Kahwa by Lubna

Lubna, a teacher from Pakistan shared yet another herbal remedy with us, that is frequently brewed and prescribed during flu season, and in the cold, winter months. A powerful immunity booster and decongestant, this Kahwa is brewed using a variety of herbs and spices, and can be taken sweet or unsweetened. Though Kahwa (also transliterated as qehwa, kehwa or kahwah) is a traditional preparation of tea widely consumed in India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, some regions of Central Asia, in Pakistan, any black or green tea, or water-based hot beverage is known as Kahwa. When milk is added, the Kahwa is called Chai. Lubna remembers learning how to make “Kahwa” from her elders, who inherited medicinal brewing traditions from their elders. Without an intergenerational continuum, usually recorded and passed down by matriarchs of the family, many of these traditions and recipes would be lost to the world.

Ingredients

• 2 cups of water

• 4 cardamom pods

• 1 tbsp of fennel seeds

• 1 piece of cinnamon

• Sweetener of your choice (Honey recommended)

Instructions

• Bring the water to a boil in the saucepan

• Add all of the ingredients

• Continue boiling for 15-20 mins

• Strain the Kahwa into cups

• Serve hot