Go Back
–+ servings
Mom's Herbal Tea - green heart love

Kadha Recipe for Cough (Ayurvedic Tea)

5 from 2 votes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Serving Size: 2 people
Author Puja Verma
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

DESCRIPTION

My mom’s homemade herbal tea used as a remarkable potion to help us all get back to good health. Similar to India’s ancient tea called Kadha; which is essentially a mix of tulsi leaves, ginger, and crushed black peppercorn. However, my mom adds a bundle of other beneficial herbs and spices to the mix. 

EQUIPMENT

  • Mortar and pestle or rolling pin and a sturdy surface
  • Small saucepan with a lid
  • Strainer
  • Mugs for serving

INGREDIENTS
 
 

  • 3 cups water
  • 15 leafs mint
  • 6 leafs tulsi holy basil
  • 1 stick cinnamon
  • 4 whole cloves crushed
  • 3 whole green cardamoms crushed
  • 1 whole black cardamom crushed
  • 2 inches ginger root grated or finely sliced
  • 2 teaspoon fennel seeds crushed
  • 1 tablespoon aniseeds crushed
  • 1 pinch black peppercorn crushed
  • lemon juice optional

METHOD
 

  • Roughly crush the black peppercorns, cloves, green cardamons, and black cardamom using a mortar and pestle to release the flavors without grinding them into powder.
    Note: If you don't have a mortar and pestle, then place the whole spices in a sturdy bag and gently crush them with a rolling pin.
  • Then add the fennel seeds and aniseeds and lightly crush them as well to help release the aromatic oils.
  • Next, add water to the saucepan, along with the crushed spices, cinnamon stick, and ginger.
  • Gently tear the herbs (mint and tulsi) to release their essence, and toss them into the saucepan.
  • Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
  • Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to low. Let the kadha simmer gently for 10 minutes to allow the herbs and spices to release their medicinal properties and flavors into the water.
    Note: The liquid should reduce slightly, concentrating the flavors.
  • Then remove from heat, and carefully strain the kadha into individual mugs, using a fine mesh strainer to separate the liquid from the herbs and spices.
  • Optional - Add a squeeze of lemon juice for a refreshing tang and boost of vitamin C.
  • Serve warm to sooth your throat.

NUTRITION

Calories: 46kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Sodium: 30mg | Potassium: 215mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 500IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 119mg | Iron: 3mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!