Kaadha aka Herbal Tea aka Magic Potion

Kaadha or Kasaay is a drink that has its origins in Ayurveda. This kaadha is like a manna from heaven during cold weather and has always given me immense relief during my cough and cold spells. I've also had it during covid as my immunity booster. It's delicious too and can easily replace your regular tea :)

Ingredients:

Water - Oh that eternal life giving nectar - 2 cups

Ginger - 2 inches, pounded

Coriander seeds - 2 teaspoons - pounded
Methi seeds - 1 teaspoon - pounded
Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon powder  or 4-5 pepper corns 

Cloves - 1-2

Turmeric powder - 1/2 teaspoon

Cinnamon powder - 1/2 teaspoon (Sri Lankan cinnamon is considered the best.)
Gud (Jaggery) - Optional - 2 teaspoons or according to taste
Lemon Juice - 2 teaspoons

Method:

1. Put water on boil.

2. Add ginger to get the potion started. 

3. Keep adding the ingredients except cinnamon, jaggery and lemon. 

4. Add cinnamon midway. 

5. When everything else has been added, let it boil till the water reduces to half. Approx 15 mins. If you're low on patience, instead of half, 3/4th would be ok too. Something is better than nothing!

6. Then if you want, you can add jaggery or skip it if you're watching your sugar intake. 
7. Sieve the kaadha. When it reaches a temeperature where you can drink it, add lemon juice. Vitamin C is sensitive to heat and hence it should not be added to the boiling kaadha. 

Tips:

1. You can add or remove ingredients according to your taste and availability. For e.g. kaala namak or black salt is good against cough and can be added. Similarly, Mulethi (licorice) can be added too. 

2. I avoid adding honey instead of jaggery because honey should not be added to hot drinks. 

3. You can make a larger batch and keep in the refrigerator. Just add lemon juice as shared above. 

4. You can drink this occasionally as an immunity booster or as a welcome drink when youre hosting guests.