The weather has been quite erratic in the past few weeks : typical of a not so long winter giving way to warmer climes, the city has been quite under the weather (quite literally) with a thick cloud of smog enveloping us till late morning. Once the routine visits to the local doc are done, its astonishing how a simple herbal tea can invigorate one from a bout of cough and cold.
Kashayam (aka Kadha / black tea) without tea leaves is one of the most sought after cures - Kashayam comes in many forms for different ailments : digestive, chest, respiratory, general well being etc and the ingredients vary quite a bit depending on the purpose. Stay tuned for 3 different varieties of teas this week at Blogging Marathon.
Today, we see a herbal concoction with Chukku (dried ginger) and a few herbs to make a Kashaayam (aka kadha in Hindi) to soothe the throat during and after a bad bout of cough and cold. Its quite potent and spicy so make sure to limit its quantity, especially when serving smaller kids.
Prep time : 10 mins, preparation time : 10 mins, Serves : 2-3
You would need:
- Chukku (Dried Ginger) – about 2 inch long piece
- Black pepper – 10 to 15 (crushed fine)
- Karuppati vellam (palm jaggery) - 4 TBSP
- Cumin and Coriander seeds – 1 teaspoon each crushed fine
- Tulsi (holy Basil) leaves – 1 bunch (I omitted this)
- Water –3 cups
Method:
- Crush the chukku, black pepper, cumin and coriander. Dissolve this spice mix along with jaggery and bring to a rolling boil for 6-7 mins till its reduced to 1.5 cups. If using Tulsi, add while last 3 mins of boiling.
- Strain and drink immediately for relief from cough and cold.
- If serving to kids, dilute 3 teaspoon of kashayam with 2 teaspoon of water, add a dash of honey and administer it warm.
Check out the Blogging Marathon page for the other Blogging Marathoners doing this BM#61
Srivalli says
Sounds like a good drink to have for cold!..
Mayuri Patel says
I caught a bad cough and cold during my visit to India in Dec. The cold has gone but am still left with a cough. I want to try out your remedy but don't get palm jaggery here. Can I use normal jaggery?
Kalyani says
Yes Mayuri - you can use normal jaggery....
Mayuri Patel says
I caught a bad cough and cold during my visit to India in Dec. The cold has gone but am still left with a cough. I want to try out your remedy but don't get palm jaggery here. Can I use normal jaggery?
cookingwithsapana says
The kadha looks perfect for those sick days.Bookmarked.
coconut chutney says
wow , kashayam . MY HUSBAND has this for sour throat.
Varada's Kitchen says
Somethibg spicy like your Kaadha sounds perfect for a sore throat especially during winter.
Smruti Ashar says
Must have recipe for winter!
rajani says
Perfect for sore throat and cold!
Sowmya :) says
This is perfect home remedy. Bookmarked
Priya Suresh says
Never forget to make this kashayam to keep ourselves away from the cold. Love this drink.
Pavani says
That is such a wonderful home remedy for cold weather ailments. Thank you for sharing Kalyani.
Sandhya Ramakrishnan says
These recipes are so important to have handy! Love to use the home remedy instead of medicines.
Harini R says
Very useful kashayam.
Gayathri Kumar says
This is a wonderful tea for cold. I do a little different version..
Chef Mireille says
great use of home spices and much better than using the chemicals in medicines