Do you remember ever grabbing something hot and fresh which gives you that feeling of comfort on a cold day or when sick?
To such people in South India the answer may be something as simple as Chukku Kapi, a herbal tea, which has medicinal value and is said to have calming effects.
But what is in fact contained in this fragrant drink which people love so much?
If you have been employed with the question ‘how is Chukku Kapi made’ you are in the right site. Now it’s time to get to know what ingredients go into making this drink one of the most popular in South Indian homes, discover this beverage’s many health advantages, and find out how you can make this strong and aromatic tea right in your kitchen.
Chukku Kapi is not a plain tea but the tea of some good elements which have their own advantages when used in combination. In the following section let me elaborate each of these components one by one.
Health Benefits and Nutrients of Chukku Kapi
Component |
Nutrient |
Health Benefits |
Pictures |
Dry Ginger (Chukku) |
Gingerol, Shogaol |
❖ Anti-inflammatory properties help reduce muscle pain and soreness. |
|
Black Pepper |
Piperine |
❖ Enhances nutrient absorption. |
|
Tulsi (Holy Basil)
|
Essential Oils, Eugenol |
❖ Reduces stress and anxiety. |
|
Cardamom |
Manganese, Essential Oils |
❖ Aids in detoxifying the body. |
|
Jaggery |
Iron, Potassium, Calcium |
❖ Acts as a natural detox, cleansing the liver. |
|
Coriander Seeds |
Vitamin C, Dietary Fiber |
❖ Promotes digestive health and prevents bloating. |
|
Cumin Seeds |
Iron, Magnesium |
❖ Improves digestion and reduces gas. |
Chukku Kapi in Ayurveda When Should You have Chukku Kapi?
Chukku Kapi is not merely a tea, but it is a health tonic which can be used for a number of ailments. Here are a few reasons why you should consider incorporating it into your daily routine:
Boosts Immunity:
A mere cup of Chukku Kapi that comprises of dry ginger, tulsi, and black pepper are a few ingredients that goes into the making of flu-fighting wonder. It is known to prevent lifestyle related ailments such as the ordinary colds, the flu, and most other infections.
Aids Digestion:
For those who experience bloating, indigestion, or possibly constipation Chukku Kapi can be considered a cure. The ginger, cumin and coriander seeds will assist in stimulating these enzymes hence making digestion healthy.
Reduces Stress:
The affect of tulsi makes it an adaptogen thus the use of this beverage, Chukku Kapi, can help one set free from stress or anxiety after a busy day at work.
Detoxifies the Body:
Various spices such as cardamom mixed with jaggery will help cleanse the body due to its ability to increase liver function to get rid of toxins. It is for this reason that Chukku Kapi makes for the best system cleaner.
Supports Respiratory Health:
Ginger and tulsi which are used in Chukku Kapi have warming properties which can help push away phlegm, relieve throat irritation as well as promote respiratory health in general.
Top 8 Diseases Which You Can Treat with the Help of Chukku Kapi
Chukku Kapi is not just a preventive measure; it can also aid in healing certain ailments:
Cold and Flu:
Ginger strengthens the immune system while black pepper helps to break down the mucous that causes cough and congestion while Tulsi is effective in treating throat spasms and congestion associated with the cold and flu.
Digestive Disorders:
Chukku Kapi is good for indigestion,bloating and constipation because of the digestion related properties of ginger,cumin seeds and coriander seeds.
Anemia:
Iron present in the jaggery shall increase the hemoglobin levels and thus make the Chukku Kapi drink as a boon to people suffering from anemia.
Stress and Anxiety:
The event has adaptogenic effects and may help to avoid tension and quell anxiety hence offering mental comfort and general health advantages.
Ingredients:
❖ 8 gm dry ginger/ chukku, crushed in 1 tablespoon measure
❖ Black peppercorns – 1 teaspoon, crushed
❖ 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
❖ 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
❖ 3-4 tulsi leaves
❖ 2-3 cardamom pods, crushed
❖ Jaggery to taste
❖ 2 cups water
Instructions:
❖ Into a cook-wearer pan, pour water then allow to boil.
❖ Throw in the crushed dry ginger, black pepper and incorrigible seeds, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, tulsi leaves and the cardamom pods.
❖ Strain the mixture and simmer it for 10-15 over low heat in order to help in the extraction of the flavors.
❖ Pour the tea into a cup, and let it settle down to ensure the tea leaves are well strained.
❖ Fry the vegetables for some time and then add jaggery to it and mix well.
❖ Savour your cup of Chukku Kapi!
How Often Can You Drink Chukku Kapi?
Chukku Kapi is actually an energising herbal mix tea which is good to health but the concept of drinking it regularly is over hyped and overdone. So it is advisable to take one to two cups a day especially in winter or if you have flu or colds. But since ginger and black pepper are among the spices used in preparing the dish, you should avoid taking large portions of it, particularly if you have sensitive tummies or other illnesses.
For more such related content don't forget to check out our blogs on Heathy Foods for Diet!
Conclusion
Chukku Kapi is not only a hot drink, but it is nature’s best concoction containing many cures to every known sickness. If you are an avid fan of Chukku Kapi, then you can consider it to be a health drink that increases the Immunity power inside the digestive system as well as an aromatic cup that has a unique taste and flavor. Next time if you are in a need of some comfort or a health tonic, why not prepare this authentic South Indian herbal tea for yourself with its miracle effects.