Winter is a tricky time for people who easily catch a cold, cough, or flu. And it is during the cold months of the year when you must have heard your grandmother and mother keep suggesting you drink up the Ayurvedic kadha. Well, you might not take that suggestion as seriously as you should! This is because there are many kadha benefits that you are unaware of and we're here to tell you all about them. Don't worry, we're also going to give out some easy kadha recipes that you can try in the comfort of your home.
Benefits of Drinking Kadha:
The kadha drink is made up of all nutritious ingredients like tulsi, ashwagandha (1), sunthi, and amla, among many others. This makes kadha rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Hence, there are lots of benefits attached to kadha. Here are some common kadha benefits that you should know of -
1. It Helps Fight Cough and Cold:
Changes in seasonal temperatures can often make you fall prey to common flu, cold, and cough. As the kadha recipe for cough and cold includes ingredients like lemongrass, tulsi, etc., it can work wonderfully to relieve these common illnesses by strengthening your respiratory system. Hence, it is also believed to fight symptoms of asthma.
2. It Helps Improve Immunity:
The kadha drink is loaded with antioxidants and vitamins, as mentioned earlier, which is very important to boost your immune system. This antioxidant-rich drink can help reduce internal infection by battling free radicals. It can effectively protect your body against the risk of diabetes and other such chronic illnesses (2). Hence, you must find a kadha recipe that suits your taste and start sipping on some every day.
3. It Aids Digestion:
Besides absorbing gas and improving blood flow, kadha drink also decreases free radicals that causes indigestion and upset stomachs. Kadha also contains phenols that may help in strengthening your stomach muscles as well as the muscles in the oesophagus. Just a cup of kadha after a meal can help with your digestive issues like indigestion, vomiting, nausea, etc.
After reading these kadha benefits, if you wish to try a ready kadha product, we recommend you try the Saffola Immuniveda Kadha as it contains ingredients that boost immunity, relieve sore throat, cough, and cold, & support respiratory healths. The formula combines the powerful ingredients of Ayush Kwath with 11 carefully selected ayurvedic herbs. This product is made by following a traditional process where Ayush Kwath & other herbs are crushed and boiled in water for hours together to make a decoction to harness all its benefits.
Kadha Recipes for Cold, Cough, and Immunity Boosting:
Below are some easy kadha recipes that you can put to use now that the cold months of the year are starting -
1. Haldi Kadha:
Ingredients: 1/2 teaspoon cloves and peppercorns, 1 teaspoon each of jaggery and turmeric, 1-inch cinnamon stick, 2 inches ginger piece, a pinch of salt, and 3 cups of water.
Method: Crush all the ingredients well in a mortar and pestle. Boil water in a saucepan and add all the crushed ingredients to it. Add salt to taste and bring it to a boil over low heat for 10-15 minutes. Strain and sip on this kadha recipe for cough and cold.
2. Tulsi Kadha:
Ingredients: 1/2 teaspoon peppercorns, 1 teaspoon jaggery, 1-inch ginger piece, 6-7 tulsi leaves, 2 cups of water.
Method: In a mortar and pestle, crush peppercorns, ginger, and tulsi leaves. Add water to a saucepan and heat it well with the crushed spices and jaggery. Let the mixture boil for 10-15 minutes over low heat, strain, and enjoy this recipe of kadha after 20-30 minutes of a meal.
3. Ajwain Kadha:
Ingredients: 1/2 teaspoon cloves, 1 teaspoon each of turmeric and ajwain (carom seeds), 1 tablespoon of honey, and 2 cups of water.
Method: For this recipe of kadha for cough, boil water in a saucepan and add ajwain, turmeric, and cloves. Make sure to stir occasionally and let all the ingredients boil in the water for about 10-15 minutes over low heat. strain the decoction and add honey as per your taste to it and sip on it to relieve your cough and improve digestion.
Conclusion:
Traditional kadha has been very popular for reasons more than one. It is a harmless drink that you can sip on every single day, regardless of the weather. As kadha is made with all-natural ingredients, it only proves more beneficial to your overall health. That being said, you must include various seasonal vegetables and fruits in your daily diet to see some changes in your body.
FAQs:
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Is it okay to drink kadha on a daily basis even when I'm sick?
It is safe to drink kadha every day and even during your sick days as long as you limit it to one to two cups a day during winter and half a cup during other seasons, as mentioned by an Ayurvedic Practitioner based in New York in ETimes. You also need to make sure that you don't end up over boiling the kadha recipe as it will turn bitter and won't really give your body any benefits of all the natural ingredients used in the drink.
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What is the best time to drink kadha?
The best time to drink kadha can be in the morning on an empty stomach as mentioned in an article by drvaidyas. You can even sip on kadha in the evening or 20-30 minutes post meals.
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Does kadha reduce weight?
Some experts believe that kadha can help manage weight as all the ingredients used in this drink can help improve digestion and overall health. However, it is always better to lead a healthy lifestyle to see better results when it comes to your weight.
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What are some of the best immunity boosters?
Some of the best immunity boosters include:
- Turmeric and garlic
- Warm water
- Coriander and cumin
- Kadha is made of Holy basil, cinnamon, black pepper, ginger, and raisin
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