Our Middle Eastern ancestors apparently knew better than we — or the rest of the world, really — do when it came to nature and health.

Hundreds of years, not to mention endless technological inventions, later, the world has discovered the true miracles of various herbs and spices that were staples in our Bedouin ancestors’ medicine cabinet.

The good thing is; we don’t have to go out and handpick them from the desert anymore, they’re all readily available at the tips of our fingers, all it now takes is a short trip to your local spice seller (‘attar), supermarket or even with a single click of a button.

Thyme (za’atar): Thyme is a versatile herb that can be used in various dishes and most salads for a little summer kick. And if you’re looking for an antiseptic, antioxidant, source of potassium, iron, calcium, magnesium and vitamin B, then thyme is your herb.

Thyme can also be boiled for ten minutes, strained and drunk four times a day to treat coughs as it is an expectorant.

Sage (marameya): Sage doesn’t have to only be drank on your camping and safari trips, incorporating sage tea or adding sage to your tea has long been known to cure ulcers, increase fertility, treat sore throats and coughs and even help with rheumatism and menstrual bleeding. It is also said to improve your memory and alertness.

Garlic: Our ancestors have always known the benefits of garlic, and years later, the world has finally caught on the magic of garlic. Aside from its antibacterial, antiviral and anti fungal properties, garlic is also thought to help prevent heart disease by lowering your level of cholesterol. Incorporating raw garlic into your daily dishes is both good for your health, as well as adding a little extra flavor to your salads, sauces and bread.

If you’re extra daring, try eating raw, crushed garlic in the morning as a natural immunity booster — please do use plenty of mouthwash after, before you face the world.

It is also used to maintain a healthy scalp and prevent hair loss. Although a hair mask containing garlic paste is recommended for healthy hair, we cannot dare tell you to do that, especially if you’re planning on hitting the treadmill any time soon. So if you don’t want to suffer the consequences of applying garlic onto your hair, use Sorciere hair lotion; a lotion that is composed mainly of garlic, yet doesn’t make you smell like an Italian kitchen.

Leban Dakar: It isn’t exactly your fancy triple-layered imported gum, but it works wonders with coughs. Just boil a pea-sized dollop with about 200 liters of boiling water and drink hot.

Guava Leaves: Another effective treatment for coughs, in fact, so effective it has been made into various cough syrups. Boil a few leaves and drink while hot.

Honey: Need we even explain? Honey has been long-known for its countless health benefits, including fighting stubborn coughs, preventing cancer and heart disease, promoting healthy digestion and antibacterial properties. For best results, have one teaspoon of honey diluted with half a cup of hot water every morning on an empty stomach.

Honey is also used as a hair and skin moisturizer. Mix two tablespoons of honey and two table spoons olive oil with a cup of full-fat yoghurt, heat the mixture up in the microwave for 15 seconds and apply it to your hair for half an hour before rinsing thoroughly.

Honey and yoghurt are also used as a luxurious moisturizing mask for dry skin; mix two tablespoons of full-fat yoghurt with one tablespoon of honey and apply to clean skin for 15 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water.

Editor’s Note: Check “Time Old Health: Take Two” for more natural health tips.