9 Reasons Why You Should Be Drinking Kadha To Fight Symptoms Of Cold And Flu
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If you’ve grown up in an Indian household, then you know exactly why people love to tout natural and Ayurvedic remedies as a cure for common ailments. Many people prefer opting for natural ingredients over using over-the-counter medicines when it comes to curing common colds and flu. Well, we’re here to tell you nine reasons why you should consider drinking kadha when you’re down with a cold or flu. The basic recipe for kadha is tulsi (Indian basil), honey, cinnamon, cloves, black pepper, dry ginger, and elaichi (cardamom), along with two cups of water. Of course, this doesn’t mean that you only stick to drinking herbal drinks and following natural remedies and not listen to your doctor’s recommendations. If you’ve ever wondered what the benefits of drinking this herbal concoction are, here are nine of them:
1. It Is Enriched With Antioxidants
The spices and other ingredients used in the kadha are enriched with tonnes of essential antioxidants. Tulsi is well known for its flu and cold-fighting properties, and plenty of Indian households will have a tulsi plant in their own garden. Cinnamon, too, has massive benefits and is immensely beneficial when it comes to dealing with the effects of diabetes and blood conditions (1,2).
2. Helps Boost Your Immunity
Studies have shown that Kadha can actually help with the treatment of Coronavirus. Many have used kadha to help treat their regular colds and flu, but it has been found to be effective in managing specific symptoms of COVID-19 like sore throat and others. The ingredients present in Kadha have proven to be quite effective when it comes to combating the painful effects of the virus as it can boost your immune system’s health (3).
3. It Can Improve The Quality Of Your Skin
Many believe that the detoxifying agents and ingredients present in kadha are pretty great for improving the quality and condition of your skin. Ingredients like honey, ginger, and others are said to work wonders on your digestive system and clean out toxins responsible for acne flare-ups and more (4).
4. Can Help Detox Your System
Kadha helps detoxify your system and ensures that your gastrointestinal system functions appropriately. Ingredients like tulsi can help detoxify as well as protect the body’s organs and cells. It can also help one relieve stress and relax, so their mind is at ease (5).
5. It Is Cost Effective And Ayurvedic
One of the biggest reasons why you should consider drinking kadha is that it is cost-effective. It won’t set you back thousands of rupees like many other natural and herbal remedies that are being touted on the market. Since it is ayurvedic and many studies prove its efficacy, it’s the best way for you to treat your cold and flu without having to spend a massive amount on medications.
6. Can Soothe A Bad Cough
Kadha is one of the best ways to soothe a bad cough. The spices and heat produced by the kadha are terrific for calming the pain associated with a bad cough. In addition, since kadha has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, you may find yourself feeling much better after gulping down a glass of kadha. Just make sure you don’t overdo it, as having too many spices can do more harm to your system. Especially if you aren’t used to it.
7. Stimulates Digestion And Helps With Constipation
Besides working as a wonderful detoxifying agent, kadha is also used as a way to stimulate bowel movement and help treat constipation. Many older folks swear by their kadha when they feel a stomach upset coming, and they seem to suffer from way fewer digestive issues than our generation!
8. Keeps You Warm During Cold Weather
When the weather is cold, kadha provides great warmth thanks to its spices and heat-producing ingredients. This is why Kadha is a popular drink to have during the cold monsoon and winter months in India. Of course, this doesn’t mean that you should only rely on kadha to keep you warm, as it will only provide you with temporary relief from the cold.
9. Can Be Made With Ingredients Found In Your Kitchen
Another great thing about kadha is that its ingredients can be found in the back of your own garden! Many people grow tulsi plants at home, and if you don’t have one, you should definitely start growing this flavorful and aromatic plant. Since the ingredients used in kadha are widely used in Indian cooking, you will be sure to find plenty of the ingredients in your kitchen (or your granny’s) with not much of a search.
Of course, it is vital to trust modern medicine and not simply rely on the age-old remedies that your grandparents used. But if it is a simple cold you want to treat, or if you want to keep your immunity at its best, definitely consider adding some kadha to your diet. Try having it at least once a week, if not more. Just ensure that you don’t add too much spice and overpower your tastebuds. Do let us know if you found this article helpful in the comment section below!
