Sweet remedy for winter ailments

The nip in the air brings with it bouts of cold, cough and sore throat. The inflamed larynx has to be often cleared to get rid of the hoarseness.

A simple, sweet ingredient from our kitchen - candy sugar or rock sugar, commonly known as kallu sakkare or misri - offers a soothing remedy for the seasonal afflictions. Candy sugar is unrefined sugar sourced from sugar cane or the sap of date palm. Available in the form of a lump, raw candy sugar is rock-like and orange-brown in colour.

Unlike refined sugar, candy sugar is a rich repository of nutrients: vitamins of the B group, minerals (like potassium, iron, and zinc) and amino acids. According to Ayurveda, it has a cooling potency and balances the pitta dosha. This nutrient-rich substance is a popular ingredient in tonics, churnas and rejuvenating agents. These simple remedies are used to combat the winter ailments:

A small piece of candy sugar, ginger and honey can be mixed and stored. Chewing on this loosens the mucus, reducing symptoms of cold and cough.

Alternately, combine candy sugar with black pepper or dry ginger and a little ghee. Take a small measure of this at bedtime to clear the sinuses. This mixture also provides relief from headaches.

To ease sore throat, keep a small piece of candy sugar in your mouth and suck on it so that the juice trickles down the throat. This will cure the hoarseness in your voice.

Combine cardamom and candy sugar in the ratio 2:1; take a small measure of this mix and chew on it 3 to 4 times a day till the cough and hoarseness reduce. This also fights mouth odour.

Mix a spoon of amla powder or turmeric, powdered sugar candy and a pinch of pepper. Add this to a glass of hot milk to get relief from a cough and sore throat.