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.)

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!

Receipe - Make your own cereal

I got this amazing cereal recipe from my Naturopath and thought I'd share it. I've been using it for about 1 year now and I really love it! This is almost 100% raw and VERY healthy. Many box cereals are full of preservatives but this cereal is all natural. Once you start making your own cereal, you can never go back to the box!


Immune Support Breakfast

Ingredients:

- 4 cups of rolled grains (can use oats, rye, spelt, kamut or barley) - my favorite is barley.
- 1 cup of oat bran
- 1 cup of wheat germ
- 1 cup of seeds (ex. pumpkin seeds or sunflower)
- 1 cup raw, unsalted nuts, ground (ex. walnuts or almonds)
- 1/2 cup of raisins (sultana)

Mix everything together and store in fridge (makes about 10 cereal servings)

Directions:

Let cereal soak overnight in milk (any type, including soy/rice/almond milk). In the morning, add cinnamon for taste.

OPTIONAL - Add 1 teaspoon of ground flax seeds (store flax seeds in the freezer). I also love adding frozen blueberries overnight or fresh blueberries in the morning.

*Health tip - many people don't realize this but cinnamon is very healthy for you! One great thing about it is that it helps to regulate blood sugar.