Ayurveda Kadha recipe for coughs and colds

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Sep 11
2 min read

INGREDIENTS

1 liter water

2 teaspoons black peppercorns, pounded in a mortar pestle to a coarse powder

2 teaspoons cloves, pounded in a mortar pestle to a coarse powder

1 piece cinnamon, about 2-inches in length

4 to 5 green cardamom pods, lightly pounded in a mortar pestle

1 tablespoon fresh ginger, pounded in a mortar pestle

1 teaspoon dried holy basil (tulsi) (omit if not available)

1 tablespoon fresh turmeric, pounded in a mortar pestle (or ½ teaspoon of turmeric powder)

2 tablespoons jaggery, or less as per taste

1 tablespoon raw honey, or less as per taste (optional)

COOKING METHOD

Pour 1 liter water into a saucepan over high heat. Add all the kadha ingredients – except honey (if using).
Reduce heat and simmer, partially covered till reduce to half the quantity, about 500 ml. Remove from heat. When cool to drink if needed add ½ teaspoon raw honey
Dosage: Drink about ½ cup kadha two to three times a day. This kadha for cough and cold can be stored in a glass bottle at room temperature for 2 days though it is best made fresh.

Kadha is an Ayurvedic herbal decoction, made with water, herbs and spices. It is drunk warm and adpated to a person’s dosha balance or current health condition.

The main benefits are:

1. Boosts Digestive Fire

The warming, pungent, and aromatic spices (ginger, black pepper, cinnamon) stimulate digestion aiding better nutrient assimilation.
Can help relieve bloating, gas, and sluggish digestion especially in Kapha and Vata imbalances.

2. Helps Clear Toxins

The combination of bitter, pungent, and astringent tastes in kadha helps scrape toxins from the body channels.
Useful as a mild daily cleanse, particularly during seasonal transitions.

3. Strengthens Immunity

Tulsi, black pepper, and cinnamon have antimicrobial, antiviral, and antioxidant properties.
Tulsi also supports the respiratory system and helps prevent recurrent colds.
If kadha is taken regularly it can support immunity.

4. Supports Respiratory Health

I helps decongest sinuses, reduce mucus, and open up respiratory system.
Tulsi and ginger are particularly good for sore throats and mild cough.

5. Balances Kapha and Vata

Kapha: The drying, heating spices reduce mucus and heaviness.
Vata: If made with gentle warmth (not overly drying spices) and sipped warm, it calms nervous energy and supports circulation.
Pitta caution: Too much clove, pepper, or ginger can aggravate Pitta, so recipes for Pitta or mixed Pitta-Vata need moderating. Reduce the clove, pepper and ginger to very little, and add cooling herbs like fennel, licorice, or rose. This is vital if you have ulcers, acid reflux, or hot flushes