Holy Basil and Liquorice Herbal Tea
An Ayurvedic tea made typically with Tulsi or holy basil, ginger, honey and other whole spices as the base components, is called Kaadha or Kaarha in India. A magical home remedy which works wonders for coughs and colds and aids in digestion, an immunity booster and improves metabolism.
In my version I have added Mulethi or liquorice powder, which is also available in its root form. It has active. Impounds such as glycyrrhizin, which blocks the growth of a number of viruses, bacteria and fungus. This makes mulethi very effective against viral fevers, stomach problems and helps boost the body’s overall immunity, amongst many other health benefits.
Traditionally, one would use fresh Tulsi or holy basil leaves in India, if it grows in your home or garden. Since I don’t have a Tulsi plant in our home, I have substituted using dried tulsi leaves or a Tulsi chai teabag.
The tea is made by boiling water with the ingredients and spices, and simmering the concoction on low heat. Honey is added too. The tea is best consumed hot, quite like a hot cuppa herbal tea. It is very flavorful, soothing and a magic tonic for the mind and body and overall good health.
Ingredients :
1 organic Tulsi tea bag.
1 small piece of liquorice or mulethi root, or 1/2 tsp. mulethi powder
1/2 tsp. ginger powder or freshly grated ginger
A few black peppercorns
1/2 tsp. fennel seeds
A small piece of cinnamon stick
A pinch turmeric
1/2 tsp. honey, or according to taste, if you like it sweetened
3 cups water
In a saucepan, add the water and all the ingredients, except honey. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, and simmer for about 10 minutes, till the liquid reduces to about half. Pour in a cup, add honey and serve and drink while hot.
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