How to do an Ayurvedic cleanse for your body

Spring cleaning -
how to do an ayurvedic cleanse for your body

By Hanne

Spring is a time of renewal! Like nature, our bodies have a rhythm, and spring is an excellent time to cleanse ourselves from all the waste our bodies accumulate during the winter months due to the heavy foods we eat. One sign of spring is a spring cleaning at home, but our bodies naturally need the same. How can you help your body with cleansing, and why should you do a cleanse, and above all, how? So let’s get to it; how to do an Ayurvedic cleanse for your body.

Spring cleaning -
how to do an ayurvedic cleanse
for your body

Ayurvedic Kitchari spring cleansing is gentle on the body and supports the cleansing. Kitchari is a traditional Ayurvedic food with split mung beans (= Mung Dal), basmati rice, and spices and vegetables. Kitchari is not only a delicious but also a healing meal.

Its advantages are easy digestibility and the fact that it is suitable for everyone. Kitchari balances all body types (Vata, Pitta, Kapha). It is easily digestible, and the simplicity of Kitchari allows digestion to rest during cleansing. The proteins of Mung dal keep blood sugar levels stable, and thus energy levels and mind are balanced during the cleansing process.

With the Kitchari spring cleansing, the digestion (Agni) improves. In Ayurveda, a strong Agni is a key to good health. When Agni works, our body can digest and absorb nutrients from food. Unbalanced Agni manifests as malabsorption and accumulation of waste products (ama). Agni’s health is enhanced by spicy ginger, curd, coriander, fennel, and salt. All of these spices are used to make Kitchari, and thus it nourishes and balances Agni.

In Ayurveda, spring cleaning is of great importance to human health. The benefits are improved energy levels and resistance.

Why cleansing is essential?

From an Ayurvedic perspective, processed, packaged, canned, and frozen foods all create ama in our body as it is difficult for the body to digest them. Therefore, it is essential to enjoy organic food during cleaning. Of course, if I may say so, I think it is always crucial.

Genetically modified foods and foods that have been treated with chemicals, pesticides, and chemical fertilizers or contain chemical additives bring toxins into your body and disrupt the natural functioning of your digestive system.

Incredients of Kitchari Fast

Kitchari cleaning can last from three days to a week. The advantage of cleansing is the clarity and lightness it brings to both body and mind.

The ease of cleaning lies in the fact that only Kitchar is eaten during it. Kitchari can also be your meal for lunch and dinner while skipping breakfast. Alternatively, you can enjoy hot tea and oatmeal with fruit and ghee for breakfast.

It is good to drink warm water during cleansing to help remove toxins from your body. You can enjoy detox tea or make CCF tea yourself.

Cumin, Coriander, and Fennel Tea (CCF)
Ingredients:
2 cups water
⅔ teaspoon of cumin seeds
⅔ teaspoon coriander seeds
⅔ teaspoon of fennel seeds

There are many recipes for making Kitchari; I like to keep my Kitchari very simple.

Kitchari
Ingredients:
1 dl Mung dal
1 dl basmati rice
1 teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon of cumin
(1 teaspoon coriander)
1 teaspoon Himalayan rose salt
Ghee
6 dl of water

Rinse Mung dal and basmati rice in cold water several times. Then add the ghee and spices to the pan and allow to heat. Add the mung dal and rice, water, and salt. Stir. Let cook under the lid for about 20-25 minutes.

Alternative breakfast (2 servings)
Ingredients
3 dl water
2/3 dl mung dal
1 cinnamon stick
salt
1/2 dl basmati rice
1/2 dl grated carrots
0.5 teaspoons of turmeric
1 ti cinnamon
0.5 teaspoons ginger
1/4 teaspoon cardamom
2-4 dates
2 tablespoons cashew nuts crushed
1 tablespoon coconut
2 teaspoons Ghee
2-4 teaspoons of honey
Garnish with coconut and cinnamon

Cook mung dal and cinnamon stick under the lid for 10 mins. Add the rest of the ingredients and continue cooking under the lid for 15 mins. Let it settle for about 5 mins.

Food is our medicine

According to Ayurveda, food is our medicine and the foundation of our health. You are not just what you eat, but you are what you digest. If our bodies do not digest the food we eat properly, it will not work as well as it should, and we will not feel well. Our diet is the first thing that keeps our body in balance.

Do you have specific rituals you do every spring, including cleansing your body? Or are you going to try for the first time this spring?

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Hi, I'm Hanne

I am a yoga instructor and personal trainer dedicated to holistic wellbeing and natural living. On my blog, I share insights and practical tips to help you find balance and harmony in your life.