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5 min
13/01/2026
The drinks Kanji and Aam Panna provide hydration and digestive benefits, while also allowing people to respond to heat, cold, and fluctuations of weather through their cooling or warming effects. They’re made primarily from common household items. They represent centuries of wisdom that have become an integral part of modern life.
India’s rich history of drinks that heal reflects an understanding that food and health are inextricably linked. Whether you consider Kanji an effective probiotic boost or Aam Panna an electrolyte-rich, hydrating drink, these types of beverages represent a direct link between digestion, immunity, and adaptation to climate change. Many traditional drinks rely on various spices, fruit, or fermentation to create a mix of soothing, nourishing, and restorative properties that aren't commonly found in contemporary drinks.
Kanji is regarded as one of the strongest types of fermented beverages in India due to its distinctive flavour profile being: sharp-tasting, sour, slightly pungent and earthy. Kanji is created through the process of fermentation of beets or carrots, and mustard seed is added during the fermentation process to create a beverage high in natural probiotics, which are helpful for re-establishing good digestive health. When Kanji is completed through fermentation, it creates a cloudy liquid that has a bold, energetic character upon consumption. Kanji is traditionally considered to have a warming effect, making it an excellent choice for winter months.
Aam Panna is an Indian beverage that is widely recognised as an essential drink for surviving the hot season. Produced using raw mangoes and water, Aam Panna is known for its ability to help with hydration and the prevention of heat stress. In terms of taste, the beverage has characteristics of tang (from lime), smoke (due to heat), sugar (due to date and/or jaggery) and salt. One of the most interesting elements about Aam Panna is how it alleviates heat-imbalance conditions—raw mango is a cool fruit, and the combination of mango and spices aids in cooling down the body and providing a maintained good digestive system while keeping the body in a calm state.
Tulsi tea represents the gentlest form of Ayurvedic healing for your body and mind by providing calming energy without making you feel lethargic. Tulsi (holy basil) is high in adaptogens that help your body cope with stress. Therefore, Tulsi tea can be enjoyed in the morning/evening or on a cold day. The scent of Tulsi is slightly spicy and slightly minty, with an aftertaste of soft herbs indicating restful relaxation. People consume Tulsi tea for its effect on immunity, respiratory support, and emotional stability—indicating the fact that Ayurvedic drinks provide multi-dimensional benefits.
Kadha is not merely a casual beverage; it is a potion intended to protect. Made from a combination of herbs, fresh ginger, whole black pepper, and other spices, Kadha is warm and potent, helping to relieve congestion, boost immunity, and aid in digestive function. Kadha is particularly popular during cold and flu season when your body feels heavier or depleted. The true power of Kadha lies in the way it progressively warms the body. Pepper wakes you up; ginger calms, and herbs restore and strengthen.
Though chaas may appear to have a straightforward flavour, this simple drink is an incredible aid to the digestive tract. Chaas has a light and frothy texture, is mildly sweet and sour in taste, and contains spices and herbs that stimulate your stomach. Since chaas is designed to cool your body, it is the opposite of the temperament of kanji. In Ayurveda, chaas is recommended for summer afternoons or immediately following a large meal due to its ability to alleviate bloating and balance the body's heat.
This infusion is very effective as it combines heat (ginger) and acidity (lemon) into a single beverage that enhances your metabolism, clears your throat, and supports digestion. While chaas can be enjoyed throughout the winter and monsoon seasons, it provides both slight warming and refreshing qualities. The versatility of chaas makes it one of the closest beverages to being a wellness drink for all body types and daily routines.
