Winter is here, and with it comes the challenge of staying healthy and happy in the cold weather. The low temperatures, dry air, and seasonal infections can take a toll on your physical and mental well-being. But don’t worry, there are some natural tips and tricks that can help you boost your immunity, prevent common ailments, and enjoy the winter season. In this blog, we will share some of the best ways to keep yourself healthy and happy this winter, including herbal tea and kadha, two traditional Indian remedies for cold and cough.

Eat Seasonal and Nutritious Foods

One of the most important things you can do to stay healthy in winter is to eat a balanced and nutritious diet. Eating seasonal fruits and vegetables can provide you with the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that your body needs to fight off infections and inflammation. Some of the best winter foods to include in your diet are citrus fruits, leafy greens, root vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. These foods can also help you stay warm and energized throughout the day.

Drink Herbal Tea and Kadha

Another way to keep yourself hydrated and healthy in winter is to drink herbal tea and kadha. Herbal tea is a soothing and refreshing beverage that can help you relax and unwind. It can also provide you with various health benefits, such as improving digestion, relieving stress, and boosting immunity. Some of the best herbal teas to drink in winter are ginger, tulsi, mint, chamomile, and green tea.

Kadha is a traditional Indian drink that is made by boiling various herbs and spices in water. It is a potent remedy for cold, cough, sore throat, and fever. It can also help you detoxify your body, improve your metabolism, and enhance your immunity. Some of the common ingredients used in kadha are ginger, turmeric, black pepper, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, and honey. You can drink kadha once or twice a day to keep yourself warm and healthy in winter.

What is Herbal Tea and Kadha?

Herbal tea and kadha are two types of hot beverages that are made from natural ingredients such as spices, herbs, and flowers. They are often consumed to treat or prevent various health issues, especially during the winter season. Herbal tea and kadha have many benefits, such as:
• They help in improving digestion, metabolism, and detoxification
• They have anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral properties that can fight infections and boost immunity.
• They provide warmth, hydration, and comfort to the body and mind.
• They have antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that can nourish and rejuvenate the skin and hair.
• They have soothing and calming effects that can reduce stress, anxiety, and insomnia.

How to Make Herbal Tea and Kadha?

There are many recipes for making herbal tea and kadha, depending on the ingredients and the purpose. Here are some of the most common and popular ones that you can try at home:
• Ginger-Turmeric Tea: This is a simple and effective herbal tea that can help in relieving sore throat, cough, and congestion. To make it, you need to boil some water and add grated ginger and turmeric (fresh or powder). You can also add some honey and lemon juice for extra flavor and benefits. Simmer for 10 minutes and strain. Drink it hot or warm, 2-3 times a day.
• Tulsi-Clove Tea: This is another herbal tea that can help in fighting cold and flu. To make it, you need to boil some water and add some tulsi leaves (holy basil) and cloves. You can also add some cardamom and cinnamon for more aroma and taste. Simmer for 15 minutes and strain. Drink it hot or warm, 2-3 times a day.
• Masala Chai: This is a classic Indian tea that can warm you up and energize you in the cold weather. To make it, you need to boil some water and milk and add some black tea leaves and a mix of spices such as ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, black pepper, and nutmeg. You can also add some sugar or jaggery for sweetness. Simmer for 10 minutes and strain. Drink it hot or warm, 1-2 times a day.
• Kadha: This is a traditional Indian decoction that can help in boosting immunity and preventing infections. To make it, you need to boil some water and add a mix of herbs and spices such as tulsi, ginger, turmeric, black pepper, cinnamon, cloves, and ajwain (carom seeds). You can also add some honey and lemon juice for extra flavor and benefits. Simmer for 20 minutes and strain. Drink it hot or warm, 1-2 times a day.

Exercise Regularly and Stay Active

Exercise is not only good for your physical health, but also for your mental health. Exercising regularly can help you burn calories, strengthen your muscles, improve your blood circulation, and release endorphins. Endorphins are the hormones that make you feel happy and positive. Exercising can also help you cope with stress, anxiety, and depression, which are common in winter.
You don’t have to go to the gym or do intense workouts to exercise in winter. You can do simple and fun activities that suit your preferences and lifestyle. For example, you can go for a walk, jog, bike, or hike in the park or around your neighborhood. You can also do yoga, pilates, or dance at home or online. The key is to stay active and move your body every day.

Get Enough Sunlight and Vitamin D

Sunlight is essential for our health and well-being. It helps our body produce vitamin D, which is important for our bone health, immune system, and mood. Sunlight also helps regulate our circadian rhythm, which is our natural sleep-wake cycle. Getting enough sunlight can help us sleep better, feel more alert, and have more energy.
However, in winter, the days are shorter and the sun is less bright. This can make us feel more tired, sluggish, and depressed. That’s why it is important to get enough sunlight and vitamin D in winter. You can do this by spending some time outdoors in the morning or afternoon, when the sun is at its peak. You can also take vitamin D supplements or eat foods that are rich in vitamin D, such as eggs, fish, mushrooms, and fortified dairy products.

Practice Self-Care and Relaxation

Last but not least, one of the best ways to stay healthy and happy in winter is to practice self-care and relaxation. Self-care is the act of taking care of yourself and your needs. It can help you reduce stress, improve your mood, and boost your self-esteem. Relaxation is the state of being calm and peaceful. It can help you unwind, recharge, and enjoy life.

There are many ways to practice self-care and relaxation in winter. You can pamper yourself with a warm bath, a massage, a facial, or a manicure. You can read a book, watch a movie, listen to music, or play a game. You can meditate, pray, journal, or express gratitude. You can also spend quality time with your loved ones, friends, or pets. The idea is to do something that makes you feel good and happy.

Conclusion

Winter can be a challenging season for our health and happiness, but it can also be a wonderful time to enjoy the beauty and coziness of nature. By following these natural tips and tricks, you can stay healthy and happy during the cold season. Remember, winter is not forever, and spring is just around the corner. So, stay warm, stay well, and stay positive.