Kadha is an Incredible Indian drink that is super ancient and has amazing health benefits. Could you believe that this traditional Kadha can be made in just 5 minutes? Grab this easy and perfect recipe for homemade Tulsi Kadha!
Tulsi Ka Kadha is a traditional Indian drink and is my dad's secret recipe that saved us from sore throats and colds throughout our childhood. This rich aroma decoction drink is consumed like tea and is made using pious Tulsi leaves.
Flavored with Indian spices -ginger powder, black pepper, cinnamon, and Munakka (raisins), this Kadha is simmered to assimilate the flavors together.
This special ayurvedic brew is an immunity booster drink and an effective decoction that has been made by our ancestors for ages.
It's nothing new but maybe it's just with time, people were busy in the modern ways of living and lost touch with them. You may also like: Turmeric Milk and Ginger Tea For Acid Reflux.
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What Is Kadha?
Kadha, also known as a decoction or herbal tea, is a traditional medicinal concoction made by boiling a combination of Indian herbs and spices in water.
Widely consumed in India, it is believed to be an immunity booster drink with a lot of health benefits and is often utilized as a home remedy during cold and flu seasons or as a general wellness tonic. The specific ingredients in kadha can vary but commonly include herbs like tulsi, ginger, black pepper, and cinnamon. In an Indian family, Kadha is made fresh in the evening and people have it at bedtime for best results.
Ingredients
- Tulsi Leaves- Tulsi leaf or Holy Basil is the star ingredient of this recipe. We here in India believe Tulsi to be pious and used in many Hindu Puja rituals. If you can't get this basil, you may use your local basil but the effect won't be the same because of the missing goodness of tulsi.
- Ginger Powder- I have used homemade Ginger Powder by drying the freshly grated ginger in the sun for about 2 days and then grinding it dry for 1-2 pulses in a blender. You may use store-bought as well.
- Raisin (Munakka)- The Munakka when heated helps you relieve cold. You may use the small raisin as well. Addition of raisins help balance the flavors.
- Black Pepper (Kali Mirch)-Though the recipe needs whole black peppers, I was out of stock for them and I used the black pepper powder instead. Adding black pepper adds spicy notes and an earthy flavor.
- Cinnamon Stick- Fresh cinnamon powder or stick would work great.
How To Make Tulsi Kadha with Steps
Step 1 Gather Ingredients and boil water
In a medium pan, add 1-2 glasses of water for boiling.
Step 2 Add Spices and Herbs
Step 3 Serve it Warm
Switch off the flame and let the kadha sit for a while. Sieve it and serve warm.
Variations
- Turmeric Milk- Haldi or Turmeric Kadha is similar to Tulsi Kadha. One can add fresh turmeric to this recipe. Remember to use fresh turmeric (raw Haldi) and not turmeric powder as it can be adulterated. You may get fresh raw turmeric from your local vegetable vendor.
- Ajwain Kadha- For menstrual days, I prefer making Kadha with Ajwain, Gud and fenugreek seeds.
- Add another spice- You may also add clove, coriander seeds, or Black cardamom as well.
Expert Tips
- Make sure to steep the ingredients for sometime to get the best flavor.
- I recommend making and Consuming Kadha as fresh as possible. However, if you are in a peak winter / snow regions, you may store this kadha in refrigertaor for a week's time.
- Consult the doctor before following the recipe as per your health needs.
More Indian Drinks
Stories from Kitchen
I remember my father asking mom to make Ajwain Kadha for us in winters to ward off cold and cough. Those days winters were really harsh and I never caught a cold as a kid. These little memories make me feel precious and remind me that we should also follow the path showed by our parents!
FAQs
Tulsi Kadha, an ancient Indian Decoction drink, is perfect for relief in cold and cough.
Yes, Tulsi Kadha, has healing properties that come from tulsi leaves (basil leaves), munakka, black pepper, dried ginger that helps in relieving cold and cough.
Since Kadha is Hot in nature, it should be consumed by the recommendation of a doctor and avoid daily consumption in peak summers.
Other Indian Drink Recipes:
Traditional Tulsi Kadha Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Pan for boiling water
Ingredients
- 2-3 glass water
- a few leaves Tulsi
- ½ teaspoon Kali Mirch (Black Pepper)
- ¼ stick Dalchini (cinnamon)
- 1 teaspoon Dry Ginger Powder
- 4-5 small Raisins(Munakaa)
- 1 teaspoon Jaggery
- 1 teaspoon Lemon Juice Optional
Instructions
- Arrange all the ingredients in small bowls. You may take black pepper whole or powdered.
- Take a pan and boil water. You may add 2-3 glass of water.
- Add Tulsi Leaves to it. Make sure to wash tulsi leaves in running water.
- Add all other ingredients along : Black Pepper, Munakka, Cinnamon, dry ginger powder, one after the other. Ordering doesnt matter here. We wish to boil them together to extract essence of each of these spices.
- Slowly it changes the color of water. You may boil it till the water reduces by half.
- Once it boils off to half, you may add Jaggery or lemon juice. If jaggery is added, boil for another one min to mix it in the mixture.
- Sieve it to have it warm. Enjoy the immunity drink!!
Video
Notes
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- Make sure to steep the ingredients for sometime to get the best flavor.
- I recommend making and Consuming Kadha as fresh as possible. However, if you are in a peak winter / snow regions, you may store this kadha in refrigertaor for a week's time.
- Consult the doctor before following the recipe as per your health needs.
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| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Serving size: 1 cup | |
| Servings: 2 | |
| Amount per serving | |
| Calories | 45 |
| % Daily Value* | |
| Total Fat 0.1g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 0g | 0% |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 197mg | 9% |
| Total Carbohydrate 11.5g | 4% |
| Dietary Fiber 1.3g | 5% |
| Total Sugars 7.7g | |
| Protein 0.5g | |
| Vitamin D 0mcg | 0% |
| Calcium 26mg | 2% |
| Iron 1mg | 4% |
| Potassium 250mg | 5% |
| *The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calorie a day is used for general nutrition advice. | |
Menaksshi says
This kadha is really very helpful to my health.
Thanks.
Meenakshi Shimla
Deepti says
Hey Meenakshi,
I am so glad to know this. Thanks for reading my blog.
Ana Smith says
Such a simple recipe to gain immunity! I would try it for my kids. Thank you.
Deepti says
Yes, it's a simple yet amazing recipe. Thanks, Ana!