Digestion5 min
Sonth, Ghee and Jaggery Bite Before Meals
A pea-sized ball of dry ginger powder, a drop of ghee and jaggery, eaten before lunch on cold days when appetite is dull.
What to know about ginger
Ginger is used fresh (adrak) or dried (sonth) in Indian homes. Ayurveda calls dry ginger a universal medicine for digestion and cold days, and studies support ginger for nausea.
This tiny sweet-hot bite is a winter tradition in North India. Sonth warms and wakes the appetite, while ghee and jaggery soften its bite.
Ingredients
- ¼ tsp sonth (dry ginger powder)
- ½ tsp grated jaggery
- A few drops of ghee
How to prepare
- Mix everything into a small ball.
- Make fresh each time or a small batch for three days.
How to use
- Eat 15 minutes before lunch on cold or sluggish days.
- Drink a little warm water after.
Helpful habits
- Dry ginger (sonth) is stronger than fresh; use about a third as much.
Precautions
- Skip if you have acidity or diabetes; jaggery is still sugar.
- Large amounts can cause heartburn; check with a doctor if you take blood thinners.
- Stop if you notice itching, rash, stomach upset or any other discomfort.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use fresh ginger?
- Yes, a few drops of ginger juice with jaggery is the summer version.
Is this good for kids?
- Older children can have a smaller ball occasionally.
Fresh ginger or sonth?
- Fresh is milder and juicier; sonth is stronger and more warming.
