While the world is facing COVID-19 pandemic, it is very important to be serious about our health, especially the Immune system. Though the scientists around the globe are working day and night to develop effective vaccines and treatments for the novel coronavirus, we do not have anything helpful till now. In this crucial time, Ayurveda has proven its ability once again. The old-age Indian tradition of drinking kadha is re-emerging to help us to fight the situation.
‘Kadha’ or ‘kardha’ is an essential ayurvedic drink, popular in many Indian households, that is known for its power to boost the immune system.
Dadi always says to keep the immunity strong by using simple herbs like Ayurvedic herbs in the kitchen like Tulsi, Ginger, Mulethi, Dry Ginger, Turmeric root, Cloves, Cinnamon, Cardamom, Pepper and Giloy to prepare the kadha. Apart from giving your immunity the boost it needs to combat infections, it is claimed that the herbal drink can improve digestion and detox the body.
Let’s have a look in Dadi’s kitchen to have a perfect recipe of immunity booster kadha .
For making this kadha, you need
5-6 Tulsi leaves,- Tulsi is beneficial in relieving cough and cold symptoms due to its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antitussive (cough-relieving), and anti-allergic properties.
½ cup sliced raw turmeric – raw Haldi acts as blood purifier.
1 tbsp cloves– cloves are rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic
1 tbsp black peppercorns – black pepper helps in getting rid of cough and cold and helps in keeping the lungs healthy.
1 stick cinnamon– cinnamon is rich in antioxidants and has several healing properties.
5-6 tbsp sliced ginger – Ginger helps break down mucus formed around the lungs and helps in easy breathing. It even reduces inflammation in the airways and respiratory tracts.
1 tbsp munakka.- It is effective in dry cough and respiratory tract inflammation due to its cough suppressant and soothing properties.
Let’s get started –
- Wash, peel, and coarsely pound the raw turmeric and ginger in a mortar and pestle.
- Then boil it in 4 cups of water until the color turns yellow and you start getting a whiff of ginger. This should take 5-6 minutes on medium heat.
- Then add the rest of the ingredients in the turmeric-ginger water and let it boil on simmer for at least 15-20 minutes. The water will reduce, so adjust the quantity according to how many cups you want to make.
- Put 1 tsp honey in a cup and strain the kadha.
Your kadha is ready, Sip when warm. The combined goodness of these herbs acts to strengthen the immune system and thus protect against many other infections including coronavirus. There are many kadha recipes that involve a different combination of herbs. However, it is suggested not to simply rely on kadha but also practice social distancing guidelines as provided by the government and wear a mask to protect from coronavirus.
