Traditional Kashmiri Recipe “Shangri-Kahwa” as a Stimulant Drink and Effective Home Remedy for Respiratory Problems

Abstract

The popular recipe “Shangri-kahwa” is an age old home remedy for respiratory and various other problems in
almost whole of Kashmir. It is prepared from important spices like liquorice, clove, cinnamon, and cardamom,
which have documented health benefits. Information about its use and method of preparation was obtained from
group discussions held in some villages of Baramullah district of Jammu and Kashmir. People in these villages
believe that Shangri-kahwa is cost effective, delicious, made from easily available ingredients and can be
prepared easily at home. Being residents of this area, the authors are aware of the popularity of this magical
drink used as a first line of treatment for various ailments at home, particularly during cold days. This recipe is
extremely famous in these villages both as a refreshing and stimulant drink, as well as believed to be highly
efficacious in respiratory illnesses. It is cost effective and highly palatable. The ingredients of Shangri-kahwa
are being used extensively in Unani system of medicine and Ayurveda for almost same indications as the recipe
is used. This study was carried out to highlight the effectiveness and focus the attention of the researchers
towards this attractive and effective dosage form used as home remedy in Kashmir.