Are you ready to feel better? Maybe you’re feeling sluggish, are experiencing digestive disturbances, or dealing with feelings of stress and anxiety. Whatever the case may be, an Ayurvedic khichdi cleanse (also known as a kitchari cleanse) will help you realign your system, eliminate toxic buildup, and re-nourish your body, mind, and soul.
Why an Ayurvedic khichdi cleanse?
There are three main reasons why Ayurveda considers khichdi a cleansing and healing meal. This dish has been around for thousands of years, so there must be something to it, right?!
Khichdi is a complete meal
Part of the magic behind khichdi is that it contains all Ayurvedic 6-tastes, making it a complete and balanced meal. The six tastes in Ayurveda are: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent, and astringent. Together, these six tastes hold all five great elements (earth, water, fire, air, and ether).
Traditionally, khichdi contains basmati rice, mung dal, ghee, and spices. The different components of the dish allow cleansing but also nourishing. For example, mung dal helps the body cleanse because of the bitter and astringent tastes, which extract toxins. Rice, on the other hand, is more nourishing as it has a sweeter taste, helping to ground and rebuild the body’s strength.
Khichdi is easily digestible
An Ayurvedic khichdi cleanse explicitly targets the body and mind by easing the digestive system, which allows the rest of the body, tissues, and organs to release toxins and heal. Khichdi is a warm, soft, stew-like soup, which allows great ease on the digestive tract. When your body doesn’t have to stress about digesting heavy food, your agni will get to work on rebuilding itself. A strong agni is a healthy life.
Try making it yourself with this khichdi recipe.
Khichdi can facilitate detox and cellular repair
According to Ayurveda, the digestive system is at the core of every imbalance, symptom, and condition. Therefore, by improving digestion and absorption, an Ayurvedic khichdi cleanse can help your body divert more energy to carrying out its detoxification and bodily functions, such as:
- Eliminating toxic buildup from deep within the mind and body tissues
- Removing congestion and stagnation
- Restoring regular bowel movements
- Improving vitality
- Promoting overall wellness
- Clearing skin and brightening eyes
- Improving sleep
How to Get Started on Your Ayurvedic Khichdi Cleanse
Depending on how much time you have to commit, you may practice an Ayurvedic khichdi cleanse from 1-30 days. For specifics, discover this guide to an Ayurvedic cleanse for more. It’s also essential to properly prepare ahead of time to assure you will have a peaceful space. Furthermore, it is also best practice to pair your Ayurvedic khichdi cleanse with supporting herbal teas and elixirs. During your cleanse, consume CCF tea (cumin, coriander, and fennel) to stimulate agni, encourage detoxification, and optimize digestive movement.
After your cleanse, take 1 tsp of Chyawanprash daily to rejuvenate and rebuild the system.
For your journey forward, learn how to cleanse and incorporate an ideal daily routine.
Clare Michalik, Ayurvedic Practitioner, @clareminded
