Patanjali co-founder Acharya Balkrishna has shared a home remedy in a Facebook video. He says a simple mix of black pepper, almonds and khand can help with cough and weakness. The video has drawn attention online as many people look for natural remedies during the cold season.
The remedy uses three common kitchen items. It needs 20 grams of black pepper, 100 grams of almonds and 200 grams of khand, which is unrefined sugar. All three are ground together into a fine powder. The powder should be stored in a clean, dry container.
Balkrishna suggests taking 1 to 2 grams of the powder each day. It can be mixed with warm water or warm milk. He says regular use in the right amount may support the throat and help with general weakness.
The ayurveda logic behind it
Black pepper, almonds and khand have long been used together in Indian home remedies. Similar mixes appear in traditional Ayurveda texts and family recipes across North India. Black pepper is often used in local remedies for cough and cold. Almonds are seen as a source of energy and nourishment. Khand is used instead of refined sugar in many traditional formulas because it is less processed.
What research says
Some studies have looked at the individual ingredients. Black pepper contains piperine, a compound studied for its effect on digestion and absorption of nutrients. Almonds are a known source of healthy fats, protein and vitamin E. However, there is no strong clinical trial data on this exact three-ingredient combination for treating cough or weakness. Most support for this recipe comes from traditional use, not modern medical research.
Who should be careful
People with nut allergies should avoid this mix because of the almonds. People with diabetes should also be careful, since khand is a form of sugar. Anyone with a long-lasting cough, high fever or breathing trouble should see a doctor rather than depend only on a home remedy. A cough that does not go away in one or two weeks can be a sign of a more serious problem.
Home remedies like this one are common in Indian households. They are often passed down through generations and can offer comfort during mild cold and cough. But they work best as a support, not a replacement for medical care. Anyone with ongoing health issues should speak to a doctor before starting a new home remedy, even one shared by a well-known figure.