Recipe for Kadha
(2 servings)
This traditional Indian decoction is made by boiling herbs and spices in water and served warm with honey, lemon, or plain. It is a traditional remedy for coughs, cold, fever and upset stomachs. The peppercorns provide respiratory relief and stimulate appetite.
Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 5 whole peppercorns
- 2 cloves
- ¼ tsp carom seeds
- 1 inch grated ginger
- ½ cup mint leaves
- 2 tsp honey
- 2 tsp lemon juice
Preparation guide
- Add cinnamon, whole peppercorns, cloves and carom seeds to water and boil.
- Add the grated ginger and boil till water is reduced to nearly half the quantity.
- Add fresh mint leaves and boil for another five minutes.
- The kadha is ready.
- It can be served immediately but is most effective when served after a couple of hours allowing the
herbs to infuse the water.
Health benefits
A relative of ginger, turmeric has been used in India for centuries to treat common colds, flu and breathing difficulties. The curcumin in turmeric fights a variety of viruses. However turmeric contains only 3 percent curcumin. Therefore to derive the full benefit of its healing properties, you need to add pepper as it enhances curcumin absorption in the body by up to 2,000 percent.
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