These immunity boosting kadha recipes will get you through the winter

An age-old Ayurvedic remedy can help you keep illnesses at bay and help strengthen your immune system from within.

While we sit cosied up in the soothing cocoon-like warmth of our blankets, our body’s immunity might be dipping because of the changing temperature outside. During Vata, or the cold and dry season, our body becomes more prone to allergies and infections. To strengthen our immune system, kadha, an ancient Ayurvedic drink, serves as an excellent remedy. The drink is prepared in many variations, it’s mostly a concoction of commonly found kitchen spices and herbs which are boiled in water for a certain amount of time, allowing the medicinal benefits of each ingredient to be extracted.

In India, kadha recipes are like the treasured familial secrets that are passed down from one generation to another; here are some of ours:

Haldi kadha:

Haldi, or turmeric, has been used in India as a spice and a medicinal herb for thousands of years now. It contains Curcumin, a compound that is scientifically proven to have anti-inflammatory properties that reduces infections. While jaggery aids in digestion, the combination of spices make this kadha rich in antioxidants.

Ingredients:

• Cloves, ½ tsp
• Peppercorns, ½ tsp
• Ginger, 2 inch piece
• Cinnamon, 1 inch stick
• Jaggery, 1 tsp
• Turmeric, 1 tsp 
• Salt, a pinch
• Water, 3 cups

Method:

1. In a mortar and pestle, crush cloves, peppercorns, cinnamon and ginger until coarse.
2. Boil water in a saucepan and add the prepared spice mix along with turmeric, salt and jaggery.
3. Let this mixture boil over low heat for 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally.
4. Strain and sip.

Ajwain kadha:

This four ingredient kadha is one of the easiest solutions to gaining instant relief from the common cold and other respiratory ailments. The drink primarily contains ajwain, or carom seeds, which are known for their anti-inflammatory properties, and honey, which helps to soothe a sore throat and serves as a natural energy booster.

Ingredients:

• Ajwain (Carom seeds), 1 tsp
• Turmeric, 1 tsp
• Cloves, ½ tsp
• Honey, 1 tbsp or as per taste
• Water, 2 cups

Method:

1. Boil water in a saucepan.
2. Add ajwain, turmeric and cloves.
3. Stir occasionally and let it boil over low heat for 15 minutes, or till the mixture is reduced to half.
4. Strain and add honey after it has cooled down a little. Sip warm.

Tulsi kadha:

Tulsi or basil, is one of the most popular ingredients due to its many medicinal benefits. The herb not only helps in flushing out toxins and strengthening immunity, but also has healing properties that provide relief from several ailments. Ginger helps in warding off infection while peppercorns are high in antioxidants.

Ingredients:

• Ginger, 1 inch
• Peppercorns, ½ tsp
• Jaggery, 1 tsp
• Tulsi (basil) leaves, 6-7
• Water, 2 cups

Method:

1. In a mortar and pestle, gently crush black peppercorns, ginger and tulsi leaves.
2. In a saucepan, add water, crushed spice mix and jaggery.
3. Let this mixture boil over low heat for 10-15 minutes while stirring occasionally.
4. Strain and sip.