A typical Indian kitchen spice collection contains turmeric and ginger which have been getting quite some attention recently. Traditionally used as natural remedies and immunity boosters both turmeric and ginger have antiviral and antiseptic properties.
Turmeric (which contains curcumin) and ginger are known for their immunity building and boosting properties. The most common form of both these rhizomes is the dry powder form. This is the form which has the longest shelf life and convenience of use. Hence, I will be using these in immunity booster recipes below.
Want to know more about these natural ingredients work? Read here.
The easy and no-mess recipes or preparations described in this post are effective when followed regularly as a lifestyle in order to see the benefits of building a strong immunity from these natural sources, and can also be initiated to manage symptoms and fight minor viral or bacterial infections such as sore throat, mucus, congestion, body aches, digestive issues, etc.
Today is always a good time to start! Follow along!
Ingredients –
Turmeric powder (halad / haldi), and
Dry ginger powder (suntha / soonth) – in equal proportion (1:1)
Ghee (toop / clarified butter)
Powdered sugar just to taste (optional)
Recipe Option 1 – Best for on the go or to make ahead.
Take turmeric and ginger powders in equal proportion. Mix together sugar with the turmeric and ginger powders. Warm up ghee in a microwave for a few seconds till just melted. Pour enough ghee to make a quick dough. Divide the mixture into 1/2 tsp portions. Roll into small marble sized balls. Store in a clean, dry and airtight container.
Have one in the morning with breakfast (or any time through the day) and one before bed time. (total serving for 1 day – up to ½ tsp turmeric, ½ tsp ginger powder)
Recipe Option 2 – Fresh preparation – To be taken at least 45 min after dinner, before bed time –
Here is my recipe for Warm and Comforting Turmeric and Ginger Milk Drink.
Commonly called ‘halad doodh’ or ‘haldiwala doodh’. This recipe is lovingly served by all moms, grandmoms, dads and caregivers to everyone, across Indian households.
In addition to the ingredients listed above you will need – Some sort of milk including nut, coconut, oat, etc. as long as it is stable upon boiling. Preferably use some form of milk with fat, avoid fat-free milk for this recipe.
Make this hot drink by following my recipe for Warm and Comforting Turmeric and Ginger Milk any time you need a strength booster after a tiring day, or drink this every alternate night to create a stable energy recharge that sustains for days to come!
Recipe Option 3 – For dry storage.
Mix together equal parts turmeric powder and ginger powder.
Store this mix in a clean, dry and airtight container. Stays well for 1-2 months then still good to use if stored properly, but begins to lose the strength.
Recipe Option 4 –
To the equal part turmeric and ginger powder add equal part licorice powder (jeshthamadh / mulethi) and mix well.
Store this mix in a clean, dry and airtight container. Stays well for 1-2 months then still good to use if stored properly, but begins to lose the strength.
Consume as described in Options 1, 2 or 3 above or as below.
You can take approx 1/2 tsp of the powder mixed with a little bit of honey 2-3 times per day to boost immunity over regular use.
If suffering from symptoms of cold, cough and respiratory or throat discomfort, you may consume this mixture by taking tiny amounts at a time through the day. This should provide relief similar to a lozenge in the immediate, and help in healing over a few days.
Disclaimer: These remedies do not claim to be replacements of medical treatments for serious illness, nor alternatives or replacements to medicines, or treatments administered by professionals.
