Cold & cough15 min
Tulsi–ginger kadha for seasonal colds
A warming herbal decoction made in countless Indian homes at the first sign of a sniffle. Tulsi, ginger, black pepper and cinnamon make it aromatic and comforting.
Ingredients
- 8–10 fresh tulsi (holy basil) leaves
- A 1-inch piece of ginger, crushed
- 3–4 black peppercorns, crushed
- A small piece of cinnamon and 2 cloves
- 2 cups water; jaggery to taste (optional)
How to prepare
- Put everything except the jaggery into the water.
- Boil, then simmer until the liquid reduces to about 1 cup (10–12 minutes).
- Strain, add a little jaggery if you like, and drink warm.
How to use
- Sip half a cup, warm, once or twice a day for a few days during a cold.
Precautions
- Kadha is heating — reduce the pepper and ginger if you get acidity.
- Pregnant women and people on blood thinners or diabetes medicine should check with their doctor first.
- See a doctor for high fever, breathing difficulty, chest pain, or symptoms lasting more than 3–4 days.
