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Malta-based home remedy, adopted for generations during the winter season in the Kumaon region, is a traditional remedy to protect health. Malta juice heated with honey and black pepper provides relief from cold, mild cough and cold, warms the body from within and boosts immunity. This natural and safe home remedy is a beautiful example of the Pahari medical tradition.
In Bageshwar and the entire Kumaon region, indigenous medical methods have special importance during the winter season. In times of lack of modern medicines, the hill society protected health with the help of forests, fruits and spices. This Malta-based recipe is also included in these traditions, which has been adopted by the older generation on the basis of experience. This remedy is popular in every household to deal with cold caused by cold, humidity and altitude and even today many families consider it the first choice in winter.
Malta growing in Kumaon is not only a delicious fruit but is also considered to be full of medicinal properties. Vitamin C, antioxidants and minerals are naturally found in it, which strengthen the body’s immunity. Fresh malta is easily available in winter, so it has been included in traditional home remedies. According to hill elder Harish Rawat, heated malt juice warms the body from inside and helps in loosening the phlegm accumulated in cold.
The method of this home remedy is very simple but special. First of all, a small hole is made in fresh and ripe malta. Pure mountain honey and some crushed black pepper are poured into that hole. After this, the malta is closed lightly and buried directly in the burning coal and hot ashes. After some time the fruit becomes soft and thoroughly heated, then it is taken out and the juice is carefully squeezed out.
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The best effect of this remedy is seen before sleeping at night. After drinking hot malt juice, the body gets relief and starts sweating, which reduces the effect of cold. In hill families, it is advised to drink it covered with a blanket, so that the body heat is maintained. It is believed that it provides relief from cold, blocked nose and sore throat overnight, due to which one feels light and fresh in the morning.
Honey and black pepper play an important role in this recipe. Pure mountain honey is considered a natural antibacterial and immunity booster, while black pepper has a warming effect, which helps in reducing the phlegm accumulated in winters. This combination of honey and black pepper is considered beneficial in throat swelling and cough. These three elements together with malt further enhance the effect of this home remedy.
In the Kumaon region, this remedy is not limited to cold only, but has also been prevalent in mild fever and cough. People believe that hot juice removes the internal cold of the body and increases the ability to fight infection. When medicines were not available in the changing weather, this indigenous remedy provided relief to the people. However, in serious diseases it is considered necessary to consult a doctor.
Despite modern lifestyle and allopathic medicines, this indigenous remedy is still prevalent in the villages of Kumaon. Especially in cold weather, people prefer to adopt home remedies instead of chemical medicines. It is considered safe because it is made from natural and local ingredients. Through social media and local discussions, this traditional knowledge is also reaching the new generation, keeping the hill culture and medical tradition alive.
Although this recipe has been tried for generations, experts still recommend balance and caution. It is necessary to contact a doctor in case of excessive fever, difficulty in breathing or prolonged cold. While giving honey to children, their age should be kept in mind. This remedy is adopted as a home and supportive treatment, and not a complete substitute for medical treatment. This recipe, adopted with correct information and understanding, is an excellent example of the indigenous wisdom of Kumaon.





























