Beginner Italian Podcast | Ep. 36: Rimedi per stare meglio 🤧

Host: Teacher Stefano
Guest: Prof. Mascia
Date: November 6, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode, Teacher Stefano and Prof. Mascia discuss common illnesses during the colder months and the home remedies and habits Italians use to feel better. They share personal experiences with ailments like colds, headaches, and sore throats, compare Italian and international comfort foods for when you're sick, and explain cultural practices around medicine and visiting the doctor. The tone is friendly, conversational, and aimed at beginner Italian learners, with plenty of vocabulary highlighted throughout.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Il freddo e i primi malanni stagionali

• Both hosts note they feel unwell due to the colder weather in Italy.

• Stefano mentions his stuffy nose; Mascia has a sore throat.

• They reflect on how Italy seems to skip the “mezze stagioni” (in-between seasons), going straight from hot to cold.

  "Non esistono più le mezze stagioni, cioè passiamo subito dall'estate, dal caldo al freddo, all'inverno, subito."
  — Stefano (00:42)

2. Mal di testa: Un problema diffuso

• Both hosts agree that headaches are their most frequent ailment.

• They humorously blame spending too much time at the computer as a probable cause.

• Usual remedy: taking a painkiller ("antidolorifico").

  "Forse passiamo troppo tempo davanti al computer."
  — Stefano (02:38)

  "Però di solito quando ho mal di testa prendo una pillola e poi mi passa."
  — Stefano (02:47)

3. Rimedi per il mal di gola

• Mascia shares her methods: mint lozenges ("caramelle alla menta") and wearing a scarf to keep her throat warm if the sore throat worsens.

• Keeping warm and avoiding the wind is highlighted.

  "Metto una sciarpa se il mal di gola è molto forte, per tenere la gola, il collo caldo."
  — Mascia (03:17–03:35)

4. Affrontare il raffreddore (Common Cold)

• Stefano distinguishes between mild and severe colds:

  • With mild symptoms: goes outside for a walk or light sport to help his breathing.
  • With severe symptoms: rests in bed and takes medicine.

• Mascia concurs with the same habits.

  "Se il raffreddore non è troppo forte, vado all'aria aperta a fare una passeggiata o un po' di attività sportiva... Se invece ho uno di quei raffreddori forti... mi metto a letto, quindi mi riposo, prendo delle medicine."
  — Stefano (03:47–04:33)

5. Tosse, starnuti e allergie (Coughs, Sneezes & Allergies)

• Mascia is grateful she doesn't have a cough.

• Stefano explains sneezing ("starnuti"); neither of them suffers from allergies.

• They reflect on being "fortunati" (lucky) not to have allergies.

  "Tu hai allergie?"
  — Mascia (05:05)
  "No, io per fortuna non sono allergico a niente."
  — Stefano (05:10)

6. Cibi tipici italiani quando si sta male

• Both discuss traditional eating habits when unwell in Italy.

• Common choices:

  • Pasta or rice “in bianco” (plain, with a bit of oil or parmesan)
  • Boiled potatoes (“patate bollite”)
  • Cooked apple or pear (“mela cotta” or “pera cotta”)

• Compare with the United States, where chicken soup is traditional—Stefano remarks this would be unheard of in Italy.

  "In Italia... sono stato abituato... a mangiare in bianco, cioè pasta o riso in bianco senza condimento..."
  — Stefano (05:17–05:38)

  "Da quando ero bambina sempre il riso in bianco con un po' di parmigiano, e le patate bollite."
  — Mascia (07:01)

7. La “mela della salute” (The “Health Apple”)

• Both share stories of being given apples when sick as children, to the point they now avoid apples unless unwell.

• Refer to the Italian proverb: "Una mela al giorno toglie il medico di torno" (“An apple a day keeps the doctor away”).

  "La mela cotta, esatto."
  — Mascia (07:29)

  "Una mela al giorno toglie il medico di torno."
  — Mascia (08:30)

8. Medicina, ricette e la farmacia

• Difference between "farmaci da banco" (over-the-counter medicines) and prescription medicines.

• Explain the “ricetta medica” (doctor's prescription) and clarify it’s not a cooking recipe.

  "Quando stiamo troppo male dobbiamo andare dal medico che forse deve prescriverci una medicina o un antibiotico..."
  — Stefano (08:43)

  "Attenzione, non è la ricetta per cucinare, ma per creare la medicina..."
  — Mascia (09:59)

Memorable Quotes

• "Non esistono più le mezze stagioni."
  — Stefano (00:42)

• "Metto una sciarpa se il mal di gola è molto forte, per tenere la gola, il collo caldo."
  — Mascia (03:17–03:35)

• "Una mela al giorno toglie il medico di torno."
  — Mascia (08:30)

• "Attenzione, non è la ricetta per cucinare, ma per creare la medicina..."
  — Mascia (09:59)

Key Timestamps

• 00:42 — Changing weather in Italy and illnesses
• 02:26 — Most common ailments: headaches
• 03:17 — Remedies for sore throat (lozenges, scarf)
• 03:47–04:33 — How to manage a cold: exercise vs. resting
• 05:17–07:18 — What Italians eat when sick (in bianco, apples)
• 08:30 — “An apple a day keeps the doctor away” proverb
• 08:43–09:59 — Types of medicine and prescriptions in Italy

Closing Thoughts

The episode is full of practical vocab for talking about daily health and wellness in Italian, as well as insights into Italian cultural habits for dealing with minor illnesses. It delivers easy-to-follow dialogue while weaving in relatable stories and even folk wisdom. Both hosts create a warm, engaging atmosphere for Italian learners.

Tip: For vocabulary exercises and the full transcript, listeners are encouraged to download the accompanying materials via the episode’s links.