Quick answer. To make the best kadha for immunity at home, simmer 4–5 tulsi leaves, a 1-inch piece of crushed dry ginger (shunthi), ½ tsp cinnamon (dalchini), a pinch of black pepper (kalimirch) and 4–5 crushed raisins (munakka) in 2 cups water for 5–10 minutes until reduced by half. Strain, and add honey only after it cools to warm. This mirrors the Ministry of AYUSH self-care kadha. It is a comforting traditional drink, not a clinically proven medicine.
Every winter, the same advice arrives by WhatsApp forward, from a worried mother-in-law, or from the ready-made sachets stacked by the chemist's counter: "drink kadha." But which kadha, made how, how often, and does the popular AYUSH recipe actually do anything?
This guide gives you the correct, government-recommended home recipe, then explains honestly what is and is not known about it. We cover what each herb does in the lab, how kadha compares ready-made versus homemade, how often it is reasonable to drink, the real side effects, and a conservative note on children.
You will leave able to make a correct kadha tonight, with realistic expectations, and without the overpromising you will find almost everywhere else.
How to make the best kadha for immunity at home
The "best" kadha is the simple one, and it happens to be the one the Ministry of AYUSH recommended in its self-care advisory: a short decoction of five common kitchen ingredients.
The AYUSH self-care kadha (home version):
- Add 2 cups of water to a pan.
- Add 4–5 tulsi leaves (Ocimum sanctum), a 1-inch piece of crushed dry ginger / shunthi (Zingiber officinale), ½ tsp cinnamon / dalchini (Cinnamomum verum), a pinch of black pepper / kalimirch (Piper nigrum), and 4–5 crushed raisins / munakka.
- Simmer 5–10 minutes until reduced by about half.
- Strain into a cup.
- Let it cool to warm, then add honey, jaggery or a squeeze of lemon to taste — never to boiling-hot kadha (more on the honey rule below).
The Ministry of AYUSH advisory recommends taking such a kadha "once or twice a day," with jaggery and/or lemon to taste if needed [1].
One distinction worth knowing: this five-herb home kadha (which includes munakka) is not identical to the official "AYUSH Kwath," a four-herb decoction in a fixed ratio (Tulsi 4 : Dalchini 2 : Sunthi 2 : Marich 1, with no raisin) [2]. "AYUSH Kwath" usually refers to the ready-made four-herb formula sold in sachets; the five-herb version above is the practical home recipe.
What goes into an immunity kadha — and what each herb does
Each kadha herb has been studied in the laboratory, and a few in humans. Read these as properties of the individual herbs in lab or early studies, not as proven effects of the finished drink.
- **Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum).** A systematic review of 24 human studies found generally favourable results for stress and metabolic markers with no significant adverse events, but the authors stress that "further studies are required to … clarify the dosage and dose form" [4]. Evidence is early; dosing is not standardised.
- **Cinnamon (Cinnamomum spp.).** Reviews document antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity, but mostly in test-tube and animal studies; "clinical translation remains preliminary" [5].
- **Black pepper (Piper nigrum).** Its compound piperine is the warming, digestion-stimulating element. In rats, piperine produced dose-dependent increases in gastric acid secretion [6], which is also why too much can cause acidity (see cautions).
- **Dry ginger (Zingiber officinale).** Ginger has been shown to speed gastric emptying in trials, though those trials did not show it relieved symptoms [7]. It is the traditional "warming" agent of the decoction.
- Munakka (raisins). Added for natural sweetness and to soften the sharp, peppery edge of the drink; treat it as a culinary, not medicinal, ingredient.
Important: most of this evidence is in vitro, in animals, or in small human studies, and none of it tests the finished kadha. Treat it as suggestive of herb properties, not as proof the drink does any of these things.
Does kadha really "boost immunity"? What the evidence says
Here is the honest part. "Immunity booster" is a cultural phrase, not a medical one. There is no clinical definition of "boosting" immunity, and the popular claim that kadha can do it has been fact-checked as unproven [3].
More importantly, the official AYUSH Kwath formulation itself has never been tested in a clinical trial. The peer-reviewed paper that documents its composition is explicit: "Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of this polyherbal formulation is not yet studied," and "further pre-clinical and clinical trials need to be done for the evaluation of safety and efficacy" [2].
So what is true?
- The individual herbs show antioxidant and antimicrobial activity in laboratory studies (above).
- The finished kadha has not been shown in clinical trials to boost immunity, or to prevent or cure cold, cough, flu or COVID-19.
- Kadha was widely promoted during the COVID-19 period, but no clinical-trial evidence supports those claims; that is a documented evidence gap, not an endorsement.
The reasonable conclusion: kadha is a warming, comforting traditional drink that many Indian households turn to for immunity support during the cold season. Enjoy it for what it is, not as a substitute for medicine, vaccines, sleep, food and a doctor when you are unwell.
