Common cough and cold? Indian Spiced Herbal Tea (Khadha ) is the Saviour

Food Fanatic has been sick and therefore these irregular posts. I have been coughing and sneezing all day and all night which makes me feel so worn out :(. Mom made me this Kadha or Spiced tea with medicinal value for quick relief. This spiced tea is a winner when it comes to home made natural remedies that are effective against cold, cough, and sore throat.

The ingredients for this tea provide a comforting, sweet, fragrant flavour that relaxes with each sip. Ginger brings warmth to the body while honey soothes the throat. Clove is an mild anti-bacterial agent and prevents toxicity from environmental pollutants like carbon tetrachloride. It has Eugenol that functions as an anti-inflammatory substance. Black pepper seed is an aromatic herb that relieves from sinusitis and nasal congestion. Sucking a few pepper corns provides instants relief from dry cough and throat irritation. Cinnamon while adding fragrance and flavor, also preserves body heat and kills bacteria. Turmeric unrelentingly acts an antibiotic. Add a few drops of lemon juice for a citrus like lively taste and for that slight dose of Vitamin C that is needed in colds.

Hot water - a purifier that washes away all toxins in the body - when infused with the goodness of all these ingredients is total bliss.

Ingredients:
1. Cloves, 2-3
2. Black pepper corn, about 8 balls
3. Ginger, 1/2 inch peeled and sliced
4. Honey, 1 tablespoon
5. One stick of cinammon
6. Pinch of turmeric powder

Instructions:
1. Bring 1 large sized cup water to a boil.
2. Add all ingredients and boil until it releases a sweet aroma and water is reduced by half.


This is comfort food for illness. Drink Kadha hot like chai - it works like a charm. Don't succumb to the weather outside. Keep warm, friends! Take care, don't let the cold catch you!

Note: The final post on Garnishing Tips on Food has been postponed until I get back in spirits. Apologies to my readers.