Kadha is a soothing and immunity-boosting hot ayurvedic drink popular in India. Made with a few basic pantry spices, this simple yet versatile herbal 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 Chaha) 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), you can 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 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 the absorption of curcumin in turmeric
- Cloves - rich in antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, cloves help relieve sore throat and 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 stalks available in grocery stores. You can also buy air-dried as well as frozen lemon grass from Indian grocery stores. Lemon grass adds a beautiful lemony aroma and can help reduce pain and fever.
- Jaggery / Honey - adds a touch of sweetness and helps temper the stronger spices
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.
Recipe
Kadha
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 cups water
- 4 black peppercorns
- 4 cloves
- 2 teaspoons ginger grated
- 2 pinches ground turmeric
Optional
- 1 tablespoon lemongrass leaves fresh, frozen or air dried
- 2 teaspoons jaggery honey or sweetener of choice
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
Video
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
PC says
Hi Archana,
Can we substiture mint leaves in place of lemmongrass leaves?
Thanks
Archana says
Hi! Yes mint leaves are delicious in Kadha
Pansy says
Where do you buy your lemon grass please?
Archana says
Most US grocery stores carry lemon grass. Asian stores will have them too. Indian grocery stores also sell them frozen.
Steve M. says
Thank you you are very kind.
Regina Gornall says
I swear by this tea. Every time I get the sore throat feeling, I immediately brew this tea. It has been a real life saver for me. I have a compromised immune system, and always had to be careful of cold and flu. I drink this tea and I dont have to worry, symptons if i had a scratch in my throat will be gone the next day. I drink the tea for 3 days to be sure . Much love from England and thank you
Archana says
Thank you for the review!