KITCHARI CLEANSE

“Ayurvedic seasonal cleansing offers a reset button, enabling us to shed accumulated toxins, rekindle digestive fires, and restore our doshic equilibrium. Benefits of Ayurvedic seasonal cleansing include:

Enhanced digestion and assimilation: seasonal cleansing supports improved digestion, enabling the body to absorb nutrients, build tissues, and accumulate our natural reserves (ojas) more efficiently. Ayurveda tells us that all disease begins in the GI tract with indigestion, making this reason enough to adopt a seasonal cleanse routine.

Decrease in accumulated toxins: when digestion is subpar, instead of two products of digestion (nutrition and waste products), there is a third - undigestedness. This undigestedness, known as ama, is a primary cause of inflammation in the body, it impedes nutrient absorption, and negatively impacts immune function. This decrease in ama decreases inflammation, brain fog, joint pain, and skin issues, etc.

Boosted immunity: A balanced doshic state enhances the body’s natural defense mechanisms, providing a shield against seasonal illnesses. During seasonal cleanse we work to remove accumulated dosha from the previous season before it becomes an issue, stopping allergies and seasonal colds in their tracks.

Increased vitality: Cleansing restores the body’s natural energy levels, promoting a sense of lightness and vigor that can be sustained without caffeine or other stimulants.

Clarity of mind: As ama is eliminated, mental clarity and focus are heightened, supporting emotional well-being.
Glowing skin: Seasonal cleansing can lead to bright, radiant skin. When we are able to eliminate ama in the body in a methodical way, they will no longer be able to manifest as skin issues.

Weight regulation: Resetting the digestive system with a seasonal cleanse is an optimal (and healthy) way to reset the body’s metabolism. Over time, this can help your body find its natural weight and maintain it more efficiently.

Emotional equanimity: As we work to remove the physical accumulation of ama and restore digestion, we are also restoring healthy mental digestion. This contributes to more stable emotions and a reduction in stress levels.

Increased capacity: As we build Agni through cleansing, often times this leads to increased capacity; the ability to handle more stress, situation, feelings, emotions, and thoughts without being overwhelmed. What can unfold is the ability to hold more, and shine while doing it. Confidence, discernment, and capability are boosted.


When to embark on a seasonal cleanse?
The timing of Ayurvedic seasonal cleansing aligns with the transitions (or sandhis) between the seasons—in Ayurveda we recognize two major transitions that offer an opportunity - spring + fall.

Fall Rejuvenation (September - November) is typically designed to be more rejuvenating and is crucial to prepare the body for the colder months ahead. It helps in eliminating excess heat and Pitta accumulated during summer and gets the system strong and ready to handle what fall and winter have in store.

**The follicular phase seems to be the time when your appetite is lowest so that might help with other cravings and make the cleanse more enjoyable - however, everyone is different and you should experiment with your unique cycle to see what phase feels best to adjust your diet.”

— Ayurvedic Wellness Center

INGREDIENTS

• 4 tbsp ghee (or grape seed oil)

• 1/2 c yellow lentils (wash)

• 1 cup rice (wash)

• 1 chopped onion

• 4 cups chopped vegetables (potatoes, broccoli, beans, tomatoes, zucchini, spinach, kale, cauliflower, carrots - whatever you have in the refrigerator)

• 1 cup coconut milk

• 4 cups vegetable broth

• 1 tbsp grated ginger

• 1 tsp curry powder

• 1/2 tsp cumin seeds

• 2 tsp tamarind paste or 1 tsp dried mangoes (amchur)

• pinch of hing (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

recipe by Savi Shamseer

• Sauté onions in oil at medium heat until translucent

• Add 1/2 cup lentils - keep stirring until lentils appear parched

• Add pinch hing, 1 tsp curry powder, 1/2 tsp cumin cumin seeds, grated ginger

• Keep stirring until fragrance is released.

• Add 2 cups of broth (careful as lots of steam gets released!)

• Add 1 cup rice

• Cover and cook at low heat until most of the broth has been absorbed

• Add rest of ingredients - 2 cups broth, 1 cup coconut milk, veggies, amchur or tamarind

• Cover and simmer until rice is fully cooked - a bit on the soft side and with a soupy consistency - timing will be different for every stove/pot/set of ingredients use your judgement and experiment throughout the week to find your perfect consistency (can always add more liquid)

  *if adding kale or spinach wait until the end, and stir it in for the last 5-10 minutes to keep so that it doesn’t get over cooked*

Q + A

Q + A

• How Long is the cleanse?

  7 days starting on Friday, October 20th and ending on the night of Friday October 27th.

• Do I have to eat Kitchari 3 meals a day?

  Ideally yes. The regular routine and consistency helps with elimination and gives your mind a sense of relief from decision fatigue around deciding what to eat. Eventually you will get used to it and find a sense of peace.

  If you really can’t handle the dish in the morning you can substitute for a simple oatmeal dish.
  

  OPTIONAL OATMEAL BREAKFAST: Oats, water, apple, pear, cinnamon, raisins, cardamom, ginger

• What can I drink?

  Try to stick to filtered water and herbal tea. Ideally all liquids would be warm or at least room temperature.
  Chai tea with some oat milk is also a nice treat.