Winter is almost here. Though the days are still warm, temperatures have started to drop from the night on, and you will have begun to feel the chill at dawn. At this change of season many people suffer from colds, coughs and phlegm building up in the chest.

In this late-autumn season, swings in temperature bring colds and coughs to young and old alike. Many people do not take them seriously, but if not properly treated, mucus or phlegm can build up in the chest and infection can spread to the respiratory tract.

To ease colds and coughs at this time, you can turn to an Ayurvedic remedy: besan sheera, made from gram flour, which is said to be very effective against colds, coughs and chills.

According to Ayurveda experts, the properties of ginger, black pepper, turmeric and gram flour boost the body's immunity, and their components act as antibacterial or antiviral agents in the body. Eating besan sheera, they say, quickly relieves colds, coughs, a blocked nose and a sore throat.

This old Punjabi remedy needs gram flour, ghee, milk, turmeric and black pepper. Turmeric strengthens the immune system, while ghee and jaggery keep the body warm.

The drink relieves a sore throat and other flu symptoms. You can add sugar and jaggery to make it tastier if you like. Besan sheera tastes much like halwa.

Gram flour helps quickly revive a sick and weak body. It is also rich in antioxidants, which are very effective in fighting colds.

Heat 3-4 spoons of ghee in a pan and fry a little gram flour. When the flour darkens, add milk and keep stirring. After 5 minutes, add turmeric and ground pepper and stir well.

Finally, add a little jaggery, stir over a low flame for another 5-7 minutes and take it off the heat. To add flavour, sprinkle a few chopped nuts over the sheera. Eat it while it is still hot.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.