Traditional Health Drinks from Around the World: What Your Elders Might Recommend
When it comes to health, our elders often have time-tested remedies passed down through generations. These aren’t just home remedies—they’re cultural treasures. Let’s take a global journey and explore what your grandparents might suggest you drink for better health if you lived in 20 different countries.
Japan
Elders often suggest amazake, a traditional sweet fermented rice drink. It’s rich in B-vitamins, fiber, and enzymes, believed to support digestion and alleviate hangovers.
It’s consumed at festivals or on New Year’s—trusted for immune boosting and gentle nourishment, especially helpful in winter chill.
They may also recommend green tea, packed with antioxidants like catechins that help combat aging and chronic disease. Drinking it regularly is linked with heart protection and reduced inflammation.
Korea
Korean grandparents favor drinks like barley tea (bori-cha) and honey citron tea (yuja-cha). Barley tea promotes digestion and hydration, while honey citron is loaded with vitamin C—great for immunity and glowing skin.
They also love sikhye, a fermented rice beverage rich in probiotics and enzymes, supporting gut health; and green tea, for antioxidant benefits.
China
Elders recommend ginger tea and soybean drinks, aligned with traditional Chinese medicine for digestion and warming the body. They also drink green tea, prized for its antioxidant content.
Older relatives may also suggest Ban lan gen, a herbal infusion, when you’re slightly sick—it’s believed to fight viruses and soothe the throat.
India
Indian elders often offer shikanji, a spiced lemonade with salt, cumin, and saffron—used for hydration and electrolytes in hot climates.
Also, masala chai—black tea simmered with spices like ginger and cardamom—is recommended for digestion and warmth.
United States
Many older Americans endorse water as the healthiest option. Nutrition experts stress that hydration supports cognitive and physical function in seniors.
They also often encourage bone broth—high in collagen and minerals—for joint support, digestion, and immune health.
Mexico
Elders often recommend agua fresca made from hibiscus (jamaica), sachet pepper, or tamarind—hydrating infusions rich in antioxidants and minerals that soothe digestion.
Another common beverage is atole, a warm corn-based drink known for its comforting texture and calcium content.
Italy
Grandparents suggest espresso or caffè lungo, citing its cardiovascular benefits when consumed moderately. The small, strong cups also provide antioxidants.
Additionally, older Italians might endorse a citrus-infused water or mild herbal teas, especially chamomile for digestive comfort.
France
In France, elder advice often revolves around red wine, sipped in moderation during meals—believed to confer heart health benefits thanks to polyphenols in the grapes.
They might also recommend herbal infusions like verbena or mint after meals to settle digestion.
United Kingdom
British elders traditionally promote tea with milk, citing comfort, antioxidants, and mild caffeine for alertness.
They also advise hot lemon water with honey when feeling under the weather—soothing for the throat and a simple immunity booster.
Brazil
Older Brazilians favor chimarrão (yerba mate) for its energy, vitamins, and electrolyte-rich profile—seen as a natural stimulant and immunity aid.
They may also recommend coconut water, prized for replenishing electrolytes and aiding hydration.
Mongolia
Elders encourage suutei tsai, a salty milk tea with butter or crystallized millet—it’s warming, hydrating, and provides essential fats and calcium.
In frigid climates, it’s seen as healthier than water, especially when fresh mountain water is considered sacred.
Okinawa (Japan)
Grandparents in Okinawa, known for longevity, recommend miki, a sweet fermented rice and sweet potato beverage believed to aid recovery and gut health.
Often consumed after illness or fatigue, it’s considered a tonic to restore vitality.
Indonesia
Indonesian elders cherish jamu, a range of herbal tonics made from turmeric, tamarind, ginger, and other botanicals, reputed to enhance immunity and reduce inflammation.
It’s sold street-side and in cafes—passed down by grandmothers to treat ailments and maintain wellness.
Russia / Baltic States
A favorite elder remedy is kvass, fermented from rye or beet roots—rich in probiotics and B vitamins, believed to support digestion and boost energy.
They also drink kefir, a tangy milk fermentation full of beneficial bacteria for gut health.
Scandinavia
Elders in Norway, Sweden, or Denmark may recommend a shot of akvavit at festive meals, claiming it aids digestion of rich foods.
Although alcoholic, it’s traditionally taken in small sips and linked to better fat digestion—a shared elder ritual.
Peru
Peruvian grandmothers often brew mate de coca (coca leaf tea) to combat altitude sickness, fatigue, and aid digestion.
They also recommend incha, a local herbal tea made from muña or maca leaves, believed to support digestion and energy.
Turkey
Turkish elders encourage çay (black tea) throughout the day—high in antioxidants and served socially, promoting mental well-being.
They also suggest şerbet—e.g. rosehip or sour cherry syrup drinks—for soothing digestion and offering vitamins.
Morocco
Moroccan grandparents revere mint tea—green tea steeped with fresh mint and sugar, believed to aid digestion, freshen breath, and provide hydration.
Served multiple times daily, it’s considered both social glue and a healthful ritual.
Ethiopia
In Ethiopia, elders recommend coffee ceremony brew, lightly spiced with cloves or cinnamon. Coffee is believed to energize and has antioxidant properties.
They also recommend tej, a mild honey wine, for digestive health, though consumed in moderation.
New Zealand (Māori)
Māori elders might suggest pūhā infusion made from sow thistle—used in traditional healing for respiratory and digestive support.
They may also recommend manuka honey water for its antimicrobial and healing properties—especially in throat or infection treatments.
Why These Beverages Endure
- Cultural wisdom: Elders pass down generations-old traditions proven effective in context.
- Natural benefits: Many contain antioxidants, probiotics, vitamins, or electrolytes.
- Context‑specific health: Drinks are tailored to climate, environment, and lifestyle.
- Holistic nourishment: Often combine hydration with nutrients and comfort.
- This represents a global tapestry of the “best drinks to drink,” honoring both tradition and health.
By exploring these 20 countries, we see a rich variety of elder-endorsed beverages—each one tailored to local needs, climates, and traditions. Whether it’s the probiotic kvass of Russia, the warming jamu of Indonesia, or the hydrating shikanji of India, each drink reflects deep familial care and local health wisdom.
So next time you feel under the weather or want to boost your vitality, maybe ask yourself: What would your grandmother in another country recommend you drink?