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    Home » Drinks

    Kadha

    Published: Jan 29, 2023 by Archana · This post may contain affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases · 5 Comments

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    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.

    immunity boosting kadha in two glass cups

    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
    ingredients for kadha

    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
    photos one through four showing how to make kadha herbal tea
    • Add grated ginger, lemongrass, and ground turmeric. Boil everything together until the tea reduces to half, about 15 minutes on medium-high heat.
    photos five through eight showing  ayurvedic kadha with turmeric
    • Add jaggery and cook for another two minutes as the jaggery melts
    photos nine and ten showing jaggery being added to kadha
    • 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 

    • Turmeric Milk
    • Masala Doodh
    • Lemon Ginger Tea
    • Ginger Chai 

    Common Questions

    What are the benefits of drinking kadha?

    Kadha is known to boost immunity while relieving symptoms of cough and cold

    Best time to drink Kadha

    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.

    Tried this recipe? We love your feedback.Please click on the stars in the recipe card below
    kadha in two glass cups
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    Kadha

    Soothing and immunity-boosting herbal hot tea
    Prep Time5 mins
    Cook Time15 mins
    Total Time20 mins
    Course: Beverage
    Cuisine: Indian
    Servings: 2
    Calories: 27kcal
    Author: Archana Mundhe

    Equipment

    • Small Sauce Pan
    • tea strainer

    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

    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
    Tried this recipe?Share your photo and tag @ministry_of_curry or tag #ministryofcurry

    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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    1. PC says

      February 02, 2023 at 3:03 pm

      Hi Archana,

      Can we substiture mint leaves in place of lemmongrass leaves?

      Thanks

      Reply
      • Archana says

        February 03, 2023 at 4:40 pm

        Hi! Yes mint leaves are delicious in Kadha

        Reply
      • Pansy says

        February 05, 2023 at 6:10 pm

        Where do you buy your lemon grass please?

        Reply
        • Archana says

          February 07, 2023 at 9:44 am

          Most US grocery stores carry lemon grass. Asian stores will have them too. Indian grocery stores also sell them frozen.

          Reply
    2. Steve M. says

      February 04, 2023 at 10:57 pm

      Thank you you are very kind.

      Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I'm Archana: a former software engineer, now a full-time blogger. I am a mother of two boys who share my love for food and cooking. Words I love to hear are, “Mom, what’s for dinner?” The same words I say to my mom every time we speak. I live in the greater New York City Area with my husband and sons.

    Learn More About Me!

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