Rain falls softly, sometimes without warning.
In Jakarta and its surrounding cities, the rainy season often arrives not just with puddles and traffic jams—but with sneezes, sore throats, and bodies that feel heavier than usual.
On days like these, people don’t search for medicine first. They search for warmth.
A bowl of hot meatball soup, steam rising gently into the air. A spoonful of chili sauce stirred in without hesitation. Soto with extra sambal. Noodles swimming in spicy broth. In that moment, comfort feels closer than a doctor’s prescription.
Your nose loosens. Your chest feels lighter. Sweat beads quietly on your forehead.
And almost automatically, a thought appears:
“Maybe I’m getting better.”
But is spicy food truly curing the flu—or simply comforting us when we need it most?
Let’s walk through the facts, slowly, honestly, and warmly—just like a good rainy-day meal.
First of All, Why Do We Crave Spicy Food During the Rainy Season?
There is something deeply human about seeking warmth when the world feels cold and damp.
When rain pours for days, the body becomes more vulnerable. Temperature drops. Viruses spread more easily. Immunity feels fragile.
Spicy food enters this story not as a miracle cure, but as a trusted companion.
Chili contains capsaicin, the compound responsible for that burning sensation. When it touches the mouth and nose, it stimulates nerves that immediately react. The body responds by producing thinner mucus, allowing nasal passages to open.
That’s why, after a few spoonfuls of spicy soup, breathing feels easier.
Scientific studies comparing capsaicin with placebo substances show that this relief is real—not imagined. The sensation helps clear nasal congestion and reduces throat discomfort. However, the relief is temporary. The flu virus itself remains untouched.
In other words, spicy food does not fight the virus—but it helps you feel human again.
This is exactly why, during rainy days, ordering hot and spicy meals becomes more than a craving. It becomes an act of self-care.
And this is where choosing the right food service matters. A poorly prepared meal can irritate your stomach. A well-balanced, hygienic, and freshly cooked spicy dish can soothe you instead.
Comfort begins with quality.
Moreover, The Warming and Sweating Effect Explained
After eating spicy food, the body warms up. Sweat appears. Some people believe this means “toxins are leaving the body.”
The truth is simpler—and still fascinating.
Capsaicin stimulates heat receptors in the nervous system. The brain interprets this as an increase in body temperature. To compensate, blood vessels widen and sweating begins. This process, known as thermogenesis, creates a feeling of warmth and lightness.
A study published in Phytotherapy Research confirms that capsaicin temporarily increases heat production and energy expenditure. The body feels warmer, looser, more relaxed.
But again—this is not the flu being defeated.
It is the body being comforted.
That comfort is powerful. When you feel better, you rest better. When you rest better, recovery becomes easier.
This is why, during rainy seasons, people naturally turn to trusted restaurants, home-style catering, or delivery services that specialize in warm, spicy dishes. The goal isn’t to cure instantly—it’s to support the body gently.
Choosing a reliable food service ensures:
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Clean ingredients
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Balanced spice levels
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Freshly prepared broth
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Comfort without digestive distress
Sometimes, healing begins with something as simple as a good bowl of soup.
Meanwhile, Chili vs. Ginger: Same Warmth, Different Paths
Not all warmth works the same way.
Chili heats the body quickly and intensely. Ginger warms slowly and gently.
Chili’s capsaicin directly stimulates pain and heat nerves. This is why relief feels immediate—but also why some people experience stomach irritation or heartburn.
Ginger, on the other hand, contains gingerol and shogaol. These compounds support digestion, reduce nausea, and provide a softer warming sensation. Ginger has long been used in traditional remedies, especially for colds accompanied by bloating or mild nausea.
Health experts generally consider ginger safe at 3–4 grams per day for adults—about one thumb-sized piece.
For many people, the best rainy-season comfort comes from combining both:
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A mildly spicy soup
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A broth infused with ginger
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Balanced seasoning, not overwhelming heat
This is why professional food services matter. Skilled cooks understand proportions. They know how to build warmth without harm.
When ordering meals during the flu season, look for menus that highlight:
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Ginger-based broths
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Adjustable spice levels
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Traditional soup recipes
Comfort should never hurt.
However, Who Should Avoid Spicy Food When Having the Flu?
As comforting as spicy food can be, it isn’t for everyone.
You should limit or avoid chili if you:
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Have acid reflux or gastritis
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Experience stomach pain after spicy meals
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Have severe sore throat irritation
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Are recovering from digestive illness
For these individuals, ginger-based soups, clear broths, or lightly seasoned meals are safer options.
This is another reason why choosing flexible food services is important. The best services allow customization—less chili, more ginger, lighter seasoning.
Recovery is personal. Your food should respect that.
Finally, Comfort Is Not a Cure—But It Still Matters
Spicy food does not cure the flu.
Science is clear about that.
But comfort is not meaningless.
A warm meal can calm the body.
A clear nose can help you sleep.
A gentle sweat can ease discomfort.
And during rainy seasons, when energy is low and motivation fades, having someone else prepare that meal for you can make all the difference.
Choosing a reliable food service—whether it’s a local soup specialist, a trusted restaurant, or a delivery service that understands rainy-day cravings—is not indulgence. It’s practical care.
Healing doesn’t always begin with medicine.
Sometimes, it begins with warmth, patience, and a bowl of soup that reminds you:
You’re allowed to rest.