3 Immune Boosting Brew Recipes

Brew, also known as “Kadha”, is a basic mixture of herbs and spices. It is simmered in water to extract the biochemical and medicinal compounds from the plant-based bounty. As it is rightly said “prevention is better than cure”, and in this COVID-19 pandemic condition, including such brews in your daily diet may improve your inner resistance and strength. These miraculous ameliorating tonics or medicinal “kadhas” are simple recipes to distil the beneficial elements from these staple seasonings.

1. Masala Brew (Brew with Indian Spices):

Brew or Kadha with Indian spices holds a great place in Ayurvedic medicine. It is a combination of whole black pepper, ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves. Indian kitchens especially have a little spice box which contains a plethora of immune-boosting condiments. This brew is a process to distil or extract beneficial elements from herbs to obtain a zesty cocktail which promotes good health and general wellness.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 tbs. of Whole Black pepper
• 1 inch of fresh Ginger
• 1 Small Piece of Cinnamon
• 2-3 Cardamom
• 4-5 Cloves
• 1 tsp. of Honey

Calories – 50

• Carbohydrates 13.3 g
• Protein 1.1 g
• Fat 0.5 g
• Fibre 4.1 g

PREPARATION

In a medium tea vessel, pour in about 2 cups of water. Add in the ingredients mentioned above. Simmer on low flame for 10-15 minutes till it boils to 1 cup. Strain and add to a mug. Sweeten with honey, once the water temperature is drinkable. Enjoy!

What is so special about this Beverage?

Black pepper

Black pepper, scientifically known as Piper nigrum, is a flowering vine. It produces a fruit, known as a peppercorn, which is dried and used as a spice and seasoning.

Black pepper has medicinal and therapeutic properties due to its active ingredients called piperine. It may improve cholesterol levels, blood sugar, and brain and gut health. Piperine in black pepper has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It also has antibacterial, and antiviral actions and some studies even report that it has immunity-boosting abilities.

Ginger

Ginger, scientifically known as Zingiber officinale, the underground rhizome of the ginger plant, is a popular spice and used globally, especially in most of the Asian countries. The flesh of the ginger rhizome can be yellow, white or red, depending upon the variety and harvesting patterns. 

This healthy spice is the perfect fix for most seasonal ailments like cold, cough, fever and flu. It is filled with immune-boosting benefits, making it a “go-to” ingredient in many of my healthy recipes, teas and brews (Kadhas).

Ginger not only helps in treating seasonal infections but is also an excellent remedy for improving digestion and metabolism. Ginger is used in several Ayurvedic medicines to improve the quality of hair and skin.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon, scientifically known as Cinnamomum verum, is a spice that comes from the branches of trees of the Cinnamomum family. It is native to Southeast Asia, the Caribbean and South America and can be found in powder form or whole, as pieces of bark. It is also available as cinnamon essential oil and supplements.

Cinnamon is loaded with powerful antioxidants such as polyphenols, which help in enhancing the immune system. Cinnamon may lower blood sugar in people and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. It also helps treat digestive issues, loss of appetite, and other health conditions. It is acknowledged for playing a vital role in traditional medicine and treating bronchitis.

Cardamom

Cardamom, scientifically known as Elettaria cardamomum, is a spice with a sweet and spicy flavour. It originated in India and is used in both sweet and savoury recipes. Tea and cardamom usually go together. In Indian cuisine, it blends well with almost every dessert. 

The seeds, oils and extracts of cardamom have therapeutic properties and have been used in traditional medicines for centuries. It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which makes it an excellent immunity booster. It also acts as a diuretic and may help you lower blood pressure, prevent cavities and treat bad breath.

Cloves

Cloves are flower buds of a tree called Syzygium aromaticum, which have aromatic properties and are used as a spice. It is used in soups, stews, meats, sauces, and rice dishes.

It is available in the form of essential oils and is used for maintaining oral health due to its effect on plaque, gingivitis and bacteria in the mouth.

• Cloves are found to be effective in 
• Cough
• Diarrhoea
• Dry socket (alveolar osteitis)
• Gas (flatulence)
• Indigestion (dyspepsia)
• Nausea and vomiting

Honey

High-quality Honey is rich in antioxidants and is an excellent source of organic acids and phenolic compounds like flavonoids. Honey is a healthy alternative for refined sugar.

