If there is one common topic that is garnering interest, rousing curiosity and pushing the panic button all at the same time, it is certainly COVID-19, with the deadly coronavirus still spreading at a fast pace and a record number of cases emerging every other day. Owing to the unpredictable nature of this respiratory condition, with no promising vaccine for the severe affliction available yet, enhancing the intrinsic defence mechanism of the body is certainly the need of the hour, for ultimately, “prevention is better than cure”.
While adhering to a healthy lifestyle consisting of a balanced diet, regular exercise and sufficient sleep ensure an active metabolism, physical fitness and mental alertness, some extra self-care measures are nonetheless required, to uplift immunity.
Agreed, there is no dearth of wholesome foods to elevate the body's fortification towards malaises, but one ancient secret recipe has been unravelled in recent times, to become the clear winner, enjoying huge popularity in all Indian states alike - the "Kadha". Also Read: Natural Immune Boosters: Calming, Aromatic Herbal Teas To Combat Monsoon Maladies
Celebrities like Malaika Arora vouch for it, COVID-19 survivors are advised to have it and healthcare experts, including doctors and nutritionists, are strongly advocating ingesting some kadha on a regular basis. While chefs are giving it a new avatar and making it more delicious, many Indians are whipping up their own versions, based on classical recipes.
What Is A Kadha?
A kadha is a basic mixture, comprising an assortment of herbs and spices, that is usually simmered in water, to extract the valuable biochemical compounds from the plant-based bounty.
These time-tested natural healing potions are undeniably a panacea, for myriad seasonal and chronic disorders. Guaranteed, having just one glass a day, of these holistic infusions made from a combination of nourishing foods, will immensely augment the system’s barrier against contagious infections and monsoon maladies.
Also, in case you are unsure of whether kids below the age of ten can drink these kadhas without facing any digestive complaints, be rest assured that it is safe for the little ones too! Just keep in mind to serve a very small quantity with some warm milk and sugar, so they can relish the rejuvenating beverage with a delightful creamy texture and an appetizing sweet taste.
Invigorating Kadha Recipes For Immune Power:
And if you are wondering how to prepare these miraculous ameliorating tonics, to improve your inner resistance and strength, look no further! Ayurveda presents the perfect solution to all your health-related concerns, with some soothing medicinal kadhas.
Spice Medley Kadha
Did you know that the humble spice box - a quintessential fixture of desi kitchens, commonly known as “masala dabba” in Hindi or “anjarai petti” in Tamil, holds a plethora of immune-boosting condiments? Simply distil the beneficial elements from these staple seasonings, to obtain a zesty cocktail of good health.
Ingredients:
1 medium-sized cinnamon stick
2 tsp cloves
1 tsp dry ginger powder
2 tsp black pepper seeds
1 tbsp cardamom pods
1 small garlic piece, crushed
3 tsp honey
1 ½ cups water
Method:
In a teapot or kettle, warm water on low flame and add the cinnamon, cloves, dry ginger powder, black pepper, cardamom, garlic.
Boil on high for 5 – 7 minutes, until all the flavours completely soak in.
Switch off the stove, filter the solution using a sieve and mix in the honey for a hint of sweetness, before serving.
Nutrition:
Cinnamon abounds in polyphenol, anthocyanin antioxidants, which lower inflammation and shield the body from infectious pathogens. Famed for its inherent ability to treat fevers, ginger effectively remedies seasonal illnesses, coughs and colds. Cardamom or elaichi works wonders in relieving chest congestion, thereby improving lung function. Also Read: Elaichi: Marvellous Health Benefits Of This Aromatic Spice
Minty Herbal Kadha
Unearth a treasure trove of advantageous components for overall wellness, straight from your local market, home garden or verdant backyard! Yes, flourishing, lush herbs are instilled with a high disease-fighting potential, as well as a refreshing taste, that will surely keep sickness at bay and preserve optimal wellbeing.
Ingredients:
10 -12 neem leaves
A small bunch of fresh mint leaves
7 - 9 methi leaves
2-inch raw turmeric
1 tsp cumin powder
2 tsp jaggery powder
2 cups of water
Method:
Pour some water in a pan and steep the neem leaves, mint leaves, methi leaves, raw turmeric, cumin powder in it, on medium flame.
Let the constituents cook for about 10 minutes, till some liquid vaporizes and the concentrate is formed.
Turn off the cooktop and allow the decoction to cool down a bit.
Strain the brew, blend in the jaggery powder and consume warm.
Nutrition:
Neem is renowned for its antimicrobial traits, in addition to purifying the bloodstream and detoxifying the body. The profuse concentrations of menthol in mint confers a cooling effect and enriches skin texture. Bestowed with the potent antioxidant curcumin, turmeric remarkably lowers the risk of cancer, besides guarding the system against a host of bacterial and viral ailments.
