AYURVEDIC LEMONGRASS KADHA

Lemongrass is used in traditional Indian and Thai cuisines. My mom used to make similar type of decoction or Kadha for us while growing up whenever we used to have cough or cold, chest congestion, bronchitis and give it to us before going to bed. It always worked the miracles and next day we felt without phlegm and runny nose. You can take it throughout the day as needed and can add Licorice or Jeshtimadh powder during the boiling to reduce the sore throat. Fresh Lemongrass has a mix aroma of fresh citrus, floral and hint of minty notes, while the dried lemongrass has more complex woody flavor. So, if you don’t have fresh Lemongrass handy, you can substitute with dried Lemongrass as we will be boiling it in water. But, please use 1/3 more of dried lemongrass than if you would have used fresh lemongrass. 

In Ayurveda, Sage Charka has mentioned Lemongrass under ‘Haritakyadi Varga’ (Haritaki subdivision) and Sushrut has mentioned it under ‘Shak Varga’ (Vegetable subdivision) and is called as ‘Jambir’. When we crush stalks or leaves in our hand, we get lemony smell. In old times, Lemongrass was given to stop vomiting in diseases like Cholera and patient feels rejuvenation in the body after taking Lemongrass tea. (Vaidya Bapalal – Nighntu Adarsh, Part 2, Page 1088).

As per Ayurveda, lemongrass is hot in property (Ushna), creates perspiration (Swedajanak), anti-fever (Jwaraghna), creates excitement (Uttejak) , mouth freshener (Mukha Shodhanam), Agni Kidler (Dipana), improves the taste buds (Rochak), and reduces Vata (Air element) and Kapha (Phlegm).

It is used in treating digestive problems, menstruation issues, nausea, cough, fever, congestion, asthma, flu and is effective in breaking down mucus and phlegm build-up. Lemongrass is loaded with Vitamin C, hence strengthens your immunity system. It is packed with antioxidants and helps in detoxifying body from inside by reliving fluid retention and reduces high blood pressure as well.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 Big Bunch or 1 Cup Lemongrass (Stalks & Leaves cut in 1-inch length)
• 5-6 Fresh Tulsi or Basil Leaves
• 1 Inch Ginger Root (Grated)
• ¼ Teaspoon Black Pepper
• ½ Teaspoon Cinnamon Powder
• 2 Cloves
• 2 Teaspoons Coriander Seeds
• 1 Pinch Nutmeg Powder
• 4 Cups Water
• Honey (Optional)

PREPARING LEMONGRASS KADHA:

1. In a heavy pot, on medium heat, combine ALL ingredients except honey.
2. Allow the water to come to a boil.
3. Boil Kadha down to 2 cups of water.
4. Remove from heat and strain the Kadha.
5. Add honey if desired and serve it hot. 

At Ayurved Sahdana, we are growing lemongrass in a pot, and we keep it inside the home near the window throughout the year and use it as necessary.

CAUTION: NEVER heat honey while making tea or decoction but, add it after you pour the tea or Kadha in the cup for drinking. If you heat honey while making tea or any recipe, it creates toxins or ama in the body after drinking or eating that food.

Along with all other health tips and safety measures, please use this recipe for your loved ones and yourself. Ayurved Sadhana will continue adding more health tips and recipes through Facebook and Newsletter.

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