Winters are approaching, and the change in weather conditions mean a dip in our immunity levels. It is important to maintain immunity as any compromise might lead to cough, cold or put you at risk of having infections.
Our ancestors never used to take medicines for small ailments, unlike today’s generation who believes that there is a miracle pill for everything! Therefore, it's time to get back to the basics of nutrition and believe in time tested grandma’s nuskas for at least a few things.
1) Kadha / Karha
It is a miracle drink made using different herbs and spices which are boiled in water until the volume of water gets reduced to half. It makes a good decoction infused with the properties of the added ingredients. It is the most inexpensive home remedy as well as easy and effective too.
It is best if consumed hot and maintaining a gap of at least 30 minutes post-meal.
Kadha varies in ingredients, one of the finest ingredients are mentioned below:-
In 2 L water
- Giloy stem - 2-3
- Clove - 6-8
- Tulsi leaves - 8-10
- Cinnamon bark - 4”
- Ginger root- 4”
- Black peppercorn - 10-12
It is simple to prepare, take all the mentioned ingredients and put them together in boiling water, now simmer the gas stove and continue until the quantity gets reduced to half.
2) Besan Sheera
It is another age-old effective nuskha for curing a cold & cough. It is made with besan, ghee, milk, turmeric, black pepper and honey. It comes out to be a semi-thick beverage with effective medicinal properties. It helps in clearing the nasal tract completely, and it's warm in nature with immunity-boosting properties.
It is prepared using besan or chickpea flour, by slowly roasting it in melted ghee until it turns brown and then simmered with milk, turmeric and freshly ground black peppercorns. Serve with garnishing chopped nuts over it.
Furthermore, it is important to have a wholesome nutritious diet, including seasonal foods which help provide you with nutrients needed to strengthen your immunity. So, follow a healthy lifestyle, stay active, exercise often and eat well to be healthy.