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Writer's picturePradeepa Thirumulu

Cold winter immune boosting soup

Updated: Sep 12, 2021







Cubeb peppers- Also called as tail pepper, these are the fruits of a tropical vine. It belongs to the pepper family.

Has a pungent bitter, and peppery taste. It has been used to treat cough, cold, inflammatory diseases of the urinary tract, bronchitis. Also good for fever, headache and to fight fatigue.



Astragalus - Katira ( Hindi) Used in traditional Chinese medicine, this root belongs to the pea family. The health benefits include immune-boosting , and anti- inflammatory effects, thus increasing the strength, stamina and vitality. The root of the plant is used as a whole or as a powder. It improves the respiratory, liver and spleen functions.




Long pepper - Arisithipili, Pippali Churna Ke Fayde ( hindi ) similar to black pepper ,has a warm taste wih sweet and somewhat earthy gingery undertones.

It is used to improve digestion and appetite , as well as treat stomachache, heartburn, indigestion, intestinal gas, diarrhea, and cholera. It is also used for lung problems including asthma, bronchitis and cough.

Long pepper roots - Kandathippili ( Tamil), is used for bloating constipation ,anorexia, cold, cough, and low metabolism, Punget.


Licorice - Athimadhuram ( tamil ) , Mulethi ( hindi ). Comes from the root of the licorice plant. Used in the treatment of heartburn , stomach ulcers, bronchitis, sore throat and cough . It is used to treat various ailments and having a sweet , aromatic flavor is used in candies, drinks and medicines. Has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects.


Galangal - Chitharathai - Kulanjan ( hindi ), Thai ginger or Siamese ginger .

A very aromatic rhizome. It has a sharp ,and slightly peppery taste.

It is a very overwhelming root , used sparingly . Soaking in water for 30 minutes brings the freshness of this roots , in soups ,stews and teas. It is used to treat nausea , hiccups and stomach disorders. Being rich in antioxidants and polyphenols, may protect against cancers , pain and inflammations.


Dried Ginger - Sukku ( tamil) ,Sonth ( hindi )- Effective cure for indigestion, sore throat, cold and cough. Used to treat nausea. It helps stimulate blood circulation , cleanse the bowels and kidneys, removes toxins from the body and nourish the skin . Loaded with antioxidants, they help the body fight off chronic diseases like high blood pressure, heart disease. it is good for enhancing the immune system.


Anthemis Pyrethrum - Also called as Spanish chamomile, Pellitory and Mount Atlas Daisy - Akkarakaram (Tamil), Akarkara (Hindi).

Due to its expectorant qualities it helps in expelling mucus from the respiratory tract .

Has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties and helps in arthritis, improving digestion, and toothaches.

The powder of this root along with honey applied to the gums, relieves toothache and headaches. It contains alkaloids and hence has strong insecticidal properties. Decoction of root is used for gargling in dental caries, toothache, and tonsillitis .


Turmeric -Belongs to the ginger family , it has a warm , pungent taste and is used in Indian curries for flavor and color. It has a photochemical called curcumin which is said to be an anti-inflammatory . It reduces the risk of cancer, and improves liver function .

Has blood-thinning and pain fighting qualities.

Adding cracked pepper increases the effectiveness of turmeric.


Coriander seeds -These are the dried seeds from the cilantro plant and belongs to the parsely family.

The seeds are used as a whole and as a powder in soups , stews , meat dishes and in pickles.

They have a nutty and citrusy flavor. Good for digestion and fights infections . It is said to help in controlling blood sugar levels . it is rich in antioxidants with immune-boosting properties and being rich in vitamin K, C A is good for hair and skin.


Cumin seeds - The dried seed of Cuminum cyminum flowering plant , belonging to the parsley family . It has a warm, earthy and citrusy flavor and is an important spice used in many cuisines around the world. Its main benefit , being used for indigestion. It is rich in iron , antioxidants , anticancer and anti- inflammatory effects. It may help in weight loss , fat reduction and improve blood cholesterol. It reduces the risk of getting sick.


Tulsi - Holy basil , a very aromatic herb closely related to basil is also called the " Queen of herbs". It has a peppery clove like aroma and is rich in vitamin A, C , calcium and iron. It is good for stress relief , cold , flu and to fight viral infections. It is said to have anti-viral, anti-bacterial antiseptic and antifungal properties. It helps in fighting acne, eye health , oral health , healthy heart and improves immune health.



Thyme - Most commonly used herb, belonging to the mint family, is used as a flavoring agent in foods. It is a fragrant herb with small leaves and woody stems. Having anti-bacterial and antifungal properties , it is used for bronchitis , arthritis and gastritis. Having thyme tea treats cough, cold and sore throat. It has a chemical called thymol which is used as an ingredient in mouthwash, deodorants and potpourri's.

Essential oil of thyme has fungicidal properties.


Bay leaf - Tej Pattta ( Hindi), Birinji Illai ( Tamil ). These leaves from the laurel tree are used fresh or dried in soups, stews to flavor sauces, particularly slow cooked dishes. They are a good source of vitamin A , C , iron , potassium, calcium and hence useful for headaches, diabetes and indigestion.

Removing the leaves at the end of preparation is crucial as it tend to choke ,because of its stiff and sharp edges.

Burning the bay leaf creates a smoke which brings out the chemical linalool , which when inhaled calms the body and mind. It is effective in treating insomnia.



Cilantro - Is the Spanish name for coriander leaves. It belongs to the Apiaceae family which also includes carrots, celery and parsley. The entire plant is edible ,the root having extra flavor.

It aids in weight loss and provides a lot of nutrients.

Helps remove mercury, lead and aluminium from the bod




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