As winter tightens its grip, bringing with it the familiar chorus of sniffles and coughs, people are often on the lookout for comforting remedies. On January 12, 2026, Punjabi superstar Diljit Dosanjh turned to social media to share his personal shield against the seasonal chill: a traditional besan ka sheera (chickpea flour pudding). This desi nuskha, he claimed, helps him stay fit and healthy during the cold months, sparking widespread curiosity about its efficacy.
Decoding Diljit Dosanjh's Winter Elixir
The recipe shared by Dosanjh is straightforward yet rooted in traditional wisdom. It involves roasting garbanzo or chickpea flour (besan) in ghee, followed by the addition of milk and jaggery powder. The singer recommends consuming this sheera piping hot before bed to soothe throat and nasal tract irritation. To enhance the remedy, he includes a blend of common Indian spices: turmeric powder, black pepper powder, cardamom powder, ginger powder, and kesar (saffron), along with almonds.
What Do The Ingredients Really Do?
To understand the potential benefits of this concoction, we consulted Dr. Yashawant Kumar, Founder and CEO of Benefic Nutrition. He broke down the role of each component, offering a clear perspective on what this home remedy can and cannot do.
Ghee and Milk: Dr. Kumar explained that ghee can help soothe and lubricate an irritated throat, calming the mucosal membranes. Milk, especially when combined with spices and ghee, can provide comfort, help clear mucus, and promote better sleep.
The Spice Powerhouse: The trio of turmeric, black pepper, and ginger forms the potential anti-inflammatory core. Turmeric, with its curcumin content, has proven antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. Black pepper aids in the absorption of curcumin and possesses its own antibacterial qualities, while ginger is known to soothe throat inflammation and suppress cough. Cardamom has a history in Ayurveda for addressing respiratory discomfort and aiding digestion.
Nutritional Support: Ingredients like besan and almonds are not direct decongestants. However, besan provides Vitamin B₁ and antioxidants that can combat fatigue during illness. Almonds, packed with healthy fats and protein, offer mild nourishment and energy. Jaggery primarily improves the drink's palatability and may help soothe the throat.
Expert Verdict: Relief, Not a Cure
Dr. Kumar was clear in his assessment. While the spices can help reduce inflammation and congestion, and the other ingredients provide nutrients and comfort, this remedy is not a clinically proven or scientific cure for cold and cough.
"Clearly, it’s a clean home remedy with its ingredients rooted in Indian Ayurveda," said Dr. Kumar. "The drink indeed has the potential of providing a soothing and calming experience to the body during cold and cough. However, the ingredients in this recipe only offer temporary symptomatic relief and comfort."
The key takeaway is that Diljit Dosanjh's besan sheera can be a comforting, warming, and nutritious dietary addition when one is under the weather. It leverages the principles of Ayurveda to provide relief from symptoms. However, it should not be mistaken for a replacement for medical treatment, especially in cases of severe or prolonged illness.
Disclaimer: This information is based on expert insights. It is always advisable to consult with your healthcare practitioner before starting any new health routine or remedy, particularly if you have underlying conditions.
