5 Herbal Kadha and Hot Winter Drinks: Natural Remedies to Keep You Warm

Winter in India brings with it many seasonal joys – methi, shawls, outdoor picnics and more. However, it’s also simultaneously accompanied by cough, cold, runny nose, sniffles and seasonal allergies. While over-the-counter medicines are available, many still trust age-old homemade remedies to soothe themselves during winter.

These warm beverages, kadha, are not just comforting but also packed with immunity-boosting herbs and ingredients that keep winter cold at bay.

1. Tulsi–Ginger Kadha: The Classic Immunity Booster

Topping the list of homemade remedies for all bouts of cold is the age-old Tulsi–Ginger Kadha recipe.

It’s easy to make and very soothing in winter.

Also read: 7 Best Winter Superfoods To Boost Immunity This Season

How it helps:

• Relieves throat irritation
• Unclogs nasal congestion
• Boosts immunity naturally

2. Turmeric Kadha or Haldi Water for Healing

Even though the more popular variant of this is haldi-doodh (something grandmothers swear by), haldi water is also a potent drink in cold weather. Turmeric contains curcumin, a powerful anti-inflammatory compound that helps fight infections and reduce inflammation.

It’s effective for mild fevers or body aches, too. Add cinnamon and black pepper for a slight change in taste.

3. Masala Chai: The Indian Comfort Cup

This one may sound generic, but adrak-waali chai is an emotion that is hard to beat, especially in India. Not all winter drinks have to be medicinal.

However, if you wish to have some added benefits in your regular chai, ingredients like ginger, cardamom, cloves, and peppercorns are good additions that help warm the body.

If you’re craving chai while sick, replace sugar with jaggery and skip milk to make it easier on the throat.

4. Lemon–Ginger–Honey Hot Water: Simple but Powerful Winter Drink

This one is simple but effective. If you don’t want to experiment, this is the right choice. Lemon is rich in Vitamin C, ginger helps with inflammation, and honey offers antibacterial benefits.

This one hydrates the body while also boosting immunity.

It’s also familiar, which makes it a hug in a cup.

5. Ajwain Kadha for Chest Congestion

Ajwain is known across Indian homes as the go-to spice for digestion and cold-related discomfort. A warm ajwain kadha can help loosen mucus and relieve chest tightness.

How to prepare:
Boil ajwain seeds with ginger, tulsi, black pepper, and a pinch of rock salt. Strain and drink warm.

Kadhas or most other hot drinks are potent, so consume them in moderation. These beverages can help with healing and offer a pause in daily hectic lives.

Did you try any of the above drinks? Tell us in the comments below.