Kadha: An Ayurvedic Immune-Booster Recipe

Kadha is a magical Ayurvedic potion that heals wounds. Builds immunity. And prevents diseases.

The beauty of dried leaves and the cold breeze brings along the coarseness of cold winters.

The shawls and sweaters, blankets, and quilts, all fall short to emit warm support!

The drop in temperature disrupts our digestion. And the cold lethargy slows down our metabolism.

Cough and cold, flu and fever attack the sloppy souls. And the helpless ones knock on the doctor’s doors.

In the past couple of days, patients have flocked to my clinic. Most complain of cough and cold or fever or flu.

The changing season and dropping temperature have taken a toll. Some seek for a natural cure. Some ask for herbal preventives.

And there is one thing that I mention to all – “Please use Kadha!!!”

Many problems, one solution!

Our ancient traditions are brimmed with gems of wisdom.

It had unveiled miraculous cures with natural ingredients. Cures that our ancestors have passed down with pride.

The famous Haldi doodh. Bel ka sharbat. Triphala Churna, Amla sharbat. Kadha. These are only a few examples from the great Vedas.

Every way of natural care is a wonder cure!!! 

And there is no better cure than the indigenous kadha!!!

It is the best weapon to save you from the winter’s wrath!!!

Here is everything you need to know about the wonderful Kadha!

What is Kadha?

Kadha is a very common drink in Indian households. It is something that we got from our granny’s notebook.

Kadha is an ayurvedic tea prepared with potent herbs and spices.

It’s medicinal herbs and spices make it an ultimate weapon to fight cold and cough. 

Did you know?

• Kadha helps to build immunity and protect the body against diseases.
• It strengthens the body from within. And shields the body against seasonal infections.
• Kadha is especially helpful during the cold and dry season. This is the time when allergies reach a peak.

What goes into making this potion?

This herbal concoction is a blend of medicinal ingredients. Each of these ingredients has potent properties that help strengthen immunity and prevent seasonal diseases. Kadha is prepared by blending – 

• Ginger 
• Black pepper 
• Cinnamon 
• Long pepper  
• Tulsi
• cardamom
• Water 
• Jaggery

Recipe for 1.5 cups

• 3 cups of water
• 1.5 inch of the ginger pound or grated or sliced
• 7 black peppercorns (coarsely ground)
• 4 long peppers
• 20 tulsi leaves
• 5  cloves
• 1 tbsp jaggery

You may also use cardamom, cinnamon, fennel seeds, and Cumin seeds for making kadha!

Properties of these ingredients

1. Ginger has anti-viral properties. Ginger is very effective against cough and cold. Its anti-inflammatory effects relieve a sore throat.
2. Tulsi is a sacred healing herb. It helps in reducing mucus, boosting immunity, and fighting infections.
3. Long Pepper is anti-microbial in nature. It is very effective in soothing colds and coughs.
4. Honey helps in improving immunity. It is effective in combating the common cold and its symptoms.
5. Cloves are packed with anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. It soothes the throat and prevents coughing.
6. Jaggery helps boost resistance against infections and builds stronger immunity.

5 steps of preparing Kadha

1. Arrange the ingredients.
2. Boil the water.
3. Put the spices in boiling water and lower the flame.
4. Stir until it turns dark like tea. 
5. While serving add a little jaggery.

The number of spices and other ingredients is to be adjusted as per individual taste. This decoction works best for protecting you against seasonal infections and keeps illness at bay.

Benefits

• Kadha strengthens the body’s natural defense mechanism.
• It also helps improve the skin by balancing skin pigmentation. 
• Kadha is an amazing blood purifier. It acts as a detoxifier. 
• It is an effective laxative that helps in relieving constipation. 
• Ayurvedic Kadha also helps in correcting eye problems.

Side Effects

Kadha is a home-made and natural remedy. Hence, this goes unsaid that it is free from toxins, chemicals, and harmful substances. However, you must keep a few things while preparing this concoction –

• Adding excess ginger can cause heartburn.
• Consuming Kadha during fasting can cause nausea.
• Adding excess black pepper can lead to a burning sensation.