Homemade vs ready-made kadha: a side-by-side
No head-to-head trial compares homemade and ready-made kadha, so this is about control, convenience and cost, not proven effect.
| Property | Homemade kadha | Ready-made kadha (sachet/powder) |
|---|---|---|
| Recipe | Five-herb AYUSH self-care kadha you control | Fixed blend; e.g. Zandu Ayush Kwath is the official 4-herb Kwath (tulsi, dalchini, sunthi, krishna marich); Dabur Honitus Hot Sip is a 15-herb blend with added honey |
| Freshness & control | Full control over spice level, sugar and strength | Fixed formula; you cannot adjust herb load or sweetness |
| Convenience | 10–15 min to prep and simmer | Ready in seconds, stir into hot water |
| Added sugar | None unless you add it | Some blends add honey/sweeteners; check the label |
| Consistency | Varies cup to cup | Standardised every time |
| Approx. cost (India) | A few rupees per cup of pantry spices | Dabur Honitus Hot Sip ₹297 (MRP ₹330), 30 sachets, observed 18 Jun 2026 |
When to make it at home: if you want to control the spice and skip added sugar, and you enjoy the ritual. Homemade is cheapest and most adjustable, ideal if black pepper or ginger upset your stomach and you need to dial them down.
When ready-made makes sense: travel, the office, or anyone who wants a consistent, ready-in-seconds cup without measuring spices. Just read the ingredient list and sugar content. We describe these products factually; their marketing language is theirs, and neither is a proven remedy.
How often is it safe to drink kadha? Daily, timing, and the honey rule
Guidance varies. The Ministry of AYUSH advisory frames the self-care kadha as something taken "once or twice a day" [1]. Many practitioners suggest moderation (roughly one cup, not multiple strong cups daily, and seasonal or cyclical use rather than heavy year-round intake) because kadha is spice-dense and the pepper and ginger can be intense.
There is no single regulator-backed "correct dose." A sensible default for a healthy adult is about one cup a day during the cold season, lighter on the spices if you are sensitive, and pausing if you notice acidity.
Best time: sources differ — some prefer a warm cup in the morning, others in the evening. This is preference and tradition, not a clinical instruction, so pick what your stomach tolerates and your routine allows.
The honey rule. A classical Ayurvedic principle holds that honey should be added only after the kadha has cooled to warm, never to boiling-hot or freshly boiled liquid. Practically, heat can degrade honey's aroma and enzymes, and there is no downside to following the traditional rule, so stir honey in last, once the cup is warm rather than scalding.
Side effects and when NOT to drink kadha
Kadha is food, but it is concentrated and spice-heavy, so more is not better.
- Acidity & GI upset. Too much black pepper or ginger can cause heartburn, acidity, bloating or loose stools. Piperine increases gastric acid secretion in animal studies [6], and ginger, while generally well tolerated, caused mild heartburn (12.8%), bloating (14.9%) and loose stool (10.6%) in a small dyspepsia trial [8]. Excess is the usual trigger.
- Blood thinners. Ginger can increase the anticoagulant effect of warfarin and should be used with caution with antiplatelet medicines [9].
- Diabetes medication. Ginger may add to the blood-sugar-lowering effect of oral hypoglycaemic agents, so monitor and consult your doctor [9].
- Other regular medicines. Black pepper can affect how some medicines are absorbed; if you take regular medication, check with your doctor before drinking strong kadha daily.
When NOT to drink kadha (cautions):
- Pregnancy & lactation: moderate high black-pepper and ginger intake; anyone pregnant or breastfeeding should consult their doctor before regular, medicinal-strength kadha.
- Drug interactions: caution with blood thinners, antiplatelet drugs and diabetes/BP medication (above). Speak to your doctor.
- GI sensitivity: if you are prone to acidity, ulcers or reflux, keep the pepper and ginger light, or skip it.
- Children: see the FAQ — be extra conservative, never give honey to a baby under 12 months, and consult a paediatrician.
- Chronic conditions: if you manage a chronic condition or take prescription medicine, check with your doctor before making kadha a daily habit.
If you are managing a chronic condition or taking prescription medication, please consult your doctor before starting any new supplement or daily herbal drink.
Our take — how kadha fits a modern Indian routine
At KayaSuddhi, we think of kadha the way our grandmothers did: a warm, grounding ritual for the cold months, not a cure in a cup. The honesty matters: a comforting tulsi-and-spice decoction earns its place in a routine because it is pleasant, warming and inexpensive, not because it has been clinically proven to do anything dramatic.
Make it the way that suits your body. Keep the spices gentle if your stomach is sensitive, sweeten lightly, add honey only once it is warm, and treat it as one small part of a larger picture: sleep, real food, movement, and a doctor when you genuinely need one.
If you would rather not crush leaves every evening, a few drops of a concentrated tulsi extract in warm water is an easy way to keep the tulsi ritual going. KayaSuddhi's immunity range use a concentrated Panch Tulsi extract and support a simple daily warm-drink habit. As always, that is a comforting ritual, not a medical claim.
