Luke Coutinho (Designed by Priyanka Vithlani, Meal Planning Analyst)

Lemongrass Elixir: A Sip of Vitality

Pour yourself a glass of Lemongrass Elixir and let its vibrant flavors and vitality infuse your being. Embrace the monsoon with a sip of this enchanting cleansing and detoxifying elixir, and discover a new level of rejuvenation and well-being amidst nature's shower of blessings.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 2
Course: Concoction, Healthy beverage
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 4

Ingredients
  

  • 2-3 stalks of fresh lemongrass
  • 1- inch piece of ginger, grated
  • 1 tsp fennel seeds
  • 1- Srilankan rolled cinnamon stick or 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 4-5 black peppercorns
  • 3 cups of water
  • 1 tbsp raw honey, optional

Method
 

  1. Bring the water to a boil in a pan.
  2. Add the chopped lemongrass, grated ginger, fennel seeds, black peppercorns, and cinnamon to the boiling water.
  3. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse.
  4. After simmering, remove the saucepan from the heat and strain the kadha to remove the herbs and spices.
  5. Add honey if desired for sweetness.
  6. Serve the lemongrass herbal kadha hot. Enjoy.
Power tips and variations
  1. One can use lemon balm leaves in place of lemongrass.
  2. Choose fresh lemongrass. Look for fresh lemongrass stalks that are firm, with pale yellow bottoms and tightly packed leaves. Avoid stalks that are brown or wilted.

Notes

  • Lemongrass is known to have expectorant properties, which can help ease congestion and promote respiratory health. It may provide relief from cough, cold, and asthma symptoms.
  • Ginger has a compound called gingerol which has a soothing effect on the throat. It can help alleviate the discomfort and irritation caused by a dry or scratchy throat, which are common triggers for coughing.
  • Cinnamon has a warming effect on the body, which can be particularly useful during the monsoon season when temperatures tend to drop.
Rainy Elixir: Sip Your Way to Health With Monsoon Kadhas
Luke Coutinho (Designed by Priyanka Vithlani, Meal Planning Analyst)

Tulsi Infusion: Unleashing the Power of Kadha

Immerse yourself in the soothing warmth and aroma of this Tulsi Kadha, and discover its ability to strengthen your immune system, alleviate respiratory ailments, and provide relief. This herbal potion is carefully crafted to harness the medicinal properties of nature's gifts, the queen of herbs - tulsi being the key ingredient.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 2
Course: Concoction, Healthy beverage
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 4

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups water
  • 1 tsp fennel seeds, saunf
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1 tsp bishop's weed, ajwain
  • 2-3 black peppercorns
  • ¼ tsp turmeric powder
  • a 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
  • 4-5 tulsi or holy basil leaves
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon
  • ½ tbsp raw and unpasteurized honey, optional

Method
 

  1. Add water, fennel seeds, cumin seeds, ajwain, black peppercorns, turmeric powder, grated ginger, and tulsi leaves.
  2. Bring it to a boil and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
  3. Strain the mixture into a cup.
  4. Add lemon juice and honey for taste, if desired. Drink it warm.
Power tips and variations
  1. One can use thyme/licorice root in place of tulsi leaves.
  2. You can sweeten the kadhai with jaggery too.
  3. Whenever possible, use fresh herbs and spices for maximum flavor and potency. It will enhance the effectiveness of the kadha.

Notes

  • Tulsi possesses antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antiviral properties, making it effective against various infections and promoting healthy digestion.
  • Ajwain and fennel have antimicrobial properties that may help combat bacteria and viruses that cause respiratory infections.
  • Turmeric and black pepper can act as expectorants, helping to expel mucus and phlegm from the respiratory system.