Do you seem to catch a cold, cough and flu, while your friends sail through winter unscathed? Maybe you need to think about boosting your immunity.
A healthy immune system protects us by first creating a barrier that stops those invaders (called antigens) from entering the body. And produce antibodies to fight and destroy those foreign substances thus protecting us from the flu virus or an infection that could happen any time.
You may pay more attention to your immune system during the winter or monsoon when colds and flu surround you. But in reality, it works through the year. Hence feeding your body with immunity-boosting foods and drinks throughout the year is vital.
And If you're looking for an Ayurvedic proven remedy to boost your immunity, then Kadha may be the rescue.
What is Kadha Drink?
Kadha or 'karha' is essentially an Ayurvedic drink
prepared with a combination of herbs and spices that are boiled usually in water and make a decoction to extract their health benefits.
The practice of preparing kadha is almost five hundred years old. In fact, the decoction or the spice and herbs mixture is considered to be one of the oldest forms of medicine invented in Ayurveda.
It is basically prepared with ingredients that you cannot juice like dry spices and herbs such as clove, turmeric, black pepper, cardamom etc. along with fresh herbs and honey. Nowadays, this is a very common drink in Indian households and is often recommended as the ultimate home remedy for cough and cold without any side-effects.
Very Common Ingredients added in a kadha are black pepper, cloves, ginger, honey and basil leaves (tulsi) which not just fight existing cough and cold but also strengthen the immunity.
‘’Rooted in the trusted science of Ayurveda, Kadha is considered to be one of the most potent forms of medicine for tremendous benefits. It protects and strengthen your immunity from within and helps in fighting seasonal infections without any side-effects.’’
What are the Benefits of these ingredients?
Ginger: Ginger has anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties. It also improves digestion and cough relief. It also relieves in nausea, easing cold and flu, reduces muscle pain and soreness
Basil Leaves (Tulsi): It is a healing herb that helps in treating cold, congestion, cough and flu. It has also immunity boosting properties. It also reduces high blood pressure and cholesterol, aids in headache, earaches and eye disorders, lowers the blood sugar and boosts the immunity to fights against infections.
Black Pepper: It is Anti-inflammatory in nature, and has rich antioxidant properties. It benefits brain health, improves blood sugar control, relief in pain, and may have cancer-fighting properties.
Cloves: Packed with anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and antiseptic properties, it soothes the throat and prevents coughing. It also improves liver health, control blood sugar level and helps indigestion.
Cardamom: Cardamom has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and cancer-fighting properties. It also relieves discomfort, nausea and vomiting, lowers the blood sugar and prevents anxious behaviour.
Coriander:It helps to lower the blood sugar levels, aids heart health and fights infections. It has rich anti-oxidant properties.
Mulethi: Mulethi has immunity boosting and anti-inflammatory properties. It Improves Chronic fatigue syndrome, boosts immunity and digestion, reduces body aches and treats cold and coughs.
Gooseberry (Amla): is rich in Vitamin C, which boost your immunity. It also lowers blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure levels, as well as a reduced risk of cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and age-related illnesses of the brain.
Turmeric (Haldi): Turmeric Ayurvedic Spices and Herbs Kadha has powerful medicinal properties. It is anti-inflammatory in nature. It improves brain function and lowers the risk of brain and heart diseases..
Shankhapushpi: has anti-bacterial properties. It boosts your immunity, aids in digestion, enhances skin health.
Honey Honey Can Help Soothing Coughs, and improving sleep. It also promotes Burn and Wound Healing.
But What Is the Best Kadha Recipe?
A kadha can be prepared by many ways by combining a variety of natural and Ayurvedic spices and herbs. It is like an age-old grandma's recipe, therefore every household may have their own secret recipe.
Prepare this very easy and handy an all-natural kadha recipe in the comforts of your kitchen.
Home –Made Tulsi Kadha
Ingredients:
- Cardamom small - 2-3
- Black Pepper – 5-6
- Clove – 3-4
- Amla – 1 tsp
- Basil leaves – 5 to6
- Ginger – 1 tsp
- Water - 2 glasses
- Honey - 1/2tsp or to taste
- Cinnamon – 1 small stick
Preparation Method:
- To begin with, take a pan, add two glasses of water in it and allow it to boil on high flame.
- Crush all ingredients (except honey and basil leaves) in a mortar and pestle.
- Now, add all those crushed ingredients along with basil leaves to the pan and cook on medium heat for about 10-15 minutes or until the decoction is reduced to half.
- Next, Strain the mixture in a glass and drizzle few drops (1/2 tsp) of honey before drinking.
Tips: Avoid adding too much black pepper and ginger in Kadha especially if making for children as it can cause heartburn and burning sensation.
‘’A kadha can be prepared by many ways by combining a variety of spices and herbs. It is like an age-old grandma's recipe and therefore, therefore, every household may have their own secret recipe.’’
Take Away
Rooted in the trusted science of Ayurveda, Kadha is considered to be one of the most potent forms of medicine for tremendous benefits. It will boost the immunity from within, relieve in cold, cough and helps in fighting seasonal infections. It is also a natural remedy for fever. Make the Kadha a part of your daily self-care ritual.it will contribute to your holistic balance to help you stay healthy.
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