As the monsoon season rolls in, bringing with it refreshing showers and a cool breeze, it's essential to take care of our health and well-being. In Ayurveda, an ancient Indian holistic system of medicine, kadha infusions are considered a traditional remedy to maintain wellness during the monsoon. These warm and aromatic beverages are not only soothing but also packed with natural ingredients that boost immunity and promote overall well-being. Let us explore some delightful Kadha infusion recipes to help you stay healthy and enjoy the monsoon season to its fullest.
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1. Ginger-Tulsi Kadha:
Ingredients:
- 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, grated
- 10-12 fresh tulsi (holy basil) leaves
- 2 cups of water
- 1 teaspoon organic honey (optional)
Method:
1. In a saucepan, bring the water to a boil.
2. Add the grated ginger and tulsi leaves to the boiling water.
3. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes.
4. Strain the kadha into a cup and add honey if desired.
5. Sip it slowly while it's warm and enjoy its invigorating flavors.
Benefits:
- Ginger helps in digestion, relieves inflammation, and boosts immunity.
- Tulsi is known for its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, promoting respiratory health and reducing stress.
2. Cinnamon-Cloves Kadha:
Ingredients:
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 5-6 cloves
- 2 cups of water
- 1 tablespoon jaggery or organic brown sugar (optional)
Method:
1. In a saucepan, bring the water to a boil.
2. Add the cinnamon sticks and cloves to the boiling water.
3. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes.
4. Strain the kadha into a cup and add jaggery or brown sugar if desired.
5. Savor the warm and comforting flavors of this kadha infusion.
Benefits:
- Cinnamon and cloves possess anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, aiding digestion and boosting immunity.
- This kadha also helps in relieving common cold symptoms and promoting overall respiratory health.
3. Turmeric-Pepper Kadha:
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup milk (can be substituted with almond milk for a vegan version)
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon organic honey (optional)
Method:
1. In a saucepan, bring the water and milk to a gentle boil.
2. Add the turmeric powder and black pepper to the boiling mixture.
3. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes.
4. Strain the kadha into a cup and add honey if desired.
5. Indulge in this golden-hued kadha, which is both nourishing and healing.
Benefits:
- Turmeric is a potent anti-inflammatory spice, supporting joint health and aiding digestion.
- Black pepper enhances the absorption of turmeric's active compound, curcumin, while adding a warm and pungent flavor to the kadha.
4. Lemongrass-Mint Kadha:
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons dried lemongrass leaves
- 10-12 fresh mint leaves
- 2 cups of water
- 1 teaspoon organic honey (optional)
Method:
1. In a saucepan, bring the water to a boil.
2. Add the dried lemongrass leaves and fresh mint leaves to the boiling water.
3. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes.
4. Strain the kadha into a cup and add honey if desired.
5. Relish the refreshing flavors of this kadha infusion.
Benefits:
- Lemongrass has antibacterial and antifungal properties, aiding digestion and reducing inflammation.
- Mint leaves provide a cooling effect, soothing the digestive system and promoting respiratory health.
5. Cardamom-Fennel Kadha:
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon cardamom pods, crushed
- 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
- 2 cups of water
- 1 tablespoon jaggery or organic brown sugar (optional)
Method:
1. In a saucepan, bring the water to a boil.
2. Add the crushed cardamom pods and fennel seeds to the boiling water.
3. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes.
4. Strain the kadha into a cup and add jaggery or brown sugar if desired.
5. Enjoy the aromatic and soothing flavors of this kadha infusion.
Benefits:
- Cardamom aids digestion, relieves bloating, and freshens breath.
- Fennel seeds have carminative properties, reducing flatulence and promoting gastrointestinal health.
6. Ashwagandha-Rose Kadha:
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon ashwagandha powder
- 1 teaspoon dried rose petals
- 1 cup milk (can be substituted with almond milk for a vegan version)
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon organic honey (optional)
Method:
1. In a saucepan, bring the water and milk to a gentle boil.
2. Add the ashwagandha powder and dried rose petals to the boiling mixture.
3. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes.
4. Strain the kadha into a cup and add honey if desired.
5. Delight in this nourishing and aromatic kadha infusion.
Benefits:
- Ashwagandha is known for its adaptogenic properties, helping the body adapt to stress and promoting overall well-being.
- Rose petals have a calming effect on the mind and body, reducing anxiety and enhancing mood.
During the monsoon season, kadha infusions provide an excellent way to stay healthy and maintain overall wellness. These traditional Ayurvedic beverages not only offer a delightful sensory experience but also harness the healing properties of natural ingredients. From the invigorating Ginger-Tulsi Kadha to the comforting Cinnamon-Cloves Kadha and the nourishing Turmeric-Pepper Kadha, each recipe brings its own set of benefits to support your immunity and well-being. So, as the raindrops fall and the aroma of spices fills the air, sip on these soothing kadha infusions and embrace the rejuvenating power of Ayurveda this monsoon season.