Besan Ka Sheera for Cough and Cold: A Home Remedy to Try

At that time of year you might want to cover up with warm jackets, but there are also times when you want to walk around in a shirt and pants, the more likely you are to get sick. Be careful about your health unless you want to catch a cold. I also thought it was hot enough to leave my warm clothes on, but I had a cough and a cold. My mom told me besan ka sheera to get rid of cough and cold. A sweet semi-thick drink with gram flour (besan) as the star ingredient, became the cough and cold home remedy I needed!

What is Besan Ka Sheera?

Besan Ka Sheera is a sweet, nutty-flavored semi-thick drink made with gram flour (besan), ghee (clarified butter), milk, sugar and spices like turmeric and cardamom. It is popular in many Indian households for its soothing and therapeutic properties, especially during the cold season, says dietitian Manvi Lohia.

How Besan Ka Sheera Helps to Fight Cough and Cold?

Besan Ka Sheera, an age-old medicine widely used in Punjabi households, is highly effective in curing colds and coughs. Beyond its culinary delights, it works as a therapeutic blend. Turmeric, known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, plays an important role in reducing cough and cold symptoms. Cardamom acts as a natural decongestant, helping with respiratory problems, says an expert. The ghee in sheera acts as a soothing agent for irritated throat membranes, while its warmth provides instant relief from congestion. Traditionally consumed during the colder months, besan ka sheera provides a balanced blend of warming, nourishing and healing properties. It is an effective home remedy for those who want to relieve the discomfort of cold and cough.

How to make Besan Sheera: Easy recipe

What’s needed

• Ghee 2 tbsp
• 4 tbsp gram flour (besan)
• 1 to 1.5 cups of milk
• Jaggery 1/4 cup
• Turmeric powder 1/4 tsp
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder (cardamom)

method

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• Take a pan and heat ghee on medium heat.
• Add the gram flour and roast on low flame till it turns golden brown and gives off a nutty aroma, usually 5 to 10 minutes.
• Add the milk and stir constantly so you don’t have to deal with lumps.
• Add jaggery, turmeric and cardamom and mix well.
• Cook on low flame until the sheera thickens to your desired consistency.
• Optionally, sprinkle some nuts for extra flavor and texture.

How often and in what dosage should besan ka sheera be taken to fight cough and cold?

To fight cough and cold, besan ka sheera can be consumed once a day, before going to bed at night, as it provides a soothing effect and helps in a good night’s sleep. The amount can range from half to a bowl, depending on the person’s age, food tolerance and nutritional needs, says Lohia.

Are there any side effects of Besan Ka Sheera?

While besan ka sheera is widely celebrated for its therapeutic benefits, especially in the treatment of coughs and colds, it is important to be aware of potential side effects, especially if taken in large quantities.

The base ingredient, besan (lentil flour), is rich and heavy, which can lead to digestive discomfort such as bloating or indigestion in some people, especially those with sensitive stomachs or pre-existing digestive problems.
Adding ghee, although beneficial for its soothing properties, adds to the calorie content and overeating may contribute to weight gain or affect people with dietary restrictions related to cholesterol and heart health.
For people with allergies or intolerances to any ingredients such as lactose intolerance due to milk, adverse reactions may occur.

As with any remedy, moderation is key and it is advisable to consider one’s health conditions and dietary tolerances when incorporating Besan Ka Sheera or any rich, traditional food into a wellness regimen.