The importance of working on and improving
our immunity has perhaps never been as important as it is today. This is
because focusing on improving our immune system is one of the best ways
to safeguard our body against the attack of the novel coronavirus.
While we are trying different medicines and foods to build our immune
system, there are many homemade food items from around the world that,
while overlooked, can work wonders for your immune health.
One such item is 'Kadha' – a traditional
homemade medicinal drink used for fighting the cough and the cold and
building your immunity. The drink originated in India and is an
Ayurvedic concoction made with a number of herbs and spices that are
boiled in water to extract their benefits.
What are the ingredients required for
preparing kadha?
So, how do we make a kadha drink and what are the ingredients required
for it?
The most essential herbs and spices that you would need to prepare a
kadha drink are - raw turmeric, basil leaves, cinnamon, black
peppercorns, cloves, cardamom, and ginger. All these herbs and spices
are natural immunity boosters and are packed with various beneficial
nutrients.
Cinnamon has antioxidant and
anti-inflammatory properties.
Cardamom has several impressive medicinal properties and is known to
relieve a sore throat while also having a cooling effect for the body.
Turmeric has curcumin and is helpful at fighting off a variety of
viruses, including herpes and the flu. It is also packed with
anti-inflammatory properties. It is particularly useful in boosting your
digestion.
Cloves are loaded with strong antioxidants and are also a good
source of a compound called eugenol. Consuming them regularly helps
boost your immunity.
Ginger is one of the healthiest roots on the planet. It has certain
chemical compounds that help your body ward off germs and also in
halting the growth of certain bacteria.
Black peppercorns are also high in antioxidants and can combat some
respiratory conditions and rejuvenating the lungs. They also contain
piperine, which is an alkaloid like capsaicin and can help relieve
nausea, headaches, and poor digestion.
Basil leaf is a healing herb that helps in treating the cold, nasal
congestion, cough, and the flu. These leaves are also great for
improving digestion and contain a range of natural antioxidants that can
strengthen the immune system.
You can even add gooseberry to this drink
if it is available in your area. Gooseberry is rich in Vitamin C, which
boosts your immunity. Additionally, it also lowers blood sugar,
cholesterol, and blood pressure levels.
What are the steps involved in preparing
kadha?
Now, to prepare the kadha drink you will first need to fill a pot with 2
cups of filtered water. Then, follow the instructions below.
Allow the water in the pot (or pan) to boil for a few minutes.
Take 2 tablespoons of cardamom, 1 tablespoon of cloves, 2
tablespoons of black peppercorn, 1 tablespoon of raw turmeric powder,
3-5 cinnamon sticks, 5-6 fresh basil leaves, and 3/4 cup of dry ginger
powder (or 1 inch of peeled ginger) on a large plate.
Crush all ingredients (except honey and basil leaves) properly.
Alternatively, you can also take half a tablespoon of each of these
ingredients and mix it in boiling water.
All the ingredients, including the basil leaves, should then be
cooked on medium heat for about 10-15 minutes or until the decoction is
reduced to half.
Let the drink simmer down well and once done, cool it.
Lastly, strain the mixture into a glass or a cup and drink it while
it is warm.
That’s it! Your kadha drink is ready.
To improve or sweeten the taste of the
drink, you can even add lemon, jaggery, and honey to the kadha. The best
thing about this traditional drink is that you can warm it again and
have it multiple times a day. Ideally, twice a day – once in the morning
and once at night – should be good for you. Having kadha throughout the
season is known to aid digestion, boost your immunity, and fight
symptoms of the flu.
Do note, however, that avoid adding too much black pepper and ginger in
the kadha. It can cause heartburn and a burning sensation in the throat.
Note: While there are various known
benefits of kadha as mentioned above, it shouldn’t be a substitute for a
qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist if you have any
recurring health issues.
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