Winter – a season of cozy comforts, hearty meals (read gajar ka halwa) and simmering soups. But a nip in the air can trigger the much-dreaded seasonal sniffles too. The humble Ayurvedic kadha from days of yore can perk up your immunity. Safe to say, every Indian household has a signature kadha recipe that’s sacrosanct and whipped up at the slightest cough or a sneeze. While most of us have pinched our noses, shut our eyes tight and gulped it down in one go, we have accumulated recipes that are not just fortified to the fullest with immunity endowing ingredients that soothe your throat, and alleviate cold and flu symptoms but taste yummy as well!

Embrace the ancient wisdom of the following immunity-boosting Ayurvedic kadha recipes to keep the winter chills at bay.

What is Ayurvedic kadha?

Call it a kadha, herbal tea or kadha tea, they are all keepers! Kadha is a herbal decoction made by boiling various medicinal plants and spices in water. An ancient and much loved Ayurvedic remedy used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments, it is believed to balance the body’s doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) and promote overall well-being.

Benefits of Ayurvedic kadha in Winter

Packed with antioxidants, Ayurvedic kadha confers a host of benefits. It boosts immunity, fights infections, alleviates sore throat and cough, relieves congestion, and warms the body. Additionally, certain spices and herbs in kadha aids digestion.

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Popular Ayurvedic kadha Recipes for Winter

Ginger-Turmeric kadha

Haldi, or turmeric contains curcumin, a compound with anti-inflammatory properties that reduces infections. Ginger improves digestion and reduces bloating. Coupled with jaggery and other spices, this antioxidant-rich drink gives instant comfort during a cold.

Ingredients:

• 1-inch piece of grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 5-6 black peppercorns
• 1-inch cinnamon stick
• ½ tsp cloves
• 3 cups of water
• Honey or jaggery to taste
• Lemon juice (optional)
• A pinch of salt

Method:

• Using a mortar and pestle, crush cloves, peppercorns and cinnamon until coarse. Crush ginger as well.
• In a pan, boil water. Add the crushed spice mix and ginger. Add turmeric, salt and jaggery.
• Allow simmering on low heat for 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally. Strain and sip.

Tulsi Kadha

This kadha’s protagonist is the tulsi or basil who along with her trusty side-kicks ginger and pepper packs a massive antiviral and antibacterial punch!

Ingredients:

• 10-12 fresh tulsi leaves
• 5-6 black peppercorns
• 2-3 cloves
• 1-inch piece of grated ginger
• 2 cups of water
• Jaggery to taste

Method:

• Using a mortar and pestle, gently crush black peppercorns, ginger and tulsi leaves.
• In a pan, boil water. Add the crushed spice mix and jaggery.
• Allow boiling on low heat for 10-15 minutes with occasional stirring. Strain and sip.

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Mulethi (Licorice) Kadha

This nifty kadha’s muscle is the sweet, aromatic mulethi (licorice) with honey or jaggery for its sweeter company. Soothe a sore throat and relieve congestion with a cup of this. 

Ingredients:

• 1-inch piece of licorice root
• 2 cups of water
• Honey or jaggery to taste

Method:

• Boil all the ingredients in water until the liquid is reduced by half.
• Strain the liquid and add honey or jaggery to taste.

By incorporating Ayurvedic Kadha into your winter wellness routine, you can naturally boost your immunity and stay healthy and warm throughout the season.

Disclaimer: Consult an Ayurvedic practitioner before consuming any kadha, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are pregnant.