Kadha is a sore throat remedy. It is an Indian Ayurvedic concoction. This is a gharelu nuskha which helps when you got a slight sore throat due to change in weather. I always think how can I control my cough and cold naturally?
So that I can avoid the doctor. I am sure many do.
Some people regularly drink it for immunity. We generally drink it when we are under the weather. It is a strong mix of tea and spices. Usually we drink it with some honey or jaggery. Funnily, most kids swear by it now as parents. Although we used to think otherwise when we were young. Kada for throat infection is a Rambaan ilaaj as many say. Tulasi ukado or kashayam for cold and fever is a remedy which helps you avoid medicines. However, if the infection increases, one should visit the doctor.
Other homemade recipes that aid your immunity include Amla candy, Amla chyawanprash & Anardana goli .
Note: This is a strong spice blend. It increases immunity during winters. However, it is NOT a medicine. In case of infection, visit a doctor. Also, check with medical practitioner in case of allergies. Not recommended for babies below 1 year and during pregnancy.
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Kadha and its usage
Elders would drink it during winter or in rains. It helped soothe the throat and cold. Also, anti-inflammatory properties of medicinal herb help avoid infection. It resembles a strong spicy black tea recipe. Back then medicines were not easily available. Hence, this ayurvedic drink was a go to remedy. Although we hated it, it does grow on you. Just like their advice, you understand it with time. Low immunity often shows up as cold, runny nose and dry coughs, if not taken care. This is a traditional recipe which is very popular in many North Indian and Gujarati communities.
Ingredients for kadha
- green cardamom
- black cardamom
- cloves
- fennel seeds
- licorice
- ginger sliced
- black pepper corns
- Indian basil OR Italian basil if you do not get it nearby
- tea bag
- palm sugar / jaggery as per taste
- salt as per taste
- water
refer to recipe card for details.
How to make tulsi kadha?
You may use Indian tulsi along with remaining spices. You can also make traditional kadha recipe with Italian basil if you have that handy. In cold countries, you may not find Indian basil plant in cold winters. Italian works fine. You may also use the Thai basil.
- Slightly crush and mix all ingredients together except the jaggery.
- Boil in water over a medium flame until it reduces to half and then add jaggery to it. Mix well.
- Strain the liquid through a sieve and serve warm.
You also understand now why prevention is better than cure. Popping a tablet for every small issue could raise bigger problems.
However, please note in case of chronic infection or respiratory diseases, you MUST consult a doctor. This is a gharelu upchar. Home remedies cannot replace a doctor's advice.
Variation and Substitution
- You may choose to make this simple recipe of black tea with whatever spices that you have at home. List of ingredients can vary according to the kitchen staple available with you.
- If you do not have jaggery, use brown sugar / raw sugar for sweetness according to your taste.
- If you do not have mulethi / liquorice then you can skip it and make with rest of the ingredients.
- Use dry ginger powder, black pepper powder, cinnamon powder, elaichi powder if you do not have fresh ginger, cinnamon stick, black peppercorns and green cardamom at home. However, the effect might be lesser as they are already processed.
- If you do not get Indian holy basil or fresh tulsi leaves near by, use a Tulsi tea bag or dried basil leaves instead.
- You may add more cups of water, if you want to drink it like green tea every few hours. Adding warm water is best in this case.
Storage
You can store it for a couple of hours and add more hot water to it like herbal tea. However, it is best advised to make only as much as you need.
FAQs
Yes, it can help relieve the pain and reduce the inflammation that helps to recover fast
Kadha recipe
Ingredients
- 2-3 choti elaichi/green cardamoms
- 2-3 badi elaichi/black cardamom
- 4-5 laung/cloves
- 1 tablespoon saunf/fennel seeds
- 2 piece mulethi/licorice
- 1 small piece of adrak/ginger sliced
- 4-5 kali mirch/pepper corns
- 1 tablespoon tulsi /Indian basil OR Italian basil if you do not get it nearby
- 1 tea bag
- gud/jaggery as per taste
- 1 pinch salt
- 3 cups water
Instructions
- Slightly crush and mix all ingredients together except the jaggery.
- Boil in water until it reduces to half,add jaggery.
- Strain the liquid through a sieve and serve warm.
Food safety
- Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
Conclusion: Ayurvedic Kadha is an Indian home remedy like green tea. It will help you strengthen immune system. It helps avoid seasonal infections in the long run. However in case of respiratory ailments and chest congestion, you MUST consult a doctor.Homemade kadhas cannot replace medicine.
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