Immunity Boosting Ayurvedic kadha | Yogic Blogging

As this virus thing continues, we all are looking forward to enhance our immunity in some way or the other.

While wearing masks & maintaining social distancing has become an integral part of our lives and it is unavoidable for the time being. Boosting immunity also plays a major role in maintaining your overall health. 

No, I’m not talking about vitamin supplements or immunity boosters which are getting a lot of attention nowadays of course you have to depend on them when it becomes a question of survival. But why always pop up pills when we have good old ayurvedic remedies which are natural and don’t have any side effects. 

kadha is a traditional Indian decoction made by boiling a blend of herbs & spices which has a plethora of benefits. Even consuming a small quantity of kadha on a regular basis can boost your immunity significantly. Also, you absorb the benefits of a mixture of herbs which makes it a highly beneficial herbal decoction compared to green tea. One of the main advantages of this kadha is that it can be made with the simple ingredients which are readily available in our kitchens. 

Ingredients 

1-inch Ginger   

3-4 Black peppercorns 

1 Turmeric stick  

1 Cinnamon stick preferably Ceylon   

2-3 Cardamom (Elaichi)

2-3 Clove buds  

1 Star anise 

2-3 Tulsi leaves (optional) 

Honey or jaggery powder to sweeten (optional) 

Serves -2

Method 

 1. In a pan add 3 cups of water & add the cinnamon stick, star anise, Tulsi leaves and put it to simmer.   

2. Meanwhile crush the ginger, black peppercorns, clove, turmeric stick, & cardamom together in a mortar.

3. Now add this mixture to the pan.

4. Boil it on high flame for 10 minutes and then on simmer for another 5 -10 minutes. 

5. Turn off the flame, remove the pan, & serve hot.

Add honey or jaggery powder to sweeten it. 

 

Benefits of spices

Ginger 

Ginger is a commonly used spice in Indian kitchens which has a pungent smell. Traditionally in India, dried ginger was used for the treatment of cough & the common cold. 

Ayurveda mentions ginger as a powerful medicine for many ailments. Ginger contains a substance called gingerol which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. 

If you are suffering from fever consuming ginger tea would greatly help you. Ginger roundels if consumed with rock salt can boost your digestion. Try taking ginger roundels with a pinch of rock salt if you consume heavy meals after sunset. 

Star anise 

Star anise derived from Illicium Verum tree also known by the name Phool Chakra in India is a unique star-shaped spice that has a woody smell. It is another phenomenal spice that can greatly enhance your immunity. Due to its sweet, unique aroma, people prefer to add it to culinary dishes.

 

Adding star anise flowers in biriyanis, curries, vegetable dishes & other cuisines adds a unique flavor in them. Apart from its uses in the kitchen, star anise is used in the preparation of many medicines due to its numerous benefits.

 

Turmeric

 

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) also known as Haldi has been used in India for centuries. It is one of the most popular spices found in all the Indian kitchens.

 

Turmeric is known for its antiseptic, antiviral & antibacterial properties. Traditionally turmeric is powdered and added in almost all the Indian curries which gives them a yellow color. Turmeric is believed to remove poisonous substances present in certain foods that may harm our bodies.

 

Turmeric has a substance called curcumin which may help you to deal with arthritis, anxiety, muscle soreness & even cancer. 

 

 

Cinnamon 

Derived from the Cinnamomum verum tree. Cinnamon is one of the oldest & most valuable spices in this planet. It has a classic woody aroma. Be it in cakes, coffee, deserts, or teas cinnamon goes well with all.

 

Regular intake of cinnamon may reduce the risk of diabetes, studies prove that cinnamon can reduce the growth of cancer cells in our body. Even some studies have proven that cinnamon can prevent Alzheimer’s disease.

 

There are two types of cinnamon barks available in the market one variety is cassia and the other is Ceylon. It is said that Ceylon aka Sri Lankan variety of cinnamon is more beneficial compared to the cassia aka Chinese cinnamon.

   

 

Summary

 

Including this ayurvedic kadha will have a tremendous role in enhancing your immunity. Try consuming it daily for effective results. You can keep experimenting with different combinations of herbs & spices and make your own decoction also.