With the cold wave continuing, the number of viral infections, coughs, and sore throats is spiking in cities across India. Before you rush to the pharmacy for an antibiotic (which won't work on a virus anyway), look at your spice box.

The combination of fresh ginger, garlic, and black pepper is the most potent antiviral cocktail nature has to offer . During winter, our digestive fire (Agni) is strong, meaning we can digest these potent foods easily.

Garlic contains allicin, which has antimicrobial properties that can fight off infections before they take hold. Ginger, specifically dried ginger (Saunth), is a vasodilator—it opens up narrowed blood vessels and improves blood flow, helping you fight off the chill and congestion. Black pepper increases the bioavailability of other spices and helps break down mucus.

The hack is simple: Don't just put a token piece of ginger in your tea. Make a "Kadha" with crushed ginger, crushed garlic, black pepper, and tulsi leaves. Boil it in water, strain it, and add a squeeze of lemon. Drink this once a day.

Or, upgrade your dal tadka. Use a generous amount of ghee, and fry chopped garlic and ginger until golden before adding the spices. This isn't just flavor; it is medicine for your respiratory tract.