Ayurveda Detox Recipes

Ayurveda is built upon the doctrine of the three Doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. According to Ayurveda, Doshas are the energy forces at work within every human that govern all the physical and mental functions of the body. Ayurveda aims to rebalance your Doshas through a combination of ayurvedic therapy and nutrition. An Ayurvedic detox is the perfect way to remove sluggishness, prevent seasonal allergies and to clear the channels of the body of toxins. See below for some recipes to start your detox.

Ayurvedic Cleanse Recipe: Simple Kitchari

Kitchari is a protein and carbohydrate-rich meal that is used as a cleansing food in Ayurveda. It is made of yellow mung dal and basmati rice along with spices and ghee.

Ingredients

Preparation

1. Rinse and strain the mung dal beans until the water runs clear, about 5 times.
2. In a large pot over medium-high heat, heat the ghee or oil. Add the black mustard, cumin, fennel, and fenugreek seeds and toast until the mustard seeds pop, about 1 minute.
3. Add turmeric, black pepper, cumin, coriander, and cinnamon, and mix together.
4. Stir in the rice and beans.
5. Add 8 cups of water, chopped vegetables, cloves, bay leaves, and cardamom pods.
6. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer.
7. Cook at least one hour, until the beans and rice, are soft and the kitchari has a porridge-like consistency.
8. Serve warm with fresh cilantro on top, if desired.

Detoxifying Drinks

During a cleanse, to aid digestion sip these beverages.

Lemon Water

Drink 1 cup of hot water with a fresh squeeze of lemon, which helps the body rid itself of excess mucus. Rehydrating also helps with your morning bowel movement. Citrus adds flavour. 

Teas

Choose one of the following cleansing teas, steep tea bag in hot water for 5 minutes, and drink up to 2 cups total per day. 

• Tulsi (holy basil) - The antibacterial, antiseptic, and calming properties of tulsi help remove congestion (for excess Kapha Dosha) from the lungs while soothing the nerves (for excess Vata dosha)
• Ginger - The stimulant, expectorant, and carminative properties of ginger help remove excess phlegm and mucus from the body while aiding digestion
• Cumin-coriander-fennel - Cumin strengthens digestion and absorption, coriander helps balance excess pitta and lower inflammation, and fennel helps reduce gas while strengthening the digestive fire

It is always advised that you drink a tea that is specific to your dominant Dosha, steeping 1/2 to 1 teaspoon for 5 minutes, then drink.

• Vata Tea — equal parts ground ginger, cumin, and coriander
• Pitta Tea — equal parts ground cumin, coriander, and fennel
• Kapha Tea — equal parts ground ginger and cinnamon, and a pinch of clove