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Kadha

A warming Ayurvedic herbal drink made with simple pantry spices to boost immunity and soothe the body.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Course: Drinks and Beverages
Cuisine: Ayurvedic, Indian
Calories: 35
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 2.5 cups water
  • 1 inch piece fresh ginger peeled and sliced thin
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper coarsely crushed
  • 3 whole cloves
  • 1 inch cinnamon stick
  • 5 to 6 fresh tulsi leaves or 1/4 teaspoon dried tulsi
  • Sea salt a tiny pinch
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons raw honey per cup optional, add after cooking

Equipment

  • Small stainless steel saucepan (2 to 3 quart capacity)
  • Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
  • Wooden spoon for stirring
  • Measuring spoons
  • Two mugs or glasses
  • Microplane or box grater for fresh ginger

Method
 

  1. Gather and measure all ingredients, peel and thinly slice the ginger.
  2. Pour 2.5 cups water into the saucepan and bring to a rolling boil over medium-high heat (about 3–4 minutes).
  3. Add sliced ginger, cloves, cinnamon stick, and crushed black pepper, then stir to combine.
  4. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer gently for 2 minutes.
  5. Stir in turmeric powder and a pinch of sea salt until fully dissolved.
  6. Continue simmering for 5 more minutes until the liquid turns a rich golden color.
  7. Add fresh or dried tulsi leaves and simmer for an additional 1–2 minutes.
  8. Strain the kadha through a fine-mesh strainer into mugs, pressing the solids to extract any remaining liquid.
  9. Let the kadha cool for about 2 minutes, then stir in 1–2 teaspoons of raw honey per cup if desired and serve warm.

Notes

Store cooled kadha in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently without boiling and always add honey after reheating to preserve its enzymes.