It is time for the winters. No matter how much I love winters, there is one thing I dread. And that is cold. Cold as in not the opposite of warmth cold but the disease cold. The scratchy throats, stuffy noses and incessant headaches and congestion is not what I look forward to.
India is the land of ‘kadhas’ or immunity drinks that have made its rounds throughout the years in Indian households. Different communities have different variations to these health concoctions, a varied combination of herbs- measured, ground, and blended. Not only do these drinks provide a reprieve from the seasonal maladies but can also be had as a refreshment drink, breathing in energy to kick off the day. Sometimes, having black tea or green tea in the early morn on empty stomach can lead to numerous stomach-related ailments. But it can be avoided by having a suitable dose of herbal tea. Though tea in general terms and coffee are very much a part of our lives, it is a good practice to instill herbal tea in our daily diet, ensuring a decent dose circling our bloodstream.
Here is a list of some of the best immunity boosting tisanes that are befitting to a healthy lifestyle:
- Tulsi: What is commonly known in India as Tulsi or in the Assamese community as “Tulokhi” is known by the name of “Holy Basil” around the world. I think what it derives its name from is the fact that in India, Tulsi is considered with piety. If the Indian saints proclaim it to be holy, then you can be sure that it has a deep religious as well as medicinal significance. And true to their word, Holy Basil brims with medicinal qualities. It contains essential micronutrients and minerals to help cure blood clots and is an excellent antidote to common cold and inflammation. This is a sure reason why Tulsi tea is a recommended concoction at this time when the world is on its knees against a global pandemic. It also aids in the cure of diseases like cancer, arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, and lowers blood sugar levels in the body. Antioxidants present in basil repair cell damage and boosts immunity. A morning cup of herbal tulsi tea is a good way to start off the day.
- Turmeric: One may call the Indian culture ancient but its rich heritage of religious scriptures, its teachings and practices have the strongest of scientific basis. This can be transpired from the usage of certain herbs and medicinal plants in Indian edibles. This is no secret that turmeric is one of the most widely used ingredients in Indian foods. We use it with every meal. It, however, is not added for its color alone. It is one of the strongest medicinal plants that ever existed. Used extensively in ayurvedic medicine, turmeric is known to be a healer. Curcumin present in turmeric has a very strong anti-inflammatory potential. A turmeric tisane is one of the most beneficial drinks, brimming with anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. No wonder we are offered turmeric tea or even ‘Haldi doodh’ to fight off pain or to aid the healing of wounds.
- Mint: Mint Tea is one of the most refreshing and easy-to-make drinks. Mint or mentha, is a common garden herb that can easily throng your backyard garden. Its aromatic properties give the tea a favourable fragrance that can replenish any tired souls. Mints have antiseptic and anti-bacterial properties that work wonders for digestion. It aids in healing many stomach-related ailments and can help burn fats. It acts as a stress reliever as well. Its powerful anti-inflammatory properties help clear congestions and can also help to fight asthma. Mints are curious little plants. You might just pass it by, growing wildly in your garden, hordes of green with dark brown stems. It is delightful to be able to get a handful, right from your own garden, adding them to make a refreshing beverage or use it as a health drink as and when needed.
- Chamomile: The misty yellow liquid is an excellent choice for diabetics. Chamomiles are sleep inducers and thus help to reduce stress and cure insomnia. It is not a commonly used herb. At least, in India, not many homes will have Chamomile. But Chamomile teabags are now in wide circulations in the Indian market as more and more people are learning about its health benefits. Like all other herbal remedies, Chamomile tea is also beneficial to the digestive system and can work wonders in uplifting the overall immunity of the body.
- Ginger: Of all the other herbal tea, ginger tea is my personal favorite. It can be added as a combination to any of the above herbs. It has a flavor that can bring taste to any dish, let alone a beverage. Not only does it make the food amazing to taste but it has a number of health properties, which is why it is added to a number of cuisines. Ginger tea is a go-to if we have a sore throat. That is the first thing that my mom hands me before I start on the other medicines. And it has remarkable effects. Gingerol present in ginger soothes the digestive tract preventing dyspepsia and indigestion. It relieves other related feelings of nausea and bloating that arise due to it. Ginger tea to me is also my rejuvenating drink that takes off the tiredness after a long day at work.
So here are some of the commonly used herbal teas as immunity boosters that must be included in our daily diet. A number of teabags with a mixed combination of well-balanced herbal contents are found in the market nowadays. As we are becoming more and more conscious of its health benefits, we are going back in history where herbs were the main source of medicines. We are contemplating their daily use which is surely a move in the right direction. The Vedic teachings of the old are important and has many answers hidden in them. The use of herbs is one such secret that is yet to be unfurled to the world.
