‘Besan ka sheera’ is the best natural home remedy for cough and cold, says my mom

When it is that time of the year when you feel like covering up with warm jackets, but there are also moments when you wish to just roam around in a shirt and a pair of pants, you have more chances to fall ill. Be careful about your health unless you want to catch a cold. I also thought it was hot enough to leave my warm clothes behind, but I ended up with cough and cold. My mom told me to have besan ka sheera to get rid of cough and cold. The sweet semi-thick beverage that has gram flour (besan) as the star ingredient, turned out to be the home remedy for cough and cold I needed!

What is besan ka sheera?

Besan ka sheera is a sweet, nutty-flavoured semi-thick beverage made from gram flour (besan), ghee (clarified butter), milk, sugar, and spices such as turmeric and cardamom. It is popular in many Indian households for its comforting and therapeutic properties, especially during the cold season, says dietician Manvi Lohia.

How does besan ka sheera help to fight cough and cold?

Besan ka sheera, an age-old remedy used mostly in Punjabi households, is highly effective in curing colds and coughs. Beyond its culinary delight, it serves as a therapeutic concoction. Turmeric, known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, plays an important role in alleviating cough and cold symptoms. Cardamom acts as a natural decongestant, aiding in respiratory issues, says the expert. The ghee in the sheera serves as a soothing agent for irritated throat membranes, while its warmth provides immediate relief from congestion. Traditionally consumed during colder months, besan ka sheera offers a balanced blend of warmth, nutrition, and healing properties. It stands as an effective home remedy for those seeking relief from the discomforts of colds and coughs.

How to make besan ka sheera: An easy recipe

Ingredients

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• 2 tablespoons of ghee
• 4 tablespoons of gram flour (besan)
• 1 to 1.5 cups of milk
• 1/4 cup of jaggery
• 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric powder
• 1/4 teaspoon of cardamom powder (elaichi)

Method

• Take a pan and heat ghee over medium heat.
• Add gram flour and roast it on a low flame until it turns golden brown and emits a nutty fragrance, usually about 5 to 10 minutes.
• Add milk and stir continuously so that you don’t have to deal with lumps.
• Add jaggery, turmeric, and cardamom then mix well.
• Cook on a low flame until the sheera thickens to your desired consistency.
• Optionally, sprinkle a little nuts for added flavour and texture.

How often and how much besan ka sheera to have to fight cough and cold?

For fighting cough and cold, besan ka sheera can be consumed once a day, preferably at night before going to bed, as it provides a soothing effect and helps in a good night’s sleep. The quantity can range from half to one bowl, depending on the individual’s age, dietary tolerance, and nutritional needs, says Lohia.

Are there any side effects of having besan ka sheera?

While besan ka sheera is widely celebrated for its therapeutic benefits, especially in treating cough and cold, it is important to be mindful of potential side effects, particularly if consumed in excessive amounts.

The primary ingredient, besan (gram flour), is rich and heavy, which may lead to digestive discomfort such as bloating or indigestion in some individuals, especially those with sensitive stomachs or pre-existing digestive issues.
The inclusion of ghee, although beneficial for its soothing properties, adds to the calorie content, and overindulgence could contribute to weight gain or affect individuals with dietary restrictions related to cholesterol and heart health.
For people with allergies or intolerances to any of the ingredients, such as lactose intolerance due to the milk, adverse reactions could occur.

As with any remedy, moderation is key, and it is advisable to consider one’s health conditions and dietary tolerances when incorporating besan ka sheera or any rich, traditional food into a wellness regimen.