KADHA – MY GRANDMA’S MAGIC POTION

The CORONA pandemic has suddenly made everybody from Donald Trump to Baba Ramdev talk about how to improve immunity. I was feeling a guilty for not knowing enough about the subject as I was always under the impression that these products are market induced gimmicks. Many Ayurvedic products like Chawanprash, Ratnaprash, Amla, Ashwagandha, Panchamrit etc are available in the market with very little research behind them but doing brisk business.

While we are trying different medicines and foods to build our immune system, there are many homemade food items from around the world that, while overlooked, can work wonders for your immune health. My grandmother made one such preparation called ‘Kadha’ and very few of my generation were spared from having it. She was of the opinion that her Kadha was a magic potion which would not only cure cough and the cold and building your immunity but make me fit to go to the moon. The drink originated in ancient India and was an Ayurvedic concoction and was passed on to her by her mother. It was made with a number of herbs and spices that are boiled in water to extract their benefits.

Interestingly, the practice of preparing kadha is almost five hundred years old. The spice and herbs mixture is considered one of the oldest forms of medicine invented in Ayurveda.

What are the ingredients required for preparing kadha?

The most essential herbs and spices that you would need to prepare a kadha drink are - raw turmeric, basil leaves, cinnamon, black peppercorns, cloves, cardamom, and ginger. All these herbs and spices are natural immunity boosters and are packed with various beneficial nutrients.

• Cinnamon has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Cardamom has several impressive medicinal properties and is known to relieve a sore throat while also having a cooling effect for the body.
• Turmeric has curcumin and is helpful at fighting off a variety of viruses, including herpes and the flu. It is also packed with anti-inflammatory properties. It is particularly useful in boosting your digestion.
• Cloves are loaded with strong antioxidants and are also a good source of a compound called eugenol. Consuming them regularly helps boost your immunity.
• Ginger is one of the healthiest roots on the planet. It has certain chemical compounds that help your body ward off germs and also in halting the growth of certain bacteria.
• Black peppercorns are also high in antioxidants and can combat some respiratory conditions and rejuvenating the lungs. They also contain piperine, which is an alkaloid like capsaicin and can help relieve nausea, headaches, and poor digestion.
• Basil leaf is a healing herb that helps in treating the cold, nasal congestion, cough, and the flu. These leaves are also great for improving digestion and contain a range of natural antioxidants that can strengthen the immune system.
• Honey soothes inflamed mucous membrane and serves as a carrier of spices. It also has anti-bacterial effect.

You can even add gooseberry or Amla to this drink if it is available in your area. It is rich in Vitamin C, which boosts your immunity. Additionally, it also lowers blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure levels according to Ayurveda. Mulethi too can be added as it is good for both respiratory and digestive systems.

Steps of preparing Kadha

1. Fill a pot with water. Allow the water in the pot (or pan) to boil for a few minutes.
2. Crush all ingredients (except honey and basil leaves) in a bowl.
3. Alternatively, you can also take half a tablespoon of each of these ingredients and mix it in boiling water. 
4. All the ingredients, including the basil leaves, should then be cooked on medium heat for about 10-15 minutes or until the decoction is reduced to half.
5. Let the drink simmer down well and once done, cool it.
6. Lastly, strain the mixture into a glass or a cup and drink it while it is warm.

That’s it! Your kadha drink is ready. 

To improve or sweeten the taste of the drink, you can even add lemon, jaggery, and honey to the kadha. The best thing about this traditional drink is that you can warm it again and have it multiple times a day. Having kadha throughout the season is known to aid digestion, boost your immunity, and fight symptoms of the flu. 

There is however a word of caution, avoid adding too much black pepper and ginger in the kadha. It can cause heartburn and a burning sensation in the throat.

Note: While there are various known benefits of kadha as mentioned above, it shouldn’t be a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist if you have any recurring health issues.

Ayurveda, being the science of life, propagates the gifts of nature in maintaining healthy and happy living. Ayurveda’s extensive knowledge base on preventive care, derives from the concepts of “Dinacharya” - daily regimes and “Ritucharya” - seasonal regimes to maintain healthy life. It is a plant-based science. The simplicity of awareness about oneself and the harmony each individual can achieve by uplifting and maintaining his or her immunity is emphasized across Ayurveda’s classical scriptures. Kadha is one of the oldest and treasured medicinal secrets of India.