Winter is the season to enjoy the cold weather and indulge into warm and delectable delicacies. It’s the most awaited season for dishes like gajar ka halwa, makki roti, warm soups and cocktails. But along with these lip-smacking warm delights, winter also brings seasonal illness like cold and cough. It is very important to protect yourself and your family from these diseases as they not only weaken the immune system but also gets transmitted from one person to another.
But for years, there has been an unbeatable solution for this problem, known as kadha. Made with nutritious spices and herbs, kadha is a traditional drink that is consumed as tea during monsoon and winter to cure and protect against seasonal diseases. Apart from providing relief from cold and flu, this traditional drink also boosts immunity and strengthens stomach health. The ingredients used in making kadha are easily available in the kitchen and takes very few minutes to prepare.
Here are four winter kadha recipes for you that can keep you safe from seasonal illness:
1. Ajwain-Kaali Mirch Kadha
Made with carom seeds and black pepper, this kadha is rich in antioxidants that not only boosts immunity but also has anti-inflammatory properties. Apart from cold, it is also good for treating sore throat and indigestion.
2. Cinnamon-Honey-Ginger Kadha
This concoction is a blessing during winter season. Unlike other kadhas it is sweet in taste due to the presence of honey. This drink is a natural cure for clogged nose and cough. To make this kadha, fill a pot with 3 cups of water, add cardamom, 1 tablespoon cinnamon, dried ginger, and 1 tablespoon black pepper and give it a proper boil. Strain the solution in a glass, add honey and serve.
3. Haldi Kadha
Turmeric is known to be an effective healing component and when combined with jaggery and spices like peppercorns and cinnamon, it becomes a magical solution to problems like winter illness and weak digestion.
Ingredients:
- ½ tsp cloves
- ½ tsp peppercorns
- 2-inch piece ginger
- 1-inch cinnamon
- 1 tsp jaggery
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 pinch salt
- 3 cups water
Method:
- In a mortar and pestle, crush cloves, peppercorns, cinnamon and ginger until coarse.
- Boil water in a saucepan and add the prepared spice mix along with turmeric, salt and jaggery.
- Let this mixture boil over low heat for 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally. Serve hot.
4. Tulsi Kadha
Tulsi or basil is one of the most popular kitchen ingredients that has medicinal properties. This herb not only builds immunity but also helps in flushing out toxins. The healing properties of basil also provides relief from several ailments. Combine it with jaggery and ginger to make it more effective.
Ingredients:
- 1-inch ginger
- ½ tsp peppercorns
- 1 tsp jaggery
- 6-7 basil leaves
- 2 cups water
Method:
- In a mortar and pestle, gently crush black peppercorns, ginger and tulsi leaves.
- In a saucepan, add water, crushed spice mix and jaggery.
- Let this mixture boil over low heat for 10-15 minutes while stirring occasionally. Strain and sip.
Prepare these kadhas and keep yourself and your family members healthy during winter.
