Looking for a natural homemade remedy to cure your cold? Here is a recipe for a herbal tea that is certain to do just that! This wonder drink soothes your throat, relieves cough and also helps expel mucous.
As promised, I am posting the recipe for Kassai – A herbal tea that has been used in my family for years, whenever anyone has a cold. This tea is used by many families in Goa, with some minor variations. This herbal tea is sweet and mildly spicy and is certain to cure your cold better than any OTC medicines!!
INGREDIENTS
1 or 2 medium sized onions (chopped)
3 inches piece of ginger (pounded)
2 sticks of Liquorice root* (well pounded)
1 tbsp fennel seeds
1 tsp peppercorn
10 cloves
3-4 sprigs of mint leaves
2 Lemon grass leaves (cut into small bits)
3-4 sprigs of tulsi leaves (flowering part included)
A few plums (optional)
Honey/sugar/ Misri(kadhi sakar) – as per your taste.
Water
* Liquorice root is also known as Muleti in Hindi
METHOD
Add all the above ingredients to about 4 cups of water (or until just covered) and bring to a boil. Turn the flame to low and allow to simmer for further 5 minutes. Then, turn off the flame and allow to steep for 10-15 minutes. Strain the tea into a mug and add honey/ sugar/misri to sweeten the preparation according to your taste. Drink it while still warm. (or as hot as you can)
NOTE: The residue can be used to prepare a second extract by boiling in water again. however, this will not be as potent. (That’s just me not wanting to waste any portion of these wonder herbs and spices!)
My personal suggestions
- I would suggest having 2 – 3 cups of this tea in a day.
- It is best to take it on an empty stomach, for better action.
- Have it once in the morning as soon as you awaken and just before going to bed.
- This tea will stay good upon refrigeration and can be used the next day after simply heating it up. However, do not keep it for too long. All herbal remedies are best taken fresh.
I do hope you find this remedy useful the next time you have a cold. It helps me immensely. It not only soothes the throat, it also clears the nasal passages, provides cough relief and even relieves bodyache. In addition it is also known to boost ones immunity, thus decreasing the occurrence of colds in the future.
You might also like to read about how to treat cold without medicines.
You might also like to read about how to treat cold without medicines.
So, what do you think? Do you also prefer to use herbal teas to cure your cold? Do remember to let me know in the comments. I love hearing from you…I really do! 🙂
If you enjoyed reading this post or found it useful, do share it with friends and family. Who knows, somebody might just be needing it and they’ll have you to thank! 🙂
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NOTE: Sorry I don’t have a picture of the tea to put up, but I will do so the next time I prepare it… Not that I’m hoping to have another bout of cold anytime soon!
Wow, this sounds like a great remedy. I've seen other recipes for teas to fights colds, but this one has some ingredients that are new to me. Thank you so much for sharing this on my Hot Drinks linky party!!
Do try it Shobha. Would love to have some feedback 🙂
A new, healthy & interesting tea……must try this.
http://www.shobhapink.blogspot.in