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Ayurvedic Remedies for Cold & Flu Using Kerala Spices | Spice of Indian

Ayurvedic Remedies for Cold & Flu Using Kerala Spices | Spice of Indian

Jul 30, 2025

Sonali Karancherry

Ayurvedic Remedies for Cold & Flu Using Kerala Spices

By Spice of Indian – Organic Kerala Spices for Natural Immunity

Introduction: Natural Healing Rooted in Ayurveda

The common cold and flu often follow seasonal changes, stress, or weakened immunity. In Ayurveda, these conditions are linked to Kapha imbalance—marked by congestion, sluggish digestion, and low vitality. Traditional texts prescribe warming spices and herbal decoctions to restore balance and support natural healing.

The aromatic spices of Kerala, including black pepper, ginger, turmeric, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, and cumin, offer powerful antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and respiratory-supporting properties.

At Spice of Indian, we harness these ancient spices, organically sourced from Kerala, hand-picked, and packed in eco-friendly kraft pouches. This guide walks you through Ayurvedic remedies using Kerala spices—backed by tradition and modern research—for cold and flu relief.

Top Kerala Spices in Ayurvedic Cold & Flu Remedies

Black Pepper (Piper nigrum)

  • Contains piperine, a warming bioactive that helps relieve congestion and improves digestion and circulation. Piperine is known to potentiate curcumin absorption by up to 2000%. healthline.com

Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

  • Rich in curcumin, with strong anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-modulating effects. Commonly paired with black pepper for better absorption. health.comhealthline.com

Cloves (Syzygium aromaticum)

Cardamom, Cinnamon, & Cumin

  • Cardamom: supports respiratory comfort, soothes throat, enhances digestion.

  • Cinnamon: antiviral and warmth-inducing.

  • Cumin: improves digestion and supports elimination post-illness.

These spices are staples in Ayurvedic and Kerala home remedies for seasonal respiratory ailments.

7 Proven Ayurvedic Home Remedies Using Kerala Spices

### 1. Spice Kadha (Decoction)

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups water, 1 tsp grated fresh ginger, 6 crushed black peppercorns, 2 cloves, 1 organic cardamom pod, a small stick of cinnamon, 1 tsp tulsi (holy basil) leaves, honey to taste.

Method: Boil water with spices for 10–15 mins, strain, add honey. Sip warm once or twice a day.

Benefits: Relieves nasal congestion, throat irritation and boosts immunity. Traditional and evidence-backed for respiratory infections. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.govsaumya-ayurveda.com

2. Golden Turmeric Milk (Haldi Doodh)

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup warm milk (dairy or plant-based), ½ tsp turmeric powder, pinch of black pepper, ¼ tsp cinnamon, ½ tsp honey (optional).

Usage: Drink before bed for sore throat, cough, or flu symptoms.

Benefits: Anti-inflammatory and soothing. Black pepper enhances curcumin’s efficacy. healthline.com

3. Clove-Honey Throat Soother

Ingredients:

  • 4–5 warm organic cloves ground or steeped in hot water, strained, add honey or chew whole.

Usage: Sip or suck slowly 3x/day to soothe throat and relieve dry cough.

Benefits: Eugenol provides antimicrobial and analgesic effects. sciencedirect.com

4. Steam Inhalation with Cloves & Cardamom

Method: In a bowl of hot water, add 2–3 crushed cloves and 2 crushed cardamom pods. Inhale steam for 5–10 minutes.

Benefits: Helps clear nasal passages and relieve sinus congestion.

5. Pepper-Cinnamon Ginger Tea

Ingredients: 1-inch ginger slice, 4–5 peppercorns, small organic cinnamon piece in boiling water for 10 minutes. Add lemon and honey.

Usage: Drink as needed for early flu symptoms or throat scratchiness.

Benefits: Combines anti-viral and warming properties. timesofindia.indiatimes.comsciencedirect.com

6. Immunity Spice Mix (Churna)

Ingredients: Equal parts ground black pepper, clove, cinnamon, ginger, and turmeric. Store in airtight jar and add ½ tsp with warm water or honey daily.

Benefits: A traditional Ayurvedic tonic to boost resistance.

7. Spiced Ghee (Herbal Ghee Infusion)

Method: Heat 1 tbsp ghee with a pinch each of turmeric and cumin seeds. Strain and let cool. Consume 1 tsp on empty stomach each morning.

Benefits: Nourishes digestion, supports immunity and recovery.

📚 Scientific Validation of Kerala Spice Benefits

Recent reviews and studies support the traditional use of these spices in respiratory ailments:

  • A 2023 review highlights ginger, turmeric, licorice, and peppermint from Ayurveda and Jamu texts used to manage cold and flu syndromes. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+1scholar.ui.ac.id+1

  • Studies published in PMC confirm spices like ginger, turmeric, cloves, cumin, and garlic show antimicrobial and antiviral potential, especially in early stages of infection. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.govmdpi.com

  • Research into hydroalcoholic extracts of turmeric, ginger, and clove showed measurable inhibition of E. coli, Salmonella, and Shigella. medcraveonline.com

Although clinical trials for colds remain small, traditional use backed by lab studies supports these spices as safe symptomatic remedies.

Safe Usage & Best Practices

  • Dosage: Stick to Ayurvedic culinary amounts (e.g., ½ tsp turmeric, ⅛–¼ tsp black pepper per serving).

  • Precautions: Avoid high-dose supplements without guidance. People with ulcers, liver conditions, or on blood thinners should consult a healthcare provider. Excessive clove or black pepper may cause irritation or, in rare cases, allergic reactions. researchgate.net

  • Pregnancy/Nursing: Use in culinary amounts is generally safe. Avoid high dose supplements or essential oils unless supervised.

Why Kerala-Sourced Organic Spices Are Better

  • Kerala spices are renowned for their high essential oil content, yielding potent aroma and therapeutic value.

  • Handpicked and sun-cured to retain volatile oils.

  • Organic sourcing ensures no pesticide residue and richer phytochemical profiles. Such quality is embodied by Spice of Indian, whose FSSAI-certified, kraft-packaged spices ensure purity and potency.

 

FAQs: Ayurvedic Cold & Flu Remedies

Q: How many times a day can I take kadha?
A: 1–2 cups daily, especially at first sign of symptoms.

Q: Can children safely use these remedies?
A: For children above 2, use mild ginger or turmeric teas, sweetened slightly. Avoid honey in infants.

Q: How long do these spices last?
A: Whole spices maintain potency up to 2 years when stored correctly in airtight containers, away from heat and light.

Q: Are powdered spices valid substitutes?
A: Powdered spices are usable but lose potency faster than whole forms. Are best when freshly ground.

Conclusion: Heal Naturally with Kerala’s Spice Wisdom

Ayurvedic cold and flu remedies using Kerala spices like black pepper, ginger, turmeric, and cloves offer gentle, effective, and time-honored support. When sourced organically and used mindfully, these spices help restore balance, ease symptoms, and build immunity.

Choose Spice of Indian’s organically grown Kerala spices, packed in sustainable kraft pouches, for purity you can trust.

👉 Ready to heal naturally? Shop Kerala spices with confidence at Spice of Indian today.