BETEL LEAF KASHAYAM

Ingredients: 

Betel Leaf- 3-4

Dry Ginger powder – 1/4 tsp

Cumin seeds - 1/4 tsp

Black pepper – 6

Cloves-2

Cardamom- 2

Thippili ( piper longum)-4 

Tulsi leaves – 10

Water – 2cups

Black Jaggery/Panai Vellam  ( Palm candy) -for sweetness 

Kashayam

* Tear the betel leaves into small .

Wash both tulsi and betel leaves .

Crush the whole spices 

* In a vessel, add 2 cups of water and add the betel leaves, tulsi leaves , dry ginger powder ,crushed black pepper, cloves, cardamom , cumin  seeds and Thippili.

* Let the water boil until the content reduces to half.

* Add the jaggery or palm candy.

* Filter and serve hot.

* This kashayam gives a better relief for persons suffering from cold ,cough and all respiratory infections . 

* For children, small quantity must be given.

Precautions to use these leaves:

1. People suffering from acidity, stomach ulcers, migraines, urticaria, tuberculosis, epilepsy, and other psychological disorders should never use these leaves.

2. Do not chew these leaves in form of quid.

3. Always chose semi tender juicy leaves. Old leaves will have lost their medicinal properties.