Frequently asked questions
What are the ingredients of immunity kadha?
The Ministry of AYUSH self-care kadha uses five common ingredients: tulsi (basil leaves), dalchini (cinnamon), kalimirch (black pepper), shunthi (dry ginger) and munakka (raisins), simmered in water and strained, with jaggery, honey or lemon to taste [1]. The narrower, fixed-ratio "AYUSH Kwath" uses only four (tulsi, dalchini, sunthi and marich) without raisins [2].
Can we drink kadha daily?
Guidance varies. The AYUSH advisory frames the kadha as a once- or twice-a-day self-care drink [1], while many practitioners suggest moderation — about one cup a day, lighter on the spices, and seasonal rather than heavy year-round use. There is no single regulator-backed dose. If you notice acidity, reduce the pepper and ginger or take a break, and consult your doctor if you are on regular medication.
What is the best time to drink kadha?
There is no clinically established "best time." Traditional and practitioner guidance differs: some prefer a warm cup in the morning, others in the evening during the cold season. Treat timing as personal preference rather than a medical instruction: choose whatever your stomach tolerates best and fits your routine. If kadha causes acidity on an empty stomach, drink it after a meal instead.
What are the side effects of drinking kadha daily?
The main issues come from excess spice. Too much black pepper or ginger can cause acidity, heartburn, bloating or loose stools; piperine raises gastric acid in animal studies [6], and ginger caused mild heartburn, bloating and loose stool in some people in a small trial [8]. Ginger may also interact with blood thinners and diabetes medication [9]. Consult your doctor.
Is ready-made kadha as good as homemade kadha?
No head-to-head trial compares them, so the honest answer is that it depends on what you value. Homemade lets you control spice level, strength and added sugar and costs only a few rupees a cup. Ready-made sachets are quick, consistent and travel-friendly, but you cannot adjust the herb load and some add sweeteners, so check the label. Neither version is a clinically proven remedy.
Can children drink kadha?
Be extra conservative. Never give honey to a baby under 12 months: honey can carry botulism spores, and the American Academy of Pediatrics advises against it under one year [Source: American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.org]. For older children, the ginger and black pepper can be too strong, so any kadha should be much milder and diluted. We do not state a children's dose; please consult a paediatrician or qualified Ayurvedic doctor before giving kadha to a child.
Related reading
- Tulsi for immunity: daily use
- Ayurvedic herbs for cold and flu season
- Ayurvedic immunity boosters: the complete India guide — the full guide
Sources
- Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India. Self-care guidelines / immunity-boosting AYUSH advisory (kadha recipe). 2020. https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1613129
- Gautam S, Gautam A, Chhetri S, Bhattarai U. Immunity against COVID-19: Potential role of Ayush Kwath. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2020. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaim.2020.08.003 (PMID 32837101)
- Satani S, Shaikh S. AYUSH Kwath or Kadha cannot 'boost' immunity to fight against COVID-19. Alt News, 10 Aug 2020. https://www.altnews.in/ayush-kwath-or-kadha-cannot-boost-immunity-to-fight-against-covid-19/
- Jamshidi N, Cohen MM. The Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Tulsi in Humans: A Systematic Review of the Literature. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2017. https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/9217567 (PMID 28400848)
- Sharifi-Rad J, Dey A, Koirala N, et al. Cinnamomum Species: Bridging Phytochemistry Knowledge, Pharmacological Properties and Toxicological Safety for Health Benefits. Front Pharmacol. 2021. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2021.600139 (PMID 34045956)
- Ononiwu IM, Ibeneme CE, Ebong OO. Effects of piperine on gastric acid secretion in albino rats. Afr J Med Med Sci. 2002. (PMID 15027765)
- Wu KL, Rayner CK, Chuah SK, et al. Effects of ginger on gastric emptying and motility in healthy humans. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2008. (PMID 18403946)
- Aregawi LG, Zoltan C. Evaluation of Adverse Effects and Tolerability of Dietary Ginger Supplementation in Patients With Functional Dyspepsia. Curr Ther Res Clin Exp. 2025. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.curtheres.2025.100792 (PMID 40474983)
- Modi M, Modi K. Ginger Root. StatPearls. NCBI Bookshelf NBK565886. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK565886/
Educational use only — not medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by AYUSH or FSSAI as treatment claims. KayaSuddhi products are purely herbal and not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Results may vary. Please consult your physician or a qualified BAMS-certified Ayurvedic practitioner before starting any new supplement — especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, on prescription medication, or managing a chronic condition.
Written & researched by
The KayaSuddhi Team
We are a small team of Ayurveda writers, researchers and reviewers in Delhi NCR. We track the health questions real people are asking, read the latest studies, and turn them into honest, practical guides — so you can make informed choices, not follow hype.
