
Winter – the season of contrasts.
The brightness of the mild sun, that manji on the terrace, those martabans of pickles put out to age, the pile of moongfali shells, that indescribable warmth of huddling under a thick quilt and sipping a soothing, hot drink while the temperature drops outside. All, of course, juxtaposed with the silence of the cold, still night, the fog that sometimes creeps in to make your day dreary as hell, the swiftness with which the day passes and the piercing cold wind that catches you unaware. Bright, yet, dreary, cold, yet warm – the winters are to be either hated or loved. You can’t be indifferent to this season.
And while we enjoy the contrasts, winter is also the flu season, the season where the air pollution is at its peak and the season where your immunity is at its lowest. To combat this, and to ensure that you stay warm, active and healthy throughout the cooler months, Masala Monk and Ammiji bring to you the quintessential ‘kadha’ – that magical elixir that grandmothers make in their kitchens to ensure the well being of the entire family.
How to brew :
In water – Add 1 teaspoon to 2 cups water. Boil till it reduces to 1 cup. Strain, add 1 teaspoon honey, and drink.
In milk – Add 1 teaspoon per cup. Boil for 2-3 minutes. Strain, add honey to taste and drink.
A concoction made from 10 ancient herbs and spices and powered with the energy of jaggery, Ammiji’s Winter Comfort will keep you warm and active this winter, while delivering a boost to your immune system simultaneously.
Ingredients:
Jaggery, Turmeric, Ginger, Tulsi, Ashwagandha, Brahmi, Green Cardamom, Pepper, Cinnamon, Star Anise, Ajwain
Jaggery : Boosts immunity, aids digestion, powerhouse of energy and antioxidants.
Turmeric : The golden spice, anti-inflammatory, anti-depressant boosts mental and physical wellbeing.
Ginger : Anti inflammatory, aids digestion, regulates blood sugar
Tulsi : Holy basil – fights allergies and infections, chock full of antioxidants, keeps the respiratory system healthy.
Ashwagandha : Boosts immunity, anti-depressant, boosts mental and physical agility, supports a healthy reproductive system for both men and women.
Brahmi : Contains antioxidants, especially beneficial for mental health and prevention of the onset of degenerative diseases, anti-inflammatory.
Green Cardamom : Contains essential vitamins and minerals, especially good for the respiratory system.
Black Pepper : Antibacterial, aids digestion, enhances bioavailability of nutrients
Cinnamon : Boosts immunity, anti-inflammatory, regulates blood sugar
Star Anise : Aids digestion, alleviates flu and cold symptoms
Ajwain : Aids digestion, alleviates pain, helps in treating common cold.
This winter, make the most of every moment – bright or dark, cold or warm. Stay fit, stay healthy!