Ayurvedic Cleanse & Herbal Detox
Making time for an Ayurvedic detox or herbal cleanse when the seasons change is a cornerstone to an Ayurvedic lifestyle. By clearing some space on your calendar, simplifying your diet, and using cleansing herbs, the body is given a chance to rest, release toxins, and reset back to vibrant well-being.
Enjoying a Kitchari Cleanse
Perhaps one of the most basic yet important parts of an Ayurvedic cleanse is kitchari. Also known as kitchadi, this traditional meal is essential in the Ayurvedic kitchen. It is part of a sattvic (balancing) diet and the main staple in a kitchari cleanse. Kitchari is a kind of soup made with legumes and rice, and often with seasonal vegetables. It is also one of the main staples in Indian cooking.
Why kitchari? Lentils and rice, or dal and rice, together are considered a complete protein. When paired, they are also high in fiber and help to promote stable blood sugar levels. Kitchari is easily digested which is why it is a vital component to an Ayurvedic cleanse. Kitchari is traditionally made with split, yellow mung beans but can be made with the legume of your choice. Red lentils cook up quickly and make a tasty option to mung dal. And our Kitchari Spice Mix makes the whole process especially easy!
Benefits of Kitchari
Kitchari is recommended for an Ayurvedic cleanse precisely because of its capacity to nourish the body and support digestion. When we minimize the variety and complexity of foods we put into our system, the body has the opportunity to rest and repair itself.
With a kitchari detox, we are not depriving our body of any vital nutrients, which some more drastic cleanses can do, but rather, we continue to “stoke the fire” of our digestion, so to speak. By stoking this fire, also referred to as agni, accumulated toxins and impurities are then drawn into the circulation and eliminated.
Just as our minds need a break from the onslaught of information we are accustomed to, so do our bodies. A kitchari cleanse does just this, encouraging the body to employ its natural ability to heal and restore.
Supportive Herbs that Detox Further
Giving your system a chance to cleanse with a mono-diet of kitchari can do wonders for your digestion, energy, sleep, emotional well-being, and overall experience of vitality. For even deeper support, you can also incorporate herbs to enhance your cleanse. Here are a few of our favorite cleansing formulas:
- Total Body Cleanse
- Blood Cleanse
- Liver Formula
- Triphala
