As the monsoon season is in full swing and a pandemic looming over us, immunity has been the trending keyword since months now. With cold, cough, fever becoming rampant these days, boosting the immune system seems to be the only way forward. So much so that even the people who were ignorant about their health until now are loading up on Vitamin C and trying various kinds of home remedies to boost immunity. Kadha is one such gem from Indian home remedies that has been hailed all over the world for its wonderful health benefits, especially its immunity-boosting properties.
A herbal concoction made with a host of kitchen spices and herbs, Kadha is one of the most inexpensive remedies one can possibly prepare for bad throat, cold or other seasonal infections. Many people add certain special herbs along with the spices to reap the maximum health benefit. One such Indian herb is Giloy.
(Also Read: 10 Amazing Benefits of Giloy: The Ayurvedic Root of Immortality)
Known as Tinospora Cordifolia in scientific terms, Giloy is also known as 'Amrita' in Sanskrit. While it is used in Ayurveda, many health experts and nutritionists also boast of its benefits. "The stem of Giloy is of immense popularity, but its root can also be used. It has even been approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) to be used in remedial medications", says Delhi-based Nutritionist Anshul Jaibharat.
Packed with antioxidants that may fight free-radicals, Giloy helps remove toxins, purifies blood, fights bacteria that causes diseases and also combats liver diseases and urinary tract infections. As per Dr. Ashutosh Gautam, Baidyanath, Giloy is anti-pyretic in nature; it can reduce signs and symptoms of several life threatening conditions like Dengue, Swine Flu and Malaria as well." Adding it to your drinks like kadha only multiplies the effect.
Here we have a quick and easy kadha recipe with the goodness of giloy, mint, honey and turmeric that you can prepare at home to boost immunity and keep seasonal ailments like cold, cough and fever at bay.
Giloy Kadha Recipe
Ingredients:
- Water- 2 cups
- Dry Giloy Powder- 1 tbsp
- Turmeric powder- 1/2 tsp
- Mint leaves- 10-12 pcs
- Cinnamon stick- 1 small
- Black pepper powder- 1 tsp
- Ginger (grated)- 1/2 inch
- Honey- 1 1/2 tbsp.
Method:
1. Boil water in a vessel and add turmeric and black pepper to it.
2. Let it simmer for a minute and then add giloy powder, grated ginger and a cinnamon stick to it. Let it boil for a minute on low flame, covered.
3. Add mint leaves and honey, stir and let it cool for a little while.
4. Strain and serve.
Addition of black pepper lends the anti-inflammatory properties to the drink that also aids in combating respiratory conditions and rejuvenating the lungs. With India celebrating National Nutrition Week from September 1 to September 7, let's begin it by making little additions to our diet which will lead us to a healthier lifestyle. You can add a small glass of giloy kadha to your daily diet to soothe your throat, nasal and respiratory passage.
Try this wonderful melange of herbs and spices at home and share your experience with us in the comments section below.
Happy National Nutrition Week 2020!
(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 Aanchal MathurAanchal doesn't share food. A cake in her vicinity is sure to disappear in a record time of 10 seconds. Besides loading up on sugar, she loves bingeing on FRIENDS with a plate of momos. Most likely to find her soulmate on a food app.