Healthy Monsoon Sips: From Tulsi-Ginger Tea to Spiced Tea for Cold Recovery

The monsoon season in India is a time of lush greenery, cozy evenings, and refreshing rains. But as beautiful as the rain may be, it often brings along pesky colds, sore throats, and sniffles. The sudden drop in temperature and dampness can lower immunity, making us prone to seasonal infections. Fortunately, nature has blessed us with a treasure trove of herbs and spices that can help you stay warm, boost immunity, and recover faster from a cold. Let’s explore some healthy monsoon sips—from Tulsi-Ginger Tea to traditional spiced teas—that will keep you feeling comforted and cared for.

Why Warm Herbal Teas Are Perfect for the Rainy Season

During the rainy season, our body craves warmth and gentle healing. Herbal teas do exactly that. They not only soothe a scratchy throat but also help clear congestion, reduce inflammation, and support overall immunity. Plus, these teas are easy to make at home using simple kitchen staples like ginger, tulsi (holy basil), black pepper, cinnamon, clove, and cardamom.

Here are some healthy monsoon drinks that every Indian household loves for a reason!

1. Tulsi-Ginger Tea: A Time-Tested Favourite

Tulsi, also known as the ‘Queen of Herbs,’ is revered in Ayurveda for its powerful immunity-boosting and healing properties. Its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits help fight infections and ease congestion.

Ginger, with its warm and spicy flavour, is loaded with gingerol, which reduces inflammation and soothes the respiratory tract.

How to make:

1. Boil 1 cup water in a saucepan.

2. Add 5–6 fresh tulsi leaves and 1 teaspoon crushed ginger.

3. Let it simmer for 5–7 minutes.

4. Strain into a cup, add a teaspoon of honey if desired, and sip while warm.

This soothing brew is perfect for tackling coughs, sore throats, and congestion.

2. Masala Chai (Spiced Tea): The Ultimate Comfort Drink

There’s nothing more comforting on a rainy day than a hot cup of masala chai. The perfect blend of ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper not only elevates the flavour of your chai but also supports immunity and improves digestion.

How to make:

1. Boil 1 cup water with ½ inch crushed ginger, 2 crushed green cardamoms, 1 small cinnamon stick, 2 cloves, and 2 crushed black peppercorns.

2. Add 1 teaspoon tea leaves and let it steep for 2–3 minutes.

3. Pour in ½ cup milk and a teaspoon of jaggery or honey if desired.

4. Bring it to a gentle boil, strain into a cup, and sip slowly as you listen to the rain.

3. Lemon-Honey Tea: Refreshing and Healing

When you want a light drink that soothes a sore throat without too much spice, lemon-honey tea is a perfect choice. The vitamin C from lemon and antibacterial properties of honey help fight infections and keep you hydrated.

How to make:

1. Boil water and add a teaspoon of honey and the juice of half a lemon.

2. Stir well and sip warm.

3. Optional: Add a small piece of crushed ginger or a pinch of cinnamon for extra warmth.

4. Pepper and Cinnamon Decoction (Kadha): An Immunity Booster

This is a traditional Indian home remedy often given during cold and flu season. Its warming properties help break up congestion and provide relief from sinus pressure.

How to make:

1. Boil 1½ cups water with 2 crushed black peppercorns, a small cinnamon stick, 2 cloves, a pinch of dry ginger powder, and a few tulsi leaves.

2. Let it reduce to one cup, strain, and drink hot.

3. Add jaggery if desired for a sweeter taste.

Why These Teas Help in Cold Recovery

These herbal drinks are more than just warm beverages—they offer real medicinal benefits.

• Anti-inflammatory Properties: Ginger, cloves, cinnamon, and tulsi reduce swelling and ease sore throats.

• Antioxidant-Rich: Herbal teas help fight free radicals and boost the body’s resilience.

• Immunity-Boosting: Spices like black pepper, cardamom, and tulsi improve the body's defence against infections.

• Soothing and Hydrating: Staying hydrated is key during rainy season colds, and these teas help keep your body balanced and warm.

Tips for Brewing the Perfect Rainy Season Tea

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ginger, tulsi leaves, and whole spices offer the most potent benefits.

• Cover and Simmer: Let your teas steep properly to extract all the goodness.

• Sweeten Naturally: Opt for honey or jaggery instead of refined sugar for a healthier, more warming drink.

• Sip Mindfully: Relax and savour your tea—it can help calm your nerves and promote better sleep too.

Conclusion: Stay Warm, Healthy, and Happy This Monsoon

When the rain clouds gather and the temperature drops, reach for one of these healthy monsoon sips. Whether you’re battling a cold or simply looking for a cozy drink to brighten up your day, teas like Tulsi-Ginger, spiced masala chai, or lemon-honey will warm your soul and help your body recover naturally.

Keep these recipes handy for those rainy days and make Tea and Twigs your go-to place for monsoon wellness. Cheers to a snug, healthy rainy season!