Since times immemorial, the ancient Indian medicine system of Ayurveda, based on nature, has been an integral part of health and healing. From boosting immunity to treating chronic diseases, Ayurveda is said to have a natural cure for every ailment. 

Kadha is one of the earliest known decoctions created by the ancient sages with profound knowledge of the medicinal properties of herbs and spices. Kadha is used all over India as a general precaution to prevent cold and to boost immunity. Made from simple ingredients available in every kitchen, Kadha is today being re-discovered by the world as yet another powerfully potent superfood from the timeless tradition of ancient Indian wellness wisdom.

Origin and Ingredients

According to the Charak Samhita, there are five ways to consume medicinal herbs and plants. From leaves, stem, root, bark, seeds and fruits – Ayurveda has detailed how these herbs and plants can used as juice, paste, powder or decoction. 

Kadha is a decoction prepared by boiling herbs and spices like cardamom, dry ginger, turmeric, black pepper, cloves, cinnamon, ajwain (carom seeds), fennel, amla (Indian gooseberry), tulsi (holy basil), liquorice, etc.in hot water to extract their goodness. This liquid is then strained and consumed. The hot decoction is sweetened by adding natural honey or jaggery (unrefined and non-centrifuged cane sugar). Kadha tastes mildly astringent with highly soothing flavours. It has pungent notes from cardamom and hints of earthy sweetness cinnamon and fennel. The unmistakable hit of black pepper and dry ginger immediately clears the throat. 

There is no single recipe for Kadha – every household has its own combination of spices and herbs that are used. However, generally all Kadha recipes will include cloves, cinnamon, dry ginger, liquorice and tulsi.

Traditional Vedic Kadha is today available in the form of ready-to-dip pyramid tea-bags. This innovative packing brings many advantages : convenience, simplicity, consistency in both quality and quantity, as well as the freedom to take Kadha from home to office or anywhere one travels. 

Benefits of Kadha

• Highly effective against common cold and cough
• Anti-viral and anti-inflammation 
• Natural adaptogen
• Reduces mucus 
• Throat decongestant and soother
• Boosts immunity 
• Strong detoxification 
• Fights internal infection
• Reduces blood pressure
• Regulates blood sugar
• Aids digestion and acidity

Health Properties of Ingredients

Turmeric 

Turmeric is a well-known spice that contains curcumin. Full of antioxidants, curcumin has high anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric also helps in fighting the free radicals in the body. 

Black Pepper

Black pepper is a powerful spice with strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The piperine in black pepper increases the bioavailability (absorption of nutrients by body) of curcumin and other compounds, making it the magical ingredient in Kadha. Black pepper increased the absorption rate of curcumin by 2000%.  Black pepper is also known to be an effective cure for arthritis and diabetes

Tulsi (Holy Basil)

Also called Indian Basil, Tulsi is loaded with Vitamins A and C. As a natural adaptogen, Tulsi helps the body adapt to stress and anxiety. It has anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties that helps fight infections internally. Tulsi helps in lowering blood sugar and cholesterol. 

Ginger 

Ginger is packed with anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. It helps in relieving nausea and aids digestion. Ginger is also said to help in lowering blood sugar. 

Cinnamon 

Made from the inner bark of Cinnamon trees, this sweet spice is a powerhouse of antioxidants that boost immunity by negating the effect of free radicals in the body. It is also thought to be effective in fighting bacterial and fungal infection.

Cloves 

These tiny flower-buds have a strong, minty taste. Cloves are loaded with Vitamins C and K. Cloves have anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic properties, and are effective improving respiration, relieving stress, better dental health as well as improving blood circulation.

Recommended by Ministry of AAYUSH, Government of India 

Kadha is recommended by the Government of India’s Ministry of AAYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy). Daily consumption of Kadha is listed as an effective method to build a strong internal immunity to ward off viral and bacterial infections. 

The ancient Vedas are said to have been revealed by the Gods to humans. These meaning of this divine knowledge was then unravelled by the rishis through deep meditation. Over centuries, the Vedas were orally passed down verbatim from one generation to the next, before being written down. Kadha is the timeless tradition that has been used in every Indian household for holistic well-being and immunity – and today, the world is re-discovering this divine decoction from the ancient vedas.