Winter essential: Tulsi Ginger Haldi Kadha for respiratory health and immunity; recipe inside

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has also issued an orange alert for Delhi on 29 December, Monday. The maximum temperature is expected to be around 22 degree Celsius, while the minimum will be at 7 degree Celsius. It is mentioned that the cold wave might cover the city and hence it is important to take extra care of immunity. It often happens that amidst the dip in temperature people complain of sore throat and decline in immunity. Keeping the same in view, Dr Hansa Yogendra shared this powerful drink to soothe sore throat & boost immunity. Made with 4 key ingredients this powerful piece works like a protective shield. Scroll down to read the recipe and its benefits.

Take one cup of water in a pot, add a teaspoon of fresh ginger, grate it, 4-5 tulsi leaves, a quarter teaspoon of turmeric powder or crushed raw turmeric and 2 or 3 crushed black peppercorns, boil this for about 5-7 minutes on low flame, then strain it, let it cool a little, and finally add 1 teaspoon of honey. Drink it warm once in the morning or on an empty stomach, and one at night before sleeping.

According to her post, when you combine all of these ingredients, it makes for the perfect formula for healing and prevention. Turmeric or haldi is one of the strongest natural antibiotics, and curcumin in turmeric has a strong antimicrobial property and helps reduce throat inflammation. Tulsi purifies lungs, clears congestion and builds resistance. It has compounds like eugenol that boost the immune system. On the other hand, ginger warms the body, melts phlegm and improves circulation and gingerol in ginger suppresses cough and clears the respiratory tract. Black pepper increases curcumin absorption by almost 2000%, it also opens up blocked sinuses, and honey coats the throat, calms irritation and adds sweetness to this drink. It is especially good for children, so this combination works beautifully not just for relieving your symptoms but also for healing and increasing immunity.

As per experts, ginger adds anti-inflammatory and antioxidant power to turmeric and helps with better respiratory and digestive health. As per a 2024 study ginger’s active compounds like gingerol, shogaols, paradol, and zingerone, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties help boost immunity. Honey has natural antimicrobial properties that soothes the throat and supports overall immunity. As per a PMC study, honey stimulates production of proinflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), and IL-6 by immune cells via interactions with Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and they help regulate immune responses and promote the body's defense mechanisms. Black pepper contains piperine, which enhances curcumin absorption from turmeric. Also, as per studies, pepper contains antioxidants and piperine, which may help prevent free radical damage to cells, reducing inflammation and possibly boosting overall immunity. Additionally, black pepper stimulates leukocytes, which increases immunity against various pathogens. And as per Ayurveda, tulsi leaves work as a powerful medicinal herb with a wide range of health benefits. Rich in antioxidants, tulsi helps strengthen the immune system, fight off infections, and reduce inflammation in the body.

She suggests sipping warm water throughout the day and avoiding cold drinks, ice creams and even curd at night. Inhaling steam with little eucalyptus oil adds to provide relief from congestion and cold symptoms. It is also suggested to gargle with salt water when the weather changes, keep your throat covered when it is cold and windy, eat light, warm and freshly prepared food, avoid stale food or reheated food, sleep early because your immune system works best when you give rest to your body.

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is meant for general knowledge only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always talk to your doctor before starting any new routine.