As children, my siblings and I often found ourselves enchanted by the sights and sounds of our grandmother’s kitchen. “Grandma! What’s that? Can I have some?” we would chant in chorus, eyeing with curiosity the stick-like object she often chewed on, reminiscent of sugarcane. It was part of her ritual, alongside crafting a warm drink of honey and lemon. “Hey! Come on, let me pass! You don’t need it,” she would chuckle, playfully waving us away, only occasionally sharing her remedies when one of us caught a cold. Those moments are precious memories I still hold dear, especially now that I’m navigating adulthood. Whenever I find myself reaching for a packet of Lemsip, its artificial taste pales in comparison to the comforting home remedies I enjoyed growing up. I think back to how my grandma never felt the need for teeth-whitening strips, as she had her own natural methods—taatso and taakotsa, derived from the neem tree, which kept her smile bright.
The wellness practices that my grandmother, Elizabeth, embraced were deeply rooted in the culture of Ghana, particularly in the coastal town of La where she grew up. Childhood for Elizabeth was vibrant, filled with memories of helping fishermen haul in their catch before school each day. “We were so happy,” she often reminisces. “They’d give us some fish and money too… who wouldn’t like that?” This sense of community and shared experience, even with something as simple as helping others, formed a core part of her upbringing. After a long day, she would often cool off with friends and family by swimming in the ocean—a joyful way to unwind that closely ties back to the essence of her wellness philosophy.
On the other side of my lineage, I find grounding in my Igbo roots from Southeast Nigeria, a region celebrated for its rich artistic heritage and stunning landscapes. My grandmother Caroline introduced me to the powerful role of foods in wellness, notably through dishes like bitter leaf soup, which she swore by to keep infections at bay. This traditional fare was not merely about sustenance; it was an integral part of fostering health, connecting deeply with both cultural identity and familial love. From cooking to caring, the wisdom I inherited from both grandmothers is shaped by their commitment to natural well-being and the shared experiences that drew our family closer.
As I grew older, I recognized five key practices from my grandmothers that have become crucial components of my own wellness routine. One of these is the gentle, soothing scent of nku, or raw shea butter. Whenever anxiety washes over me, simply inhaling its rich smell takes me back to my grandmother’s nurturing touch. Alongside nku, I find solace in movement; my body instinctively sways to the rhythm of obonu, sacred drums that echo at significant ceremonies. These cultural rituals, woven into the very fabric of my existence, have shaped not just how I care for myself but how I connect to my heritage.
Today, Dr. Liza Osagie-Clouard, a medical expert and founder of Solice Health, sheds light on why these traditional practices endure through generations. Speaking on raw shea butter, she emphasizes its powerful attributes; extracted from the nuts of the African shea tree, it is more than just a skin moisturizer. Dr. Osagie-Clouard highlights that this natural emollient, rich in vitamins A, E, and F, provides deep hydration while soothing inflammation. “It promotes elasticity for all skin types,” she explains, pointing out that using nku regularly can effectively address conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and the often inevitable signs of aging.
The tradition of using natural remedies, as effortlessly passed down through my family’s collective wisdom, reminds me that wellness is not simply about consuming the latest trends but embracing time-honored practices that genuinely nurture the body and soul. From the comfort of nku to the rhythmic beats of obonu, I realize that these elements of my heritage are not just relics of the past—they are guiding lights that inform how I live today. In a world that often feels rushed and overwhelming, these wellness strategies introduce moments of mindfulness and connection to my roots. The wisdom of my grandmothers continues to resonate, encouraging a life enriched by culture, tradition, and heartfelt care for oneself and others.