Ginger Kashayam – A Healthy Herbal Drink

Ginger and Tulsi

Ginger Kashayam

In our childhood, whenever we heard the word “kashayam”, our faces went weird. We really thought it is a punishment to get sick just because we had to drink the Kashayam. But, I am realizing the benefits of that Kashayam now and giving the details to others. This Ginger Kashayam is the best home remedy for cough, cold, mild fever, and indigestion.

Karpooravalli

Let’s call this Ginger Kashayam a “home remedy or grandma’s remedy”. We have studied about causative organisms for cold; numerous types of viruses will change their structure to infect us. But this is what our ancestors had invented during their era to counter such problems. It was meant to treat all the signs and symptoms of common cold, fever, and indigestion.

Vernacular Name – Inji (ginger) Kashayam (stew)

Preparation time – 05 to 10 minutes

Cooking time – 06-15 minutes

Servings -02 adults

Ingredients for Ginger Kashayam

1. Fresh Ginger – 2-3 inch
2. Black Peppercorns – 10 no’s
3. Cumin seeds – 5-7 no’s
4. Coriander seeds -20 no’s or approximately 1 teaspoon
5. Fresh Tulsi or basil – 5-7 leaves along with the stalk
6. Karpooravalli leaves – optional (Scientific name: Coelus ambonicus – Local name: Karpooravalli in Tamil)
7. Palm sugar- for taste (if not available, you can use honey)

Cooking Procedure:

Easy five steps to bring out the originality of this healthy drink

Step: 01

Peel out the fresh ginger, and wash thoroughly with sufficient amount of water and repeat the same for tulsi and Karpooravalli leaves too.

Step: 02

Grind all the ingredients such as ginger, pepper, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, tulsi & Karpooravalli (optional) leaves by using a mortar and pestle or food processor and grind it into a coarse powder.

Step: 03

Keep a heavy bottomed vessel on the stove and pour 500 ml of water / 02 cups of water and bring it to boil.

Step 04:

Mix the ground ingredients into the boiling water and allow to bubble for another 7 to 8 mins. When the water reduces to half switch off the stove.

Step 05:

Strain it and add adequate palm sugar for enhancing the taste.

Palm sugar

The healthy drink or kashayam comes out well with palm sugar. The little sourness in the palm sugar is better for your health than ordinary cane sugar or honey.

Now the Ginger Kashayam is ready. Serve it hot. better to prepare Kashayam fresh every time, but if that is too tedious, you can prepare it for the day.

Tips:

• People of all ages can drink this. While giving it to children below 5-6 years of age, please reduce the level to 2 teaspoons.
• You can drink like tea or coffee in the morning and evening.
• Should not mix it with boiled milk.
• Drink it as hot as you can to get the best results.

Health benefits of Ginger Kashayam

1. Fresh ginger is good for common cold, improper digestion, boosts the immunity and improves blood circulation etc.
2. Regular consumption can help you to balance your appetite.
3. Pepper smoother’s your throat. Also, black pepper stimulates the production of hydrochloric acid, which helps the digestion of food in the stomach. Adding pepper regulates the easy and proper digestion.
4. Tulsi leaves contain anti-oxidants which fight against pathogens (infectious agents); in addition to this, it regulates the immune system.
5. Karpooravalli leaves increases immunity.
6. Cumin and coriander heal improper motility in your stomach.

My perspective about this drink is, it keeps you away from costlier allopathic medicines. It is a cheap and efficient way to fight the common cold and other minor ailments like loss of appetite and body ache.

Also, try this super special khas-khas kheer to get a good, relaxing sleep.