When you’re feeling under the weather with a stuffy nose or mild fever, the first thing many of us do is reach for a natural home remedy. Two of the most popular options in Indian households are Kadha and herbal tea. But which one works better when you have a cold or the flu? Let’s break it down in simple terms to help you decide what’s best for your health.
What Is Kadha?
Kadha is a traditional Indian drink made using herbs and spices like ginger, tulsi (holy basil), black pepper, cinnamon, cloves, turmeric, and sometimes honey. These ingredients are boiled in water to make a strong, slightly spicy decoction. Kadha has been used for generations in Indian homes to boost immunity and fight common illnesses.
Key Benefits Of Kadha
- Boosts immunity: Kadha is packed with natural ingredients that help strengthen the body’s defence system.
- Relieves cold and cough: Spices like black pepper and ginger help clear the nasal passage and ease coughing.
- Soothes sore throat: Tulsi and honey can calm an irritated throat.
- Improves digestion: Some kadhas help with stomach issues like bloating and indigestion.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Turmeric and cloves reduce internal inflammation caused by flu or infection.
What Is Herbal Tea?
Herbal tea is made by steeping herbs, flowers, and spices in hot water. It doesn’t contain traditional tea leaves and is naturally caffeine-free. Common herbal teas include chamomile, peppermint, lemon-ginger, hibiscus, tulsi, and green tea blends. It’s a popular drink not just in India, but around the world for relaxation and healing.
Key Benefits Of Herbal Tea
- Hydration: Herbal tea keeps you hydrated, which is important when you have a cold.
- Calming effect: Chamomile or tulsi tea can help you relax and sleep better when you’re unwell.
- Relieves sore throat: Warm herbal teas soothe throat irritation.
- Clears congestion: Peppermint tea, for example, helps open up the sinuses.
- Boosts immunity: Ingredients like ginger, tulsi, and lemon support the immune system.
Kadha Vs Herbal Tea: Key Differences
Feature |
Kadha |
Herbal Tea |
Preparation |
Boiled with spices and herbs |
Steeped herbs in hot water |
Taste |
Strong, spicy, medicinal |
Mild, soothing, flavoured |
Common Use |
Traditional Indian remedy |
Global wellness drink |
Ingredients |
Tulsi, ginger, turmeric, pepper |
Chamomile, peppermint, hibiscus |
Effect |
Intense relief, immune booster |
Gentle healing and hydration |
Kadha Vs Herbal Tea: Which One Is The Best Remedy For Cold And Flu?
Both kadha and herbal tea offer natural relief during cold and flu, but they work in slightly different ways. Kadha is stronger, more medicinal, and better when you need quick relief from a blocked nose and cough. It’s great for boosting your immunity during the flu season.
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Herbal tea, on the other hand, is more gentle and soothing. It’s perfect for staying hydrated, relaxed, and comfortable while your body heals. Herbal teas like lemon-ginger, tulsi, or peppermint can be taken multiple times a day without being too harsh.
If your symptoms are strong, a cup of kadha once or twice a day can give relief. If you’re feeling low but not too sick, herbal tea might be all you need.
Image Credits: Freepik
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