Arab homes are pretty much a pharmacy of their own, with home remedies serving as the cure for almost anything. Although some of these remedies have been backed by scientific studies, many of them are just culturally proven to work … if that’s even a thing.

You should definitely consider trying one of these 10:

1. Zaatar will make you smarter

As kids, parents found a way to convince us all that eating a zaatar sandwich would “open up your brain” and help with focusing during an exam. You gotta admit, the idea has stuck in our heads. Historically, thyme was (and still is) used to treat bronchitis and fungal infections, so maybe it’s true that it somehow opens up your brain cells too?

2. Rice with laban; keshik for diarrhea

It’s been proven that the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce and toast) can help those with severe diarrhea. As Arabs, we have to add laban to whatever it is you’re eating. It makes sense then, that keshik is something people always recommend when you’re stomach is feeling a bit loose, since it’s made with fermented yogurt.

3. Habet al barakah

Known as “the seed of blessing,” habet al barakah comes with a list of health benefits … and it dates way back in time.

“There is healing in black seed for all diseases except death,” is mentioned in the hadith, a religious text describing the words, actions, or habits of the Prophet Muhammad.

The black seed is also mentioned in the medical Encyclopedia “The Cannon of Medicine” by Ibn Sina.

The seed is known for its benefits in helping curb respiratory problems, including bronchitis and asmtha. It’s also known for its antibiotic properties, and it helps with some digestive problems as well.

4. Kara’een will make your knees stronger

If you’re a fan of eating fawergh and krouch (intestines and stomach), then you’ve definitely come across kara’een, otherwise known as “feet of the lamb.”

According to The Guardian, “bone marrow is one of humanity’s first superfoods” and it is known to be one of the world’s best sources of natural collagen.

So, if you have weak knees, your teta wasn’t wrong when she insisted you eat more kara’een.

5. Drink yansoon if you can’t sleep

Known as anise in English, the flowering plant was first cultivated in Egypt and the Levant. It was later brought to Europe for its medicinal value.

The plant was believed to be a useful treatment for menstrual cramps as well.

6. Milk will make you taller

If you were a short kid that always stood first in line at school (that’s me), then you’ve heard the “milk cure” more than once. “If you had listened to me and drank a cup of milk every day, you would have been taller,” is something your entire family gives you grief over.

However, the correlation between milk consumption and height has not yet been scientifically proven, although there have been some studies that prove “children who drink three or more servings of milk per day between the ages of two and four years seem to grow taller than those who do not.”

7. Raw liver fights anemia

This one is a fact, which is so lucky for those Arabs who love eating lahme nayye. Raw liver is exceptionally nutritious (if eaten in moderation), with vitamins like B12 (when there’s a deficit, it could lead to anemia), vitamin A, copper, folate and B2. It also contains a highly absorbable form of iron.

8. Sumac curbs nausea

It’s usually something that’s recommended to help ease morning sickness for pregnant women. Considering the spice was once used as a treatment for half a dozen different ailments in medieval medicine, it’s no surprise.

The tingly, sour taste can curb nausea for people, whether pregnant or not. You should try it.

9. Meghli for breastfeeding mothers

We all know “meghli” is a traditional dessert to serve whenever a new baby is born into the family. I think I understand why now.

Meghli is made with a bunch of different spices, with one being caraway, which is scientifically proven to help the flow of milk for breastfeeding mothers whose milk supply is somewhat inadequate.

10. Khebayze/Karkadi

Hibiscus plant is oftentimes made into a tea, which is a great way to relieve coughs, chest pain and sore throats. Sometimes the plant can also be put into boiling water, so that you inhale the steam to get the phlegm released from your chest.