Kadha is a soothing and immunity-boosting hot ayurvedic drink popular in India. Made with a few basic pantry spices, this simple yet versatile drink can be made with ingredients you have on hand and is a must try especially during winter months.
What is Kadha
Kadha (also known as Kashayam, Kwath, or Karha in various Indian languages) is an aromatic herbal decoction made using herbs, and spices and optionally sweetened with jaggery or honey. It is an immunity-boosting home remedy for sore throat, cough, cold, and infections. There are many variations of Kadha and each family has their own recipe. Some recipes use herbs such as holy basil(Tulsi) or lemon grass (Gavti cha) for added antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.
I am sharing my mom’s “Gavti Chaha” Kadha recipe that uses lemon grass and a few spices. If you have Tulsi leaves (holy basil), add them to the Kadha as they boost immunity and reduce pain, fever, cough, and cold.
Similar to Turmeric Milk (Haldi Doodh) this traditional Kadha recipe y is a must-try during winter months that will benefit the whole family.
Ingredients
- Ginger – fragrant and zesty fresh organic ginger is anti-inflammatry and help reduce cough and sore throat. Dry ginger powder also known as “Sonth Powder” in India can also be used in place of fresh ginger
- Turmeric – a healing spice, turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant and is used to treat inflammation, and respiratory ailments. A pinch of ground turmeric goes a long way or you can also use grated fresh turmeric
- Black Peppercorns – naturally boost immunity, and help relieve cough and congestion. Black pepper also helps boost absorption of curcumin in turmeric
- Cloves – rich in antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, cloves help relive sore throat and also pain from coughing.
- Herbs – lemongrass or Holy Basil (Tulsi). In the US many people have lemon grass or tulsi plants. I grow my own lemon grass from the lemon grass stalks available in grocery stores. You can also buy air dried as well as frozen lemon grass from Indian grocery stores. Lemon grass add a beautiful lemony aroma and can help reduce pain and fever.
- Jaggery / Honey is optional but a touch of sweetness helps temper the stronger spices and rounds out the flavor.
How to Make Kadha
- Add water to a saucepan over medium-high heat. Using a mortar and pestle, coarsely grind black peppercorns and cloves and add them to the water
- Add grated ginger, lemongrass, and ground turmeric. Boil everything together until the tea reduces to half, about 15 minutes on medium-high heat.
- Add jaggery and cook for another two minutes as the jaggery melts
- Strain in 2 cups and serve hot
Storing
I like to make Kadha and keep it in a thermos so it can be enjoyed throughout the day. You can also refrigerate any leftover kadha and reheat it the next day.
Tips and Substitutes
- Frozen ginger paste or dry ginger powder can be used instead of freshly grated ginger
- Fresh organic turmeric root can be used in place of turmeric powder. Add 1 teaspoon of grated fresh turmeric to 3 cups of water
- In addition to peppercorns and cloves, you can also spices such as cinnamon and cardamom
- Traditionally jaggery is added to kadha but you can also use honey or another sweetener of choice
- Lastly, you can make Kadha as strong as you like by simply boiling it longer
More Indian Hot Drink Recipes
Common Questions
Kadha is known to boost immunity while relieving symptoms of cough and cold
Although kadha can be consumed throughout the day, mom always made a cup of kadha just before bedtime. It warms the body and is relaxing which leads to restful sleep.
Kadha
Soothing and immunity-boosting herbal hot tea
Servings: 2
Calories: 27kcal
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Add water to a saucepan over medium-high heat. Using a mortar and pestle, coarsely grind black peppercorns and cloves and add to the water
-
Add grated ginger, lemongrass, and ground turmeric. Boil everything together until the tea reduces to half about 15 minutes on medium-high heat.
-
Add jaggery and cook for another two minutes as the jaggery melts
-
Strain in 2 cups and serve hot
Notes
- Frozen ginger paste or dry ginger powder can be used instead of freshly grated ginger. Add 1 teaspoon of dry ginger powder to 3 cups of water
- Fresh organic turmeric root can be used in place of turmeric powder. Add 1 teaspoon of grated fresh turmeric to 3 cups of water
- In addition to peppercorns and cloves, you can also spices such as cinnamon and cardamom
- Make Kadha as strong as you like by simply boiling it longer
Nutrition
Calories: 27kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 0.2g | Fat: 0.2g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.03g | Sodium: 20mg | Potassium: 58mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 2IU | Vitamin C: 0.4mg | Calcium: 19mg | Iron: 1mg
Author: Archana
Hey there! I am a techie turned recipe developer, cooking instructor, and food blogger. I love food and enjoy developing easy and healthy recipes for busy lifestyles. I live in New Jersey with my husband and two sons.
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Source: Ministry of Curry
