The first thing anyone made when someone in the house was getting sick. Before a doctor was called, before anything was purchased, the kadha was already simmering.
What You Need
- 1/4 tsp Sonth (dry ginger powder)
- 1/4 tsp Tulsi powder (or 6–7 dried tulsi leaves)
- 1 tsp raw honey
- 1 cup water
Method
Bring water to a boil. Add sonth and tulsi. Reduce heat and simmer for 4–5 minutes. Remove from heat. Let it cool until warm — not hot. Add honey and stir. Drink slowly.
Nani's note: Never add honey to boiling liquid. Heat destroys the enzymes and antimicrobial compounds in raw honey. Wait until the liquid is warm enough to drink comfortably before adding it.
Why This Works
Sonth (dry ginger) provides shogaols — more bioavailable than the gingerols in fresh ginger — which are anti-inflammatory and warming. Tulsi contains eugenol and rosmarinic acid, which support respiratory health and immune function. Honey provides antimicrobial compounds and makes the whole thing easier to drink. Three ingredients. All the bases covered.
When to make it: First sign of a cold. After getting caught in the rain. On any cold winter morning. Monsoon season. This is not a seasonal drink.