2. Taaza Jadi Booti Brew (Brew with Fresh Herbs)

We all remember our grandma giving us some herbs for cold and cough or flu symptoms and unearthing a treasure trove of advantageous components of the herbs straight from our backyard, home garden or local market. These herbs in a brew form are instilled with a refreshing taste. They have high disease-fighting potential, which keeps sickness at bay, preserves general wellness and boosts our immunity.

INGREDIENTS

• 4-5 Fresh Tulsi/Basil Leaves
• 3-4 Lemon Leaves
• 1 tsp Lemongrass Fresh or Dried
• 3-4 Hibiscus Petals 
• 3-4 Fresh Peppermint Leaves
• 1 tsp Honey

Calories –  84

•  Carbohydrates   19.6 g
•  Protein                  0.2 g
•  Fat                         0.02 g
•  Fibre                     1.4 g

PREPARATION

In a medium tea vessel, pour in about 1.5 cups of water. Add in the ingredients mentioned above. Simmer on low for 5-7 minutes. Strain and add to a mug. Sweeten with honey, once the water temperature is drinkable. Enjoy!

What health benefits this beverage stores in for you?

Tulsi/Basil Leaves

Tulsi is found in the Indian subcontinent and is a sacred plant in Hinduism. It finds its place in the ancient science of Ayurveda. Tulsi is the most common and widely used ingredient in many Indian home remedies for cold and flu.

A potent antibacterial and antiviral herb, it is highly useful in treating bacterial and viral infections and various skin disorders.

Besides this, the herb is generally used in teas but can also be consumed raw, powdered, as a paste or in the form of herbal supplements.

Moreover, its antibiotic properties help in relieving fever, cold, cough, headache and sore throat and it is also beneficial in treating respiratory ailments like chronic bronchitis and asthma.

Also, it is highly acknowledged for its detoxifying, cleansing and purifying properties. 

Lemon Leaves

Lemon leaves have a citrus taste with an oily texture and aromatic flavour. They have been playing an essential role in Indian medicines since ancient times.

Lemon leaves are high in vitamin C, have antiviral and antibacterial properties, act as a natural antioxidant and enhance the immune system.

Lemon Grass

Lemongrass, scientifically known as Cymbopogon citratus, is a stalky plant. It has a fresh, lemony aroma and a citrus flavour. The leaves and the oil have medicinal properties. It is usually used in Thai cuisine and herbal teas. Lemongrass is also used for treating digestive tract spasms, stomachache, high blood pressure, convulsions, pain, vomiting, cough, achy joints (rheumatism), fever, the common cold, and exhaustion. 

It has germicidal properties and is a mild astringent.

Hibiscus Petals

Hibiscus, scientific name Hibiscus Rosa-Sinensis, is a flowering plant that has been used by different cultures as a remedy for several conditions. Hibiscus petals taste sweet and astringent. Therapeutically it is cold in terms of potency and can reduce aggravated Pitta and balance Kapha.

In various ancient literature, it has been reported that Egyptians used hibiscus tea to lower body temperature, treat heart and nerve diseases, and as a diuretic to increase urine production.

Peppermint Leaves

Peppermint is an aromatic herb cross between two types of mints: water mint and spearmint.

It helps relieve an upset stomach and provide our drinks with a refreshing taste and aroma. Its calming properties can release your stress and leave you relaxed. When used in tea, it works at its best, but it is also appreciated for its incredible beauty benefits. 

Honey

High-quality honey is rich in antioxidants. It is a rich source of organic acids and phenolic compounds like flavonoids. Honey is globally appreciated as a healthy alternative for refined sugar.

3. Haldi Sahjan Brew (Brew with Moringa and Turmeric)

Would it not be great to kick-start your day with a miracle brew sans caffeine? You must be wondering how that’s possible! We have a power-packed solution right in our kitchen. Again, we don’t need to look beyond Ayurveda, which focuses on the power of natural ingredients to enhance our immune system. A concoction of a few simple ingredients can give you that magic drink in a jiffy. It is nothing but a brew comprising moringa powder, turmeric powder, honey, black pepper, ginger, and apple cider vinegar.

