Boost your immunity: Kadha recipes to enjoy this winter

During the winter season, consuming kadha, a traditional herbal concoction in Indian households, offers warmth and a boost to the immune system. Consumption of kadhas can also help control various respiratory disorders such as cough, cold and flu. Here are five kadha recipes infused with various herbs and spices to help you stay healthy and cozy during the chilly months.

Combining ginger and turmeric creates a potent kadha rich in anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. Simmer grated ginger, turmeric, black pepper, and a cinnamon stick in water for 10-15 minutes. Add a dash of honey and a squeeze of lemon before straining and drinking. This kadha not only helps in fighting colds but also aids digestion and reduces inflammation.

Tulsi is a powerful medicinal herb in Ayurveda. Boil fresh tulsi leaves with black pepper, cloves, and a piece of ginger in water. After simmering for some time, add little jaggery for sweetness. Tulsi kadha acts as an excellent decongestant, relieves cough, and boosts immunity due to its antiviral and antibacterial properties.

Boil cinnamon sticks, green cardamom pods, a slice of fresh ginger, and a few cloves in water. After steeping for a while, strain the liquid, add a spoonful of honey, and sip this flavorful kadha to improve circulation and aid respiratory health. Cinnamon is loaded with powerful antioxidants, including polyphenols, which may help in reducing inflammation in your body. Cardamom can also ease inflammation and protect your cells against oxidative stress – an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants that can cause health problems.

Triphala, a blend of three fruits - amla, haritaki, and bibhitaki, is renowned in Ayurveda for its detoxifying and rejuvenating properties. Boil a teaspoon of Triphala powder in water and simmer it for 5-10 minutes. Strain and consume this kadha daily to improve digestion, boost immunity, and enhance overall well-being.

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Boil fenugreek seeds, coriander seeds, a few peppercorns, and a cinnamon stick in water. Allow it to steep and then strain. This kadha aids digestion, helps manage blood sugar levels, and supports respiratory health. Fenugreek comes with multiple health benefits. A 2019 study published in Galen Medical Journal found that people with type 2 diabetes who took 5 g of fenugreek seed powder twice daily for 2 months experienced a reduction in fasting blood sugar levels, belly fat, body mass index, and hemoglobin A1c, a marker of long-term blood sugar control.