Concentrated Gud Kadha for Cold & Cough

When a cold or cough starts bothering me, the first thing I make is this quick, concentrated Gud Kadha — a warm, soothing home remedy for scratchy throat, cold and cough made with jaggery, ginger, fennel, ajwain, black pepper, cardamom and cloves. These traditional spices naturally support the throat, ease congestion, and bring instant comfort.
It’s easy to make, uses simple pantry ingredients, and honestly, I prefer this over store-bought cough syrups — it works faster...

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Ingredients
block jaggery (approx. 1 grated)2cup
water1cup
ginger powder (saunth powder)1tsp
fennel seeds (saunf)1tsp
carom seeds (ajwain)1/2tsp
black pepper powder1/2tsp
green cardamoms, lightly crushed4
cloves2clove
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories
77.0kcal (3.85%)
Protein
0.1g (0.3%)
Carbs
20.0g (7.27%)
Sugars
19.0g (38%)
Healthy Fat
0.0g
Unhealthy Fat
0.0g
% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet
How to make Concentrated Gud Kadha for Cold & Cough
Melt the jaggery
- Step 1
Add jaggery and water to a pan. Heat on medium until the jaggery dissolves completely.
Add the spices
- Step 1
Add ginger powder, fennel seeds, carom seeds, black pepper, crushed cardamom, and cloves.
Boil and reduce
- Step 1
Simmer on medium-low heat for 10-12 minutes, until the mixture becomes semi-thick and syrupy. It should lightly coat the back of a spoon.
Choose your texture
- Step 1
Keep it as is if you enjoy the flavour of whole spices in each sip. For a smooth kadha, grind the spices before adding.
Cool and store
- Step 1
Let it cool completely. Transfer to a clean glass jar.
How to Take It
- Step 1
Take a warm teaspoon whenever your throat feels scratchy or you need quick comfort.
Nutrition (per serving)
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories
77.0kcal (3.85%)
Protein
0.1g (0.3%)
Carbs
20.0g (7.27%)
Sugars
19.0g (38%)
Healthy Fat
0.0g
Unhealthy Fat
0.0g
% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet
Tips & Tricks
Avoid overheating the kadha; jaggery can harden if cooked too long.
For sensitive throats, reduce the pepper to keep the heat mild.
Add 1 tsp kadha to 1 cup hot water and sip as a warm, soothing drink.
FAQS
Can I use fresh ginger instead of ginger powder?
Yes, you can use fresh ginger instead of ginger powder. Grate or finely chop it before adding to the kadha.
How long can I store this kadha?
You can store the kadha in a clean glass jar for up to a week in the refrigerator.
Can I strain the kadha for a smoother texture?
Yes, you can strain the kadha or grind the spices before adding for a smoother texture.
Is this kadha suitable for children?
Yes, but reduce the black pepper to make it milder for children or sensitive throats.
Can I use sugar instead of jaggery?
Jaggery is recommended for its soothing properties.
Leena Kohli
(@leenakohli)
Elevate your confidence through the magic of home cooking with my easy-to-follow recipes 👩🍳✨
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