I am sure just the mention of the ingredients themselves make you feel a tad bit healthier, and you are super curious to know the secret recipe. Amidst the growing pandemic that has brought the world to a halt, we are now more keen than ever to have strong immunity.

Let us quickly jump to the preparation method.

INGREDIENTS (Makes for around one cup for one person)

• ½ Teaspoon Turmeric powder
• 1 Inch of Fresh Ginger
• 1 Teaspoon of Moringa Powder
• ⅓ Teaspoon of BlackPeeper Powder
• 1 teaspoon of honey
• 1.5- 2 cups of water

Calories –   47

•  Carbohydrates     9.4 g
•  Protein                  1.8 g
•  Fat                         0.3 g
•  Fibre                     1.6 g

The brew would contain 47 calories (0.3gm fat, 9.4gms carbohydrates, 1.8gms protein, 1.6gms fibre)

PREPARATION

As already mentioned, the preparation is easier than your regular dose of caffeine. To make this power drink, you need to bring all the ingredients mentioned above to boil in water for 5 min except honey. Strain and add to a mug. Sweeten with honey, once the water temperature is drinkable. Do you not feel to make it right away and become strong enough to fight all those viruses and bacteria without an iota of worry? Get going! 

Health Benefits of Moringa-Turmeric Concoction 

Before I start stating the plethora of health benefits that the brew will have on your body, it is essential to note that it contains some of the most potent ingredients from Mother Nature.

Moringa

Moringa oleifera is an Indian origin tree, and it is a storehouse of goodness for human health. Some of the significant benefits of Moringa include:

• Lowers cholesterol
• Treats diabetes
• Protects the eyes
• Relieves stomach disorder
• Protects the liver
• Fights inflammation
• Enhances cardiovascular and bone health
• Adds radiance to the skin

Turmeric

Turmeric is the most common Indian spice that is found in almost every Indian household. It originates from Curcuma longa, a flowering plant belonging to the ginger family. As far as the health benefits are concerned, even one whole blog post would not suffice. However, let us look at some of the most prominent goodness of this common yet powerful Indian spice.

• Eliminates depression
• Slows down the process of ageing
• Has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties
• Supports detoxification of the body
• Reduces the risk of cancer
• Improves cognitive function, and many more

Honey

A natural sweetener gifted by nature, honey has benefits which are far more than keeping cough and cold at bay.

• Boosts immunity
• Prevents acid reflux
• Fights infections
• Relieves symptoms of cough, cold, and sore throat
• Prevents cognitive decline and dementia

Black-pepper powder

This recipe calls explicitly for black-pepper because it enhances the bioavailability of curcumin in Turmeric by 200%. Besides, some of the other benefits that can be derived from black-pepper include:

• Improves blood-sugar control
• Lowers cholesterol
• Improves brain functions
• Rich in antioxidants
• Has anti-inflammatory properties
• Boost Immunity

Ginger

Ginger, scientifically known as Zingiber officinale, is a flowering plant, the root of which is commonly used as a spice or folk medicine. Just like all the other ingredients of this powerful elixir, ginger too stands out in its health benefits. To name a few:

• Strengthens the immune system
• Relieves nausea and pain
• Treats arthritis
• Boosts bone health
• Increases appetite
• Reduces obesity
• Improves respiratory functions
• Relieves asthma

Conclusion

In this pandemic, sometimes we get stressed, and changes in weather conditions also affect our immune system deeply. Herbs and spices have exceptional curing and healing properties. Ginger, pepper, cinnamon, cardamom and cloves have immune-boosting properties. Moreover, herbs like lemon leaves, tulsi, hibiscus petals, lemongrass and peppermint are an excellent combination to enhance overall health and immunity. Moringa-turmeric brew together provides double with the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits than just one ingredient. These brew recipes of herbs and spices are not only good for your health but also carry amazing flavours. These power-packed solutions are right in our kitchen. We just need to look to Ayurveda, which focuses on the power of natural ingredients to boost our immunity.