This herbal drink is common in most of the Indian Households. We drink it especially when we have a fever, sore throat, cold, cough, headache, or indigestion and especially during winters, considering it to be a flu season. This is also the reason why it is called a medicinal tea. It is a must these days considering the COVID crisis as it helps to build immunity too. It’s an age-old drink that can be made using a single spice or many other spices depending on its availability. I am currently in the UK, so sometimes I don’t find all the needed ingredients, but single turmeric or ginger too is enough if you can’t lay your hands-on other ingredients.
This drink is not to be taken on an empty stomach and you can gain all the health benefits from it only when it is consumed regularly (We drink it once a day). Do not add too much of these spices too, as it may cause body heat. But good thing is, a pinch of these spices is enough to do the magic.
These spices have great health benefits individually and collectively: Some of them are listed below.
- It helps in healing wounds fairly quickly
- It is also good for your skin and has anti-aging elements
- It helps reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer
- It helps relieve pain from arthritis and any joint pain
- It helps to fight cold and cough
- It reduces nausea/morning sickness
- It helps fight depression and stress
- It deals with indigestion or menstrual cramps
- It helps reduce cholesterol and balance fasting blood sugar levels
- It helps to fight against oral/respiratory infections
The list goes on, but these problems can be prevented, or you can help your body fight them with regular use of this medicinal drink.
Ingredients:
Water- 3 Cups
Turmeric- 1 tsp
Ginger- 1 inch
Cinnamon – 1 inch
Black peppercorns- 5 to 6
Clove- 2 to 3
Cardamom- 2 to 3
Tulsi/ basil- 5 to 6 leaves
Mint leaves- 5 to 6 leaves
Honey/ lime/Sugar – as per taste or add if needed
Procedure:
Grate Ginger and keep aside. Slightly crush all the other ingredients (except for turmeric powder) together using a pestle and mortar or mixer.
Take water in a pan and add all the ingredients to it (except for honey/lime/sugar). Now let this boil on a medium flame for 15 to 20 mins or until this decoction reduces to nearly half in volume.
Strain the decoction and add honey/lime/sugar if needed.
Drink hot for maximum benefit.
