Kadha for cold: Try out this recipe to keep winter woes at bay

It is inevitable to avoid a cold in the winter season, regardless of how many layers of clothing you have on. And the weather didn’t have mercy on me either. I was affected by a cold and was sneezing throughout the day until my mother came to my rescue. She warned me that low immunity and the cold weather had triggered it, as she shared her secret recipe of a Kadha for cold which, to my surprise, worked wonders for me. Plus, it was tasty too! Today, I am sharing the recipe along with some expert advise to help you get through this winter season with warmth and ease.

While this Kadha for cold worked for me, I had to check with an expert if it would work for everyone or not, so Health Shots reached out to Nutritionist Avni Kaul to know more about the positive effects of this Kadha.

What is Kadha?

Kadha, also known as herbal tea, is a drink that is made using a myriad of effective natural ingredients. This drink offers several benefits, especially during the chilly months of the year, keeping cold at bay. Read on to find my mom’s kadha recipe for cold.

Ingredients:

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• 1 small piece of ginger
• 5 leaves of Tulsi
• 2 pieces of green cardamom
• 2-3 peppercorns/black pepper powder
• 1-inch cinnamon stick
• 2 cloves
• 1 Mulethi
• Jaggery/honey for the sweet taste
• 3 cups of water

Recipe:

1. In a mortar and pestle, crush the peppercorn, ginger, and Tulsi leaves.
2. Take a saucepan, and add water to it.
3. Add all the crushed spices and jaggery to it.
4. Let this mix boil well for 10-15 minutes over low flame.
5. Strain it after 15 minutes, and relish this tasty yet healthy kadha post 20-30 minutes of a meal.

Health benefits of drinking Kadha for cold

Here are the benefits of drinking Kadha for cold as shared by the nutritionist:

1. Boosts immunity

One of the major advantages of drinking Kadha lies in its immune-boosting properties, which is crucial to keep problems like cold and cough at bay.

“Kadha is made using herbs and spices, like Tulsi (holy basil), ginger, and black pepper, that show immune-stimulating effects. Regular consumption of Kadha can help fortify the body’s natural defences against infections and illnesses,” said the expert.

2. Promotes respiratory health

Kadha is specifically, renowned for its efficacy in supporting respiratory health. Ingredients like ginger and cloves have anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe respiratory discomfort and provide relief from conditions like cough and cold. The warming nature of Kadha is especially comforting during colder months.

Also read: Masaba Gupta shares recipe for a kadha she ‘swears by’ for strong immunity

3. Aids in digestion

The herbs and spices in Kadha are mostly chosen for their digestive benefits.
“Cinnamon, cardamom, and fennel, commonly used in Kadha recipes, can aid digestion, alleviate bloating, and promote a healthy gut. Regular consumption may contribute to a more robust digestive system, and also help with problems like cold” says the expert.

4. Rich in antioxidants

“Kadha is a good source of antioxidants, thanks to ingredients such as cinnamon, clove, and turmeric. Antioxidants neutralise the effect of free radicals in the body, which can contribute to ageing and various diseases,” advises Kaul.

By incorporating Kadha into your routine, you provide your body with a natural arsenal against oxidative stress.

5. Detoxifies your body

Kadha mostly contains ingredients having detoxifying properties, such as coriander and cumin. These herbs may assist in flushing out toxins from the body, supporting the liver’s natural detoxification process. Regular detoxification can contribute to improved skin health and overall vitality.

While this Kadha has proved to be an effective remedy for cold for me, it might not work for you. So, it is crucial that you check with your healthcare provider to ensure that it is good for your health.