Kadha Recipe | Spiced Tea
Need a quick, all-natural boost when a sniffle strikes? This 15-minute kadha recipe is a warming Ayurvedic herbal tea infused with ginger, turmeric, tulsi, and black pepper. Kadha has been my go-to immune-support beverage since childhood. Let’s brew traditional kadha recipe step by step and see what science actually says about its benefits.
What is Kadha?
Before I share the recipe and Ingredients of my homemade kadha, let me share with you what is kadha? If you have never heard about it before, kadha is a traditional Indian drink that is effective to boost immunity, increases metabolism and even fights stress.
- Most of kadha recipes are based on the Ayurveda principle of building body’s defence by improving immunity.
- Some people call it kadha and some herbal tea.
- These homemade Kadha recipes are easy to make at home.
- You can make them with common herbs and spices. You do not require special hard to get ingredients.
- The ingredients for kadha are easily available in Indian kitchens.
- Not only these help to strengthen immune system, but many of these in combinations help to increase absorption of micronutrients like vitamins and minerals.
With Monsoons already here and winters approaching I thought it is appropriate time to share my grandma’s favourite home remedy that we grew up drinking.
Why Drink Kadha?
- Traditional Ayurvedic remedy: Decoction of warming spices believed to balance vata and kapha doshas.
- Science-backed actives:
- Cold-weather comfort: A steaming mug clears stuffy noses and soothes scratchy throats fast.
Ingredients For Kadha
- Holy Basil (Tulsi): Tulsi (holy basil) is a natural remedy for sore throat and boosting cardiovascular health. It is known for its immunity boosting properties.
- Fresh Mint (Pudina): Mint leaves have antibacterial and antiviral properties. This is also beneficial in keeping mild cold and seasonal flu.
- Green Cardamom: Cardamom it’s is a great anti oxidant, and has anti inflammatory properties.
- Black cardamom: Cardamom it’s is a great anti oxidant and has anti-inflammatory properties.
- Black peppercorns: Black pepper is good for respiratory diseases and whole body detox.
- Ginger: Ginger juice is a great home remedy for cold and seasonal flu. It is good for heart and reduces inflammation. This also helps in body’s natural immunity to fight virus and bacteria.
- Mulaithi/ Licorice: liquorice is well known immunity booster. it helps in boosting immunity and has anti inflammatory properties.
- Cinnamon: Cinnamon is known for its powerful antioxidants and anti inflammatory properties.
- Cloves: cloves have a good amount of minerals and vitamins that boost immunity.
- Munnaka (raisins): Munakka with hot milk is very popular home remedy for dry cough and respiratory tract inflammation. It has cough suppressant and throat soothing properties.
If you can’t find fresh tulsi leaves or fresh ginger you can use dried tulsi leaves or turmeric powder.
What Else You Can Add
Turmeric: You can add raw turmeric or a pinch of dried and powdered turmeric to it as that is a good anti-oxidant and anti inflammatory ingredients.
Step-By-Step: How to Make Kadha at Home
- Crush the spices ‒ In a mortar & pestle, coarsely pound basil, mint, ginger, turmeric, cardamon pods, liquorice, saffron, peppercorns, cinnamon and cloves. Soak these overnight or minimum 3-4 hours.
- Simmer the decoction ‒ Add crushed spices plus tulsi leaves, munnaka to a small saucepan with 2 cups water. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer uncovered 8–10 minutes until reduced by roughly 25 %.
- Strain & serve ‒ Pour through a fine-mesh strainer into a heatproof mug. Stir in
Yield: 1 large (12 oz) mug – or 2 small cups
Active time: 5 min Total time: 15 min
Science-Backed Benefits & Precautions
- Immunity support: Synergistic antioxidants from ginger, turmeric and tulsi can up-regulate immune-cell activity.
- Respiratory relief: Volatile oils act as mild expectorants—great for cold and cough season.
