Remember that famous patriotic song – ‘Jab zero diya mere Bharat ne duniya ko tab ginti aayi’? Well a country which despite its infrastructure challenges is emerging as a force to reckon with on the global map is – Humaara Bharat! 

Even during the on-going pandemic India has made a mark through its indigenous vaccine (COVAXIN) and vaccine manufacturing capacity (COVISHIELD). Moreover besides the Ayurveda and home-based remedies that India is implementing to help mild and moderately Coronavirus-infected patients to recover without relying on heavy steroids; there are a lot of traditional beverages, herbs and spices which India has been using since time immemorial to boost immunity, improve the gut and fight common cold and cough that are fast gaining acceptance in the West.    

Foodism shares with you a brief low-down on the same –

 

Spices and Herbs

Turmeric, saffron, cloves, cinnamon, carom seeds, black pepper, ginger and garlic which are generously used in Indian food preparations are replete with a multitude of beneficial properties besides boosting the immunity levels of the body. The West too is slowly accepting these benefits and integrating these spices into their meals

When it comes to the healthy and healing herb segment – besides the popular mint, holy basil (tulsi), neem and moringa which are consumed by many Indian households in various forms (whole or as part of a beverage or blended in a food preparation); rarer herbs which have gained prominence like guduchi (giloy), Indian borage (doddapatre), star anise, Indian ginseng (ashwagandha), water hyssop (brahmi) and liquorice (mulethi), are also being frantically Googled and ordered by our Western counterparts!

Haldi Doodh

India’s humble ‘haldi doodh’ has catapulted into fame with it being a prescribed item on the COVID-19 diet. Albeit it is addressed in sophisticated terms like – Turmeric Latte or Golden Milk but the ingredients and the preparation process remain the same as our granny’s haldi doodh! This traditional concoction prepared with - milk, turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, black pepper and honey/maple syrup – is the magical remedy for a host of ailments. Touted as a ‘super food’ by the West, Golden Milk packs-in a multitude of benefits – rich with anti-oxidants; lowers blood sugar levels; reduces inflammation and joint pain; strengthens bones; improves memory, mood and digestion; has anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties; protects against cancer and heart disease; et al.

Herbal Tea (Kadha)

What has been perhaps protecting a large number of Indians from the cunning virus since the past 15-odd months is the bitter kadha a common beverage prepared by traditional Indian households during monsoons and winter. With ingredients like – holy basil (tulsi), fresh mint (pudina), cardamom (elaichi), black pepper, ginger, liquorice (mulethi), cinnamon, cloves and raisins (and optional ones like honey/jaggery or turmeric) - this herbal concoction is rigorously boiled and being compulsorily forced down the entire household irrespective of the grimaces! Why? Well for the simple reason that this elixir comes jam-packed with benefits as it – boosts the immune system; lowers blood pressure; detoxifies the body; helps fight against respiratory disorders; facilitates digestion and weight loss; reduces inflammation; and has anti-aging properties. Now aren’t that quite a handful of pluses which no one in their senses can ignore…?

So the next time someone snubs you with “What has India given to the world of food?” you have your answer ready, eh?