Simple Seasonal Detox – The Kitchari Cleanse

How are you feeling? Ready to hit the reset button on your digestive system and health? With the change of the seasons you may be experiencing flu like symptoms including mucus congestion and brain fog. These symptoms may impact your sleeping habits and energy levels, making it difficult to remain motivated throughout the day. According to Ayurvedic principles, the changing of the seasons is an excellent time to complete a Kitchari cleanse. As we move from autumn into winter, try your own Kitchari cleanse!

What is Kitchari?

Kitchari is an easy to digest, nutritionally wholesome, easy to make and tasty Ayurvedic recipe. A mixture of basmati rice, yellow slit mung dal, ghee and spices will provide your body with a cleansing meal.

Simple Kitchari Recipe:

1 Tbsp Ghee

2 Bay leaves

½ tsp Cumin seeds

½ tsp Fennel seeds

½ tsp Coriander powder

½ tsp Turmeric

½ tsp fresh grated Ginger root

2 pinches Asafoetida (hing powder)

½ - 1 cup Basmati rice

1 cup Split Yellow Mung dal

4-6 cups water (add more if needed)

Optional: Diced seasonal vegetables

Optional: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and freshly chopped Coriander leaves for serving.

Wash the rice and dhal separately in at least 3 changes of water, until the water is no longer murky. Heat the ghee, add the spices followed by turmeric on low heat stirring regularly to ensure the spices don’t burn. Add the rice and dhal and sauté for 2 minutes. Add water, bring to boil and simmer for 30 minutes. Prepare the seasonal vegetables that suit your constitution by cutting them into small cubes. Add the vegetables and simmer for another 20 minutes, or until fully cooked.


Keys to the Kitchari cleanse:

• Aim to eat only Kitchari for each meal during the duration of your cleanse. You can complete the fast for one day or extend it to three.

• Cook a new batch of Kitchari daily, or every other day to keep as much prana in the food as possible.

• Only eat when you are hungry! Keep at least 3 hours in between meals – no snacking.

• Try intermittent fasting. Aim to wait 12 hours in between dinner and breakfast to help reset your digestive system.

• Drink plenty of warm water and teas while completing the fast. This will aid your digestion and body detoxification and prevent constipation. Do not drink water during your meal, as it will slow down the digestion.

• If you are not already, use this cleansing time to set up a morning and evening routine. Ayurvedic suggestions include oil pulling, tongue scraping, dry brushing, abhyanga oil massage, spending time in nