The chilly weather of winter is amazing only till you don't get sick. This season brings a lot of fun and excitement to everyone’s life but at the same time makes the body more prone to illnesses like influenza and cold. One needs to be very cautious about their health during winter and take special care of kids and elderly people.
In India, warm and comforting foods like soups, teas, seasonal produce, gond ke laddoo and ghee are some popular choices to stay safe from winter infections. They are packed with all the essential vitamins and minerals which are essential to boost immunity. Amongst these, Chyawanprash is another traditional solution to fight against seasonal illnesses. This Ayurvedic herbal mixture is made with various nutrient-loaded ingredients like amla, kesar, ashwagandha, tulsi, brahmi and giloy.
Here are four reasons to include chyawanprash in your winter diet:
Improves Digestion And Metabolism
According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, the herbs present in chyawanprash such as bay leaf and cinnamon are known to improve digestion and metabolism. This Ayurvedic remedy contributes to eliminating the accumulated excreta and alleviates nausea and vomiting. Chayawanprash is also known to purify blood and promote liver function.
Strengthens The Respiratory System
Cold weather can be very harmful for some people as it makes your lungs more prone to chronic diseases such as allergic cough, asthma and bronchospasm. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, daily consumption of chyawanprash during winter strengthens the functioning of respiratory system.
Boosts Immunity
The combination of amla with warm herbs and spices makes chyawanprash rich in antioxidants, flavonoids and carotenoids. As per the National Center for Biotechnology Information, the adaptogenic compounds of this Ayurvedic supplement are known to have an excellent antiaging and anxiolytic supplement. Consume 2-3 tablespoons of chyawanprash daily and boost your immunity.
Anti-inflammatory Properties
This Ayurvedic herbal jam is known to reduce inflammation throughout the body. Its daily consumption during winter is also great for managing stress and anxiety. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, the compounds present in chyawanprash have the potential to protect against harmful effects caused by air pollutants.
Homemade Chyawanprash Recipe
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
- 22 amla
- 1 1/2 cup jaggery
- 1/2 cup honey
- 6 tbs ghee
- 1 tbs brahmi powder
- 20 raisins
- 10 dates
- 2 stick cinnamon
- 20 cloves
- 1 black cardamom
- 10 green cardamoms
- 10 black pepper
- 5 long pepper
- 2 dry ginger
- 3 bay leaf
- A pinch of saffron
- 3 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 stick licorice
- A pinch of nutmeg
- 1 flower javitri
- 1 tbsp fennel seed
Method
- In a large pan add water and amla. Boil it until the amla becomes soft. Strain it and discard the seeds. Then blend the amla to a smooth puree.
- Now to the jar add bay leaf, javitri, black cardamom, dry ginger, black pepper, long pepper, licorice, nutmeg, green cardamom, cinnamon, clove, fennel seeds and saffron.
- Grind the spices into powder, sieve and keep it aside. Then take out the seed of dates and add to a blender with raisins and make a fine paste.
- Now in a pan add ghee on low flame. Once it is melted add the prepared amla puree and mix in jaggery, honey and dates paste.
- Now add brahmi powder, sesame oil, prepared spice powder and mix well. Cook until the colour changes and store it in an airtight bottle. It can stay fresh for up to 1 month.