What's your Home Remedy?

I do not know the dynamics of your family when somebody gets sick. Every home has its own way of responding to weakness, pain, or illness. Here in Cambodia, especially in our home, we seldom go to doctors. This may sound unusual to some, but it is something we have practiced for years with care and prayer. We believe deeply that prevention is better than cure. We only resort to medicine if all our home remedies do not work or if symptoms persist and worsen.

This practice is not rooted in fear of medicine but in gratitude for what God has already provided through nature, wisdom, and simple daily discipline. Living in Cambodia has taught us to slow down, observe our bodies, and listen carefully when something feels off. We are surrounded by fresh produce, herbs, roots, and fruits that are easily accessible, affordable, and life giving. We praise God for that provision.

My husband Vandy used to work as a translator for medical teams during medical missions across Cambodia when he was still single. He traveled with doctors to provinces, helping translate consultations for villagers who had limited access to healthcare. Through those experiences, he learned many basic home remedies and first aid practices. These were not complicated methods but practical, preventive ways of caring for the body before illness became severe.

We thank God because we apply many of these simple practices at home, especially when our son David was diagnosed with autism. During his younger years, he would often get sick. He also had frequent skin irritation due to allergies, which sometimes led to breathing difficulty because of stuffy nose allergens. As parents, we were cautious. We did not want him to become dependent on medicine at such a young age if it was not necessary.

David’s body was weak, so we knew we needed to help strengthen his immune system gently and consistently. We did not want quick fixes. We wanted sustainable habits. We modeled this at home as a family. We drank what we asked him to drink. We rested when he rested. We prayed together. We trusted God together.

We have never been a family that regularly takes supplements or vitamins. The only time we did was during the Covid pandemic, when we took Vitamin D and C as a precaution. I personally only took iron capsules when I was pregnant and recovering after giving birth due to slight anemia. Other than that, we normally rely on home remedies and organic produce, which are abundantly available here in Cambodia. For this, we always give thanks to God.

As summer approaches, citrus fruits like lime, lemon, and calamansi come into season. They become plentiful and affordable in our wet market. We take advantage of this season. We buy in bulk and prepare what we need at home. Sometimes we even freeze them so we can enjoy them later when needed. We simply add water, honey, or sugar as desired. You can sip it as hot tea or enjoy it iced on a hot day. It is refreshing, comforting, and strengthening.

Today, I want to share with you one of our simple home remedies. It is something we regularly prepare to help strengthen our immune system. It is not complicated. It is not expensive. It is simply made with love, wisdom, and gratitude for God’s provision.

3 Steps: Simple Calamansi Ginger Concoction

Ingredients
One kilo of calamansi
Fresh ginger slices
Honey or sugar if needed

Instructions

1. Cut the calamansi in half and squeeze the juice. 
2. Use a strainer to filter the seeds, as including them can make the drink bitter. We prefer ours sour, so we usually do not add much sweetener. 
3. Add fresh ginger slices for an extra boost. Ginger helps warm the body and supports digestion and circulation.

                   

How to Store?
Pour the pure calamansi extract into a glass container. It will last for about one week in the refrigerator. You may also pour it into ice cube molds and freeze them. These can be stored for up to three months. When needed, simply dissolve one or two cubes in hot or cold water. Sometimes, we even add this to sugar cane juice for a refreshing twist.

In our home, this rarely lasts long. We love drinking it. David even knows how to prepare his own drink. Watching him do that reminds me that teaching simple habits early can empower our children for life. 

                

Health Benefits
This simple drink supports the immune system, helps with colds, soothes the throat, supports digestion, and keeps the body refreshed. More than that, it reminds us daily that God provides what we need in simple ways.

What a wonderful way to end the week through His Word.

In our weakness, God is strong.

Paul’s life reminds us that even our weakness is something God can use to move His work forward. We may not always understand why God allows certain struggles to happen, but it is often in our vulnerability that God shapes our character. It is in our weakness that others can see how great God is working in us.

2 Corinthians 12:10 says, For when I am weak, then I am strong.

This verse is simple yet deeply challenging. It goes against how the world defines strength. We are taught to hide weakness, fix it quickly, or feel ashamed of it. But Paul teaches us something different.

In moments of sickness, anxiety, exhaustion, or uncertainty, God desires to be our strength. In times of hardship, God is often doing His deepest work in us. When we stay connected to Him, He promises to be with us and to strengthen us.

Four Reflections for Body and Soul

1. Weakness invites dependence on God

When our body feels weak or tired, we are reminded that we are not self sufficient. This is not a failure. It is an invitation to depend on God daily.

Question
In what areas of your life are you trying to be strong on your own instead of depending on God

Practical Application
Begin your day with a simple prayer of surrender. Acknowledge your weakness and invite God to lead you.

Prayer
Lord, I admit that I am weak. Teach me to depend on You today. Be my strength in every moment.

2. Simple habits matter

Strength is often built through small daily practices. Drinking something nourishing, resting well, praying consistently, and choosing peace over worry all matter.

Question
What small habit can you start today that supports your body and your faith.

Practical Application
Choose one simple habit this week that supports your health and your spiritual life. Stay consistent.

Prayer
God, help me honor my body and my spirit with simple, faithful choices each day.

3. God uses what we offer

God does not ask for perfection. He asks for willingness. Even what feels small in our hands can become meaningful in His.

Question
What are you holding back because you feel it is not enough.

Practical Application
Offer what you have to God today, whether it is time, energy, or faith. Trust Him with the results.

Prayer
Lord, I give You what I have. Use it for Your glory, even in my weakness.

4. Strength grows through surrender

True strength is not about control. It is about trust. Surrender allows God to work deeply within us.

Question
What is one thing you need to surrender to God today.

Practical Application
Write down what you are holding tightly. Pray over it and release it to God.

Prayer
Father, I surrender my fears and struggles to You. Strengthen me as I trust You more.

Whether you are part of the faith community or someone simply searching for strength, this message is for you. God meets us where we are. In sickness and in health. In strength and in weakness.

Our bodies may grow tired. Our hearts may feel heavy. But God remains faithful. He is our source of strength. In Him, even our weakness has purpose.

What are your home remedies when you get sick? I would love to know yours 💗💪😅 oh, can you type in the comment box which country you are reading our blog?

Have a Blessed Weekend!
The Hourngs in Cambodia