Recipe for Kadha (2 servings) This traditional Indian decoction is made by boiling herbs and spices in water and served warm with honey, lemon, or plain. It is a traditional remedy for coughs, cold, fever and upset stomachs. The peppercorns provide respiratory relief and stimulate appetite. Ingredients 4 cups water 1 cinnamon stick 5 whole peppercorns 2 cloves ¼ tsp carom seeds 1 inch grated ginger ½ cup mint leaves 2 tsp honey 2 tsp lemon juice Preparation guide Add cinnamon, whole peppercorns, cloves and carom seeds to water and boil. Add the grated ginger and boil till water is reduced to nearly half the quantity. Add fresh mint leaves and boil for another five minutes. The kadha is ready. It can be served immediately but is most effective when served after a couple of hours allowing the herbs to infuse the water. Health benefits A relative of ginger, turmeric has been used in India for centuries to treat common colds, flu and breathing difficulties. The curcumin in turmeric fights a variety of viruses. However turmeric contains only 3 percent curcumin. Therefore to derive the full benefit of its healing properties, you need to add pepper as it enhances curcumin absorption in the body by up to 2,000 percent. Also check out: Immunity boosting food
