7 powerful kadha recipes to strengthen immunity and combat viral cough

As winter approaches, coughs and colds become common ailments that can disrupt daily life and drain energy. While mild colds are generally harmless, they often cause nasal congestion, sore throat, and persistent coughing. Factors such as seasonal changes, cold weather, and pollution can trigger respiratory discomfort. Alongside conventional medicines and syrups, natural home remedies offer effective relief by soothing airways, reducing inflammation, and strengthening immunity. Health-promoting herbs like tulsi, mulethi, pippali, sonth, cinnamon, and giloy are known to clear mucus, calm sore throats, and enhance overall respiratory health. Incorporating these remedies with preventive practices supports faster recovery from cough and cold.



7 home-made kadha recipes for strong immunity and cough relief



Tulsi for immunity and cough relief





Tulsi, also called “the queen of herbs” or “mother medicine of nature,” is a powerful remedy for cough and cold. Its leaves boost antibody production, helping the body fight infections and strengthen immunity. Tulsi’s properties soothe the airways, making it easier to expel mucus and ease coughing. According to a study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, taking tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) leaf extract for four weeks helped healthy adults strengthen their immune system by increasing important immune cells and proteins. One can chew 4–5 fresh tulsi leaves in the morning or prepare tulsi kadha by boiling tulsi leaves with grated ginger and peppercorns. Adding a pinch of black salt and lemon enhances taste and benefits. Tulsi tea is another option; boiling fresh leaves and adding lemon juice helps relieve nasal congestion and throat irritation naturally.

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Honey for a sore throat and a wet cough



Honey is a natural antimicrobial agent and acts as an effective cough suppressant. It helps loosen thick mucus, easing chest congestion and reducing a wet cough. Consuming a teaspoon of honey before bedtime can calm a persistent cough and soothe the throat. Combining honey with ginger juice and a pinch of black pepper enhances its therapeutic effects, providing relief from throat irritation and congestion while supporting digestion and metabolism. Honey is gentle on the stomach and can be incorporated into daily routines until symptoms subside.



Mulethi for airway soothing and mucus clearance



Mulethi, or licorice, is known in Ayurveda as “sweet wood” and has expectorant properties that help thin mucus, easing coughing and congestion. Mulethi powder can be mixed in warm water for a soothing drink or boiled with ginger to make a tea that relieves throat irritation. A kadha combining mulethi, tulsi, cinnamon, and black pepper with honey enhances its effectiveness in reducing inflammation and boosting immunity. Regular intake helps maintain airway health, prevents excessive mucus buildup, and reduces discomfort from colds and coughs.



Pippali for congestion and headache relief



Pippali is an effective herb for managing cough, cold, and associated headaches. Its expectorant property loosens mucus, making it easier to expel and clearing nasal and airway congestion. Consuming a pinch of pippali churna with honey once or twice daily can relieve respiratory discomfort. Pippali also supports digestive health, reduces inflammation, and provides relief from headache and sinus pressure linked to cold symptoms.



Sonth for inflammation and sore throat



Sonth, or dry ginger, is widely used in herbal cough remedies due to its anti-inflammatory properties. When combined with honey, it helps soothe the throat and reduce coughing. Sonth can also be prepared as bite-sized goli with desi ghee and jaggery, making it a convenient and natural remedy for a persistent cough. Regular use of sonth provides relief from cold symptoms, reduces throat irritation, and supports immune function naturally.



Cinnamon for antiviral and anti-inflammatory support



Cinnamon, a woody aromatic spice, is rich in antiviral and anti-inflammatory compounds. Drinking cinnamon tea or mixing cinnamon powder with honey helps fight viruses that cause the common cold while soothing sore throats. Cinnamon stabilizes blood sugar levels, reduces inflammation, and promotes overall respiratory comfort. Consuming cinnamon regularly during the cold season can aid recovery, boost immunity, and relieve cough-related irritation.



Giloy for immunity and allergy-related cold relief





Giloy, also called amrita, is a heart-shaped leafed herb renowned for boosting immunity. It helps manage cough and cold caused by allergies, pollutants, or pollen exposure. Giloy’s anti-inflammatory properties reduce frequent coughing and throat irritation. Consuming giloy juice with warm water in the morning or taking giloy tablets supports immune function, alleviates cold symptoms, and aids in faster recovery from respiratory discomfort.

Alongside these remedies, maintaining hygiene and preventive measures is crucial. Wash hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds and avoid touching the face, nose, or eyes. Sanitize hands after contact with contaminated surfaces, maintain a safe distance from infected individuals, and wear masks when necessary. Staying hydrated, drinking warm liquids, and performing steam inhalation with eucalyptus oil can relieve nasal congestion. A balanced diet rich in vitamin C and regular exercise or yoga strengthens immunity, reducing susceptibility to seasonal cough and cold.


Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or lifestyle change.



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