Friday 18 December 2009

Common Cold & Ginger Chai (Tea)

Common cold is so annoying. One sneezes, goes around with a runny nose, headache, fatigue and yet, one cannot be called technically ill. A day off from office requires a graver reason than “just” common cold!
And to think that science has still not been able to discover a cure for it. Hmph! Like my Dad says “Zukaam ho gaya hai? Dawa loge to 7 din mein theek ho jaayega, nahi to ek hafte mein”. (You have caught a cold? If you take medication, you will be fit in 7 days, else it will take a week).

So as you would have got the hint, I have “caught” a cold. And am not sure what medication to take. But what I did have in the morning, before leaving for work, was “Adrak wali Chai”Ginger Chai (Tea). And trust me, it is really soothing.

Ginger is such a multi faceted tuber. Apart from enhancing the flavor of recipes, it has a high medicinal value as well. Wikipedia tells me that it is used in the treatment of diarrhea and nausea. And in several countries, including India, ginger is used for providing relief in common cold and sore throat.
So, what I am sharing today is a simple and age old recipe. Nothing creative, no experimentation whatsoever. But a sure way to keep warm in the cold weather.




Ingredients (For 1 cup):
Water: ¾ cup
Milk: ¼ cup
Ginger: ½ inch piece
Tea leaves: ¾ - 1 tsp or 1 tea bag
Sugar: To taste

Method:
- Wash the ginger piece and grate it with the peel on
- In a pan, add the water and grated ginger. Bring to a boil.
- When the water starts boiling, add the tea leaves / tea bag.
- Let it simmer for around half a minute so that color of the leaves seeps in
- Add the milk and bring the concoction to a boil. Lower the heat and let it simmer for another 30 – 45 seconds
- Remove the tea bag / strain and pour it in a cup. Add sugar to taste.
- Serve hot and consume while still warm.



Note: Ginger may not be suited for people suffering from ulcers.

This tea makes its way to Weekend Herb Blogging # 214, the event started by Kalyn and now nurtured by Haalo of Cook (Almost) Anything Atleast Once. This week's edition is being hosted by Haalo herself.

15 comments:

  1. feeling like grabbing this cuppa !!
    have you ever tried ajwain with ginger for cold relief ??

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  2. I am going to go make this right now, seriously. Mmmm.

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  3. I know what you mean- I hate having a cold. I find ginger tea always helps! Great post :)

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  4. u won't believe it, i am down with a severe cold and right here on my desk is a mix of ginger pounded with a lot of haldi tht i am coaxing down my throat.. had ginger tea the first thing in the morning..

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  5. Dear MEF
    After seeing the heading on the blog arrival notification, I went chopped some ginger and back here for the recipe. It is long time since I had some ginger tea!! Thanks for the timely reminder. I shall use 5050 milk and water. I love ,milk.( Normally I drink green tea)
    Regarding cough and cold SOMEONE ( she is a doc) says " When you have cough and cold, you must check if fever is there. If fever is there it has to be watched and treated if necessary. Else it is OK with 1 week/7days treatment, :-)
    Have a nice weekend
    Ushnishda

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  6. You should drink more! This is the perfect natural treatment for cold. Hope you
    're feeling well soon. Have a good day. Cheer up!

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  7. Awww.... I have ginger chai everyday... just can't do with out it :-).... try chewing on strips of ginger dipped in honey... it helps as well... Get well soon

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  8. Hi everyone,
    Thanks so much for the wishes! Am feeling better already.

    Sangeeta: No, never tried ajwain and ginger. Should I take them as ingredients in tea?

    Gauri: Hope you are feeling better too!

    Ushnishda: I know what you mean about the 50 50 milk water tea. My parents drink tea with minimal milk, while my inlaws prefer the 50 50 version. As for fever, I do not have any, thankfully. Else I would have surely rushed to the doc, what with the swine flu care here.

    Shilpa: Never tried strips of ginger dipped in honey. Will surely give it a try. Thanks for the wishes:)

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  9. yes, try ajwain too in your milk tea...i take it with ginger n black pepper tea when hot with cold n it works...especially in winters.

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  10. Thats a wonderful chai for the winter!!!

    Wishing you and your family a very happy and prosperous New Year dear:)

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  11. hey do u by any chance know how 2 make masala chai...??? if so do post it sometime..im dying 2 get an easy peacy recipe

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  12. I was craving home style chai on a rainy cold evening, your recipe was unpretentious and perfect. Thank you!

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