Whenever the weather changes in our house, the coughing starts. First one person, then the next, and soon everyone has a scratchy throat. Before anything else, I put a small pan of water on the stove with ginger, cinnamon, cloves and cardamom. This is my desi qehwa for cough and sore throat, the same kind of warm drink our elders always made when someone had khansi.
The kitchen fills with a spicy, warm smell, and that first sip with honey and lemon feels so comforting on a sore throat. It is simple, made with spices already in every Pakistani kitchen, and ready in about 15 minutes.
Why This Qehwa Feels So Soothing
- Warm liquid: sipping something warm is comforting for a scratchy, dry throat.
- Ginger: gives a gentle warming feeling that many people find soothing in cold weather.
- No black pepper: I skip kali mirch on purpose, because its heat can irritate a sore throat.
- Honey: coats the throat and is a traditional home remedy for coughs.
- Cinnamon, cloves and cardamom: add a lovely aroma and a naturally sweet, spicy taste.
Please remember: this is a traditional home drink to help you feel comfortable, not a medicine. If a cough lasts more than a week, or comes with high fever or difficulty breathing, please see a doctor.
Ingredients You Need
- Fresh ginger (adrak): crushed so it releases more flavour.
- Whole spices: cinnamon (darchini), cloves (laung) and green cardamom.
- Mulethi (liquorice root): optional, but many families add a small piece for sore throats.
- Honey and lemon: added at the end, once the qehwa is warm.
My Tips
- Crush, do not grind: lightly crushed spices give a clear qehwa. Powdered spices make it cloudy.
- Simmer covered: the lid keeps the aroma inside the pan.
- Honey last: stir it into the cup when the qehwa is warm, not boiling.
- Sip slowly: drink it warm, especially before bed.
- Make it fresh: it tastes best freshly made. Make a fresh pan 2 times a day if you like.
More Comfort Food for Cold Days
If you love light qehwa, also try my golden glow ginger lemon qehwa. When the whole family has a cold, I also make my desi murgh yakhni and chicken corn soup. For children who are unwell, read my guide on what to feed a child with a fever.
Desi Qehwa for Cough and Sore Throat
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Lightly crush the ginger and cardamom in a mortar and pestle (or press them with a rolling pin). Crushing releases more flavour.
- Pour the water into a saucepan and add the ginger, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom and mulethi (if using).
- Bring to a boil, then lower the heat, cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes until the water reduces slightly and turns light golden brown.
- Turn off the heat and let it rest for 1 minute. Strain into 2 cups.
- When the qehwa is warm, not boiling hot, stir 1 teaspoon of honey and half the lemon juice into each cup. Sip slowly while it is warm.
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions
How often can I drink this qehwa?
Most people enjoy 1-2 cups a day when they have a cold. Make it fresh each time for the best taste.
Can I give this qehwa to children?
For older children, make it milder with less ginger. Never give honey to babies under 1 year old, and ask your doctor before giving home remedies to small children.
Can I make it without mulethi?
Yes. Mulethi is optional. The qehwa still tastes lovely with just ginger and the whole spices.
Can I add green tea leaves?
Yes. Add half a teaspoon of green tea leaves in the last 2 minutes of simmering, then strain.
Can I use sugar instead of honey?
You can, but honey is the traditional choice for a sore throat. If you use sugar or gur, add about 1 teaspoon per cup.
Stay warm, and tell me in the comments which spices your family adds to their qehwa for khansi!
