☕ What is Karkidaka Chaya (Monsoon Herbal Tea)?
Karkidakam, the last month in the Malayalam calendar, is considered a time for body detox and rejuvenation in Ayurveda. Due to the monsoon season, our digestion weakens and immunity drops—making this herbal tea an ideal drink.
📝 Simple Recipe for Karkidaka Herbal Tea
🧂 Ingredients:
- Water – 2 cups
- Tulsi (holy basil) – 4–5 leaves
- Dry Ginger (Chukku) – 1 small piece or ½ tsp powder
- Black Pepper – 4–5 crushed
- Cumin seeds (Jeerakam) – ½ tsp
- Coriander seeds (Kothamalli) – ½ tsp
- Cardamom (Elakka) – 1 pod (optional)
- Jaggery or Palm Sugar – as per taste
- A few curry leaves – optional
🔥 How to Prepare:
- Boil 2 cups of water in a vessel.
- Add all the herbs and spices to the water.
- Let it simmer for 7–10 minutes on low flame.
- Strain and add jaggery or palm sugar.
- Serve warm.
💪 Benefits:
Balances doshas (especially kapha)
Detoxifies the body
Improves digestion
Relieves cold, cough & congestion
Boosts immunity

