothers who knew exactly what to do when someone was sick, grandmothers who always had a kettle on the stove, and families who gathered around a warm pot of soup on a freezing evening.

Sometimes the remedy wasn't what was in the bottle—it was knowing someone cared enough to look after you.

That's something that never goes out of fashion.

What's Your Granny's Winter Remedy?

We'd love to hear from you.

Is it Vicks?

A Lennon's favourite?

A secret family recipe?

Or perhaps something completely unique?

Head over to our sister community, PensionersForum, and join the conversation. You might just remind someone else of a winter tradition they haven't thought about in years.

Disclaimer: The remedies in this article were shared by members of the PensionersForum community and are intended for general interest and nostalgia. They should not replace professional medical advice. If you're unwell, have ongoing symptoms or an underlying health condition, consult your healthcare provider. Always use medicines according to the manufacturer's instructions.

All the best

Angela

Voice behind Pensioners PayLess

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Angela is part of the team driving PensionersPayLess forward, building on its mission to help South Africa’s over-55s discover news, views, savings, opportunities and useful discoveries.

Through her work with Pensioners Forum and its community, Angela spends her time connecting with older South Africans, hearing real stories, sharing practical information, and helping people find ways to make everyday life easier and more rewarding. She writes about topics inspired by conversations within the community, personal experiences, money-saving ideas, lifestyle topics and the things that matter to people navigating life after 55.

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