Kashayam .. for Cough and Cold

Mugs of Steaming Hot Kashaya for Cough / Cold / Sore Throat / Sneezing etc. ... Come winter or monsoon and there is always chill in the air that cannot be avoided come what may ... Here is a simple method of preparing Kashayam at home ......

** Winter an monsoon always brings in cold/cough/sneezing/mild fever etc. even to a fit body. It is believed that it is the sign of body throwing of unwanted waste materials / toxicity from the body in its own way. Kashayam / Kashayu is a age old home remedy that our grandmothers and mothers insisted on having to get relief from these small ailments. Nowadays we have the habit of just shunning such things and reaching out for tablets that too over the counter. Antibiotics are something given even to kids along with others to come over the infections. Though medicines are necessary and should be consumed when necessary one should also try on some home remedies for the same before going into the same. In today's day of pollution only home remedies too do not work so it becomes that much more necessary to take medicines. But there is no harm in trying the home remedies as they have absolutely no side effects and will definitely give some relief if not completely take care of the same. Try taking home remedies for a day before you go in for heavier dosages of medicines always or atleast for 12 hours on the onset of the cold/cough.

** I always prepare this Kashaya Powder in small quantities and store it in the fridge and hubby loves to have it whenever he feels throat itching, sneezing or cold/cough/feverish. I myself love to relish this steaming hot as it gives relief from heaviness in sinus that is blocked with phlegm. However, a word or CAUTION here, do not consume this particular kashaya / kashayam on normal / regular days when you have no symptoms of cold / Sore Throat / Cough as it increases heat in the body. Cold / Cough always increases the cold content in the body and it is necessary to drink hot and heat producing drinks or food during the period to help the body expel the same by increasing body heat, that is the kapha content of the body. This kashaya increases the same, so it not adviceable  to do so on normal days. There are Kashaya Powder for normal days too, which can be consumed daily to keep one fit aiding proper digestion in the body too, in which case the Kashaya powder prepared does not contain pepper, ginger etc. I will be adding the same at later date as and when I prepare the same. As of now I am posting the Kashaya powder which I suggest you prepare in only that much quantity how much may be required by your family over say 6 month period as it is always best to prepare them fresh.

** For the Preparation of Kashay Powder You will need the following in approximate quantities : 

Coriander Seeds / Dhania / Kothimbir : 200 gms

Jeera / Cumin Seeds : 100gms 

Badisep / Saunf / Fennel Seeds : 25gms, 

Methi / Fenugreek Seeds : 25 gms

Whole Black Pepper : 3 heaped tablespoons

Small piece of haldi about 1 inch (dried turmeric) Or Organic Turmeric Powder : 1 heaped Tblsp.

Whole Green Cardamom / Ellaichi / Yellu : 8 -10

Dry Ginger piece / Shunti : about 4 inch pieces Or Organic Ginger Powder : 4 heaped Tblsp.

** Dry roast coriander, jeera, badisep, methi, whole black pepper, all separately each for a few minutes. If you have sunlight facility in your home where you are sure there is no dust etc. you can also just put all the ingredients in a big plate and keep it in Sunlight for 3-4 hours till they are well dried and heated through. Cool all the ingredients for some time to bring to warm temperature. Add in the cardamom, haldi, dry ginger and pound to a semi coarse powder in a mixer grinder, mixing it in between well to get evenly powdered.

** Note : If  you prefer frying on a tava, you can do so, however, just see that each ingredient is just crisp and hot enough, it will take about say say 2-3 minutes, not more than that especially jeera or else it will turn bitter.

** To make Kashaya / Kashayam : Take four cups of water, add about ½ -1 cup of jaggery (depending upon how sweet you want), 2 heaped tblsp of prepared Kashay powder and bring to boil,. Once it comes to a full boil, mix well with a spoon and let boil stirring often for about 2-3 minutes. Then reduce the heat and simmer for at least 15-20 minutes. Keep it covered aside for 5 minutes. Then strain the kashaya through a fine sieve and serve about 1/2 cup steaming hot to sip on say about 2-3 times a day only.

** Important Note: 

** Do not replace jaggery with sugar as jaggery has iron content in it which aids in building up of strength and immunity level.

** You can add Milk if you desire especially for children. Addition of milk decrease a little bit of the heat content in the kashayam. 

** This Kashaya should be taken only approximately about ½ cup twice or thrice a day when you have severe cold/sore throat and not on regular days as it produces heat in the body.

** Always enjoy the Kashaya steaming hot and enjoy a healthy life.

** If Diabetic ... Plz. consult your Dr. on addition of Jaggery or a supplement for the same.