Kadha has been one of India's treasured secrets for stronger immunity and good health since time immemorial. Kadhaa is basically a herbal decoction made with a range of kitchen spices and herbs. It is one of the most inexpensive and easy remedies to keep your immunity in best shape. In times like these, where we must prioritise our health over anything else, adding a simple kadha to your daily diet could be a way forward.
What makes this spice combination of carom seeds, cardamom pods and cinnamon so special, is that all of them are known to have a range of antioxidants and immunity boosting power. Additionally, they are also replete with many health benefits.
1. Ajwain: Ajwain seeds are noted for their anti-inflammatory effects. It could help soothe discomfort that comes with common cold and respiratory ailments such as asthma and bronchitis. Thymol present in ajwain helps facilitate digestion, carom seeds are also said to be very good for heart.
Ajwain seeds are noted for their anti-inflammatory effects.
2. Cardamom: Just the aroma of cardamom or elaichi is enough to brighten up your day, but you must know that the pods hold much more value other than their fragrance. Cardamom in healing in nature and is a treasure of free-radical fighting antioxidants. It may help aid weight-management, manage blood pressure and blood sugar levels too. "Black cardamoms help in alleviating colds and cough", says Bangalore-based nutritionist Dr. Anju Sood.
3. Cinnamon: Cinnamon is popular for its anti-diabetic and heart-healing properties. It also has anti-inflammatory properties.
Cinnamon is popular for its anti-diabetic properties
How To Make The Ajwain Kadha:
- To make this kadha, you need to take a vessel. Add a large cup of water to it, then add a teaspoon of ajwain, one cardamom pod (black) and one bark of cinnamon to it. Let it steep for 5 minutes. Strain and serve.
- Although cinnamon imparts a sweet tinge to the decoction, if you want to sweeten it further you can add a teaspoon of honey.
Pro Tip: You can also add some ginger to the kadha to further enhance its immunity boosting properties.
It must be understood that these herbal remedies must not be seen as a definite cure or a substitute to prescribed medicines, if you have been feeling sick for a while, or have persistent symptoms that are not easing with time - you must report this to a qualified personnel right away. For those who want to take precautionary measures and try their best keep ailments like flu, cough and cold at bay - you can try this ajwain kadha teeming with goodness of ajwain or carom seeds, elaichi or cardamom and dalchini (or cinnamon).
(This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.)
About Sushmita SenguptaSharing a strong penchant for food, Sushmita loves all things good, cheesy and greasy. Her other favourite pastime activities other than discussing food includes, reading, watching movies and binge-watching TV shows.