Basic Warming Kichadi (Natural Ayurvedic cleanse)

In Ayurveda, Kichadi is a traditional dish which is used for natural cleansing or detoxifying of the body. It is relatively easy to make and you can expect to feel lighter during and after the cleanse. To do the Kichadi cleanse, make a new batch everyday (in Ayurveda they don't believe in eating left overs - I will explain later in another blog entry). You eat Kichadi for breakfast, lunch and dinner and you can do this for 3-5 days (or longer depending on your body constitution).

There are many herbs that stimulate digestion in this recipe so it is best to do this cleanse on the weekend, or when you have a few days off work, or during a slow time at work when you can just relax.

Basic Warming Kichadi

Preparation time: 2 hours
Service 2-3

1 cup basmati rice
1 cut split mung beans
6 cups water
1 tablespoon ghee (clarified butter)
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1/8 teaspoon hing (asafoetida)
1 teaspoon coriander seeds
3/4 teaspoon cardamom seeds
1 teaspoon black peppercorns
1 bay leaf
2 more tablespoons ghee
3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon turmeric
3/4 teaspoon salt, rock salt if you can get it
1 tablespoon fresh ginger room, grated
1/2 small onion, chopped
1-2 cloves of garlic (optional)
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
2-4 cups fresh vegetables: carrots, greens, string beans or zucchini are possibilities, chopped
2 more cups water, as needed

Directions:

Although this is a big list of ingredients, it is actually easy to make. Wash the rice and split mung beans until the rinse of the water is clear. Warm a tablespoon of ghee in a medium saucepan and add the whole cumin seeds and hing. Lightly brown them. Add the rice, mung and water and bring to a boil. Cook for about 45 minutes.

Warm the last 2 tablespoons of ghee in a small skillet. Add the coriander, cardamom, peppercorns, and bay leaf and saute for 2 to 3 minutes. Then stir in the rest of the spices and the onion (and garlic, if you use it.) Put the sauteed spices in the blender with a little (1/2 cup or less) water and grind well. Pour this spice mixture into the rice and mung. Rinse out the blender with the last 2 cups of water and add it too the kichadi as well. Add the vegetables. Cook for 20 minutes or more.

Comments: This healing brew is also good for stimulating digestion and circulation. Easy to eat. Based roughly on the proportions of a Punjambi garam masal in its spicing.


(Recipe from Ayurveda: Mind/Body Healing AMB 02, Course Notes)

*If you are familiar with Ayurvedic constitutions (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) - This recipe decreases Vata & Kapha and increases Pitta.

The "Better Butter" recipe

1/2 Organic Butter (soft)

1/2 Flax oil


Directions: Slow drip flax oil & whip butter

Flax oil is rich in Essential Fatty Acids. This is an EFA rich, spreadable product which is much healthier than margarine (very processed). Vegans/vegetarians or anyone with a dairy allergy may substitute butter for coconut oil.

*If you have cholesterol problems, you should not use this product.


(Recipe from Murat Vardar, B.Sc, R.N.C.P.)

Drinking hot water helps digestion and calms your nervous system

In Ayurveda, the strength of your digestive system is based on how much Agni you have. Agni translates to 'Digestive Fire'. If you are drinking cold water it is cooling to your system and lowers your 'fire' whereas when you drink something hot, it is adding to the fire.

According to Ayurveda expert Kamsella Naidoo, drinking 2 sips of hot water an hour is enough for you to see a difference. Drinking hot water improves your digestion (which could also lead to weight loss!), calms your nervous system and can also be a good replacement for caffeine containing drinks like coffee and black tea.

You can sip hot water throughout the day and can also sip hot water while eating your meals. Lemon can also be added for a different taste. Adding Lemon is alkaline for your body and also naturally detoxifies your system.

Other benefits of drinking hot water:

• Keeps you hydrated and warm in the winter
• Natural detoxification for the stomach and digestive system
• A good aid in reducing food cravings between meals (if you are trying to loose weight)

Ayurvedic Prevention for Osteoporosis - Sesame seeds and Raisins

• 1 tsp Sesame seeds
• 1 tsp Raisins

Take before bed

*This can be used for prevention of Osteoporosis and is also beneficial to those with Osteoporosis

Best for: Women over the age of 40 and people with Osteoporosis. People younger than 40 can also benefit from this as it is great for prevention. This can be taken every night before bed indefinitely.

*Sesame seeds are an excellent source of calcium and can help in the prevention of Osteoporosis. According to an Ayurveda website, a handful of sesame seeds can give you up to 1,200mg of natural calcium.

*Raisins are a good source of iron, potassium and selenium. They also contain vitamin A and some vitamin B and are rich in fiber.


References:
Ayurvedic recipe from Kamsella Naidoo, Ayurveda teacher with many years of experience in the field of Ayurveda

Websites for further reading:
Osteoporosis Natural Cure - Ayurvedic Approach
The World's Healthiest Foods - Sesame Seeds
Diet Foods and Nutrition - Raisins

Ayurvedic Remedy for Insomnia and Nervousness

- 1 cup of whole milk (can substitute soy/rice milk/almond milk)
- 1/8 - 1/4 tsp Cardamom powder
- 1/8 tsp Ginger powder
(optional) 1/8 tsp Turmeric powder (natural probiotic)


Directions:

Boil the milk and add the spices to your cup. Take 1 hour before you go to bed. Enjoy!