Ukala: A Spiced herbal drink for daily protection

A morning started right keeps your day going well. All through Fall and Winter, I make this drink for my family. We begin the day with a hot cup of “Ukala”. It is simply water boiled along with the following ingredients from my kitchen.

• 5 cups of water

• 5 peppercorn seeds (crushed) (Natural heat/ protector)

• 4 cloves (crushed)

• 1/2 stick of cinnamon or 1 tsp cinnamon powder

• 2 tbsp of coriander seeds

• 1/2 cup of fresh or dried mint leaves

• 1/2 cup tulsi leaves (holy basil leaves) you can even find these dry or in powder form.

• 2 tbsp lemongrass leaves (You can use fresh leaves, I buy them frozen too sometimes)

• 1” fresh grated ginger or 1/2 tsp dry ginger powder

Bring the above ingredients to a boil. Turn off the heat. Let it cool down a little. Then add 3 tbsp lemon juice. Also add local honey to taste. Drink in the morning before you head out of the house. Tulsi is an Indian herb that supports respiratory health. Coriander seeds act as an expectorant. Sometimes I add Licorice or “Jeshthamadh” root which is a natural protector from allergic reactions. The lemon juice gives me the Vitamin C I need and the honey calms my throat. Ginger soothes the tummy.

This “ukala” or herbal drink makes my soul feel happy and protected especially on days that are cold and rainy. Include drinking “ukala” as part of your self-protection ritual along with hand sanitizers and wipes and a happy “Namaste”.