- Anti-inflammatory hit: Curcumin + piperine combo improves bioavailability by up to 2000 % PubMed
Possible Side Effects
| Issue | Who should limit | Suggested dosage |
|---|---|---|
| Heartburn from ginger | GERD sufferers | Max 1 mug/day |
| Blood-thinner interaction | Anyone on anticoagulant meds | Consult MD |
| Pregnancy caution | 3rd-trimester moms | Skip clove & high-dose turmeric |
Variations & Flavor Twists
- No Tulsi Kadha: Replace tulsi with 1 strip lemon peel for a bright, easy kadha recipe without tulsi.
- Ginger-Turmeric Shot: Reduce liquid to 1 cup; cool slightly; drink as a 4-oz concentrate.
- Cooling Summer Kadha: Add mint and lemongrass, then chill—think herbal decoction iced tea.
- Low-FODMAP Swap: Omit cloves & use ⅛ tsp asafoetida for digestive support.
Storage, Serving & Dosage
- Batch brew: Triple the recipe; refrigerate up to 3 days in a mason jar.
- Reheat: Warm gently—avoid boiling to keep aromatics intact.
- Daily dose: Adults 1 mug/day for general immune support; halve for kids 6 +.
Recipe Notes & Tips
Soaking Kadha ingredients overnight and keeping in fridge helps in easy release and absorption of healthy compounds.
FAQs
Q1. Can I drink kadha every day?
Yes! 1 mug daily during cold season is generally safe for healthy adults. Rotate herbs monthly.
Q2. Is kadha safe while breastfeeding?
Stick to mild versions (no cloves) and limit to 1 small cup; always consult your lactation professional.
Q3. Does kadha really boost immunity?
It’s not a cure-all, but bio-active compounds in ginger, turmeric and tulsi may help prime innate immunity when combined with good sleep and nutrition
Can I sweeten kadha with monk fruit?
Absolutely. Zero-calorie monk-fruit keeps it keto-friendly
Where to Find Ingredients in the U.S.
- Organic Tulsi Leaves: Whole Foods herbal aisle or online
- Fresh Turmeric: Produce section at Sprouts, Trader Joe’s, or any Asian/Indian store.
- Spice Starter Kit: You can buy This Kadha mix at Amazon (affiliate link).
More Hot Drink Recipes
- How to make clove tea
- Cinnamon Tea Recipe for Diabetes
- Lemon Balm Tea Recipe For WeightLoss
- Hibiscus Tea Recipe
- Turmeric Ginger Tea
- CFC Tea
- Kahwa Tea Recipe (Saffron Tea)
- Immunity Boosting Turmeric Milk
- Butterfly flower Tea
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DISCLAIMER: This post is not intended as medical advice, please consult your specialist for that. I drink this as this is my grandma’s tried and tested kadha recipe for boosting our family’s immunity and fight cold and flu.
Indian Kadha Recipe
Equipment
- Non-Stick Pan (US)
Ingredients
- 5 leaves Holy Basil Tulsi
- 10 leaves Fresh Mint Pudina
- 1 Green Cardamom
- 1 Black cardamom
- 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
- 5 grams Ginger
- 2 grams Cinnamon
- 2 Cloves
- 3 Munnaka raisins
Instructions
- Crush tulsi/holy basil leaves and mint (pudina) leaves. Place them in a bowl.
- Lightly pound green cardamom, black cardamom, and place them in same bowl.
- Add ginger, cinnamon, cloves, whole black peppers, munnaka (raisins) in the same bowl and soak them in couple to tablespoons of water overnight. I keep them in fridge.
- Next morning in a pan heat 2.5 cups of water add these soaked ingredients along with water in which these are soaked and simmer for 4-5 minutes.
- Drink this hot.
Hello ma’am, I wanted to ask if I can add Lil honey to d receipe..
Yes honey can be added. I always add it in last.
Loved to know the kadha ingredients. Thank you for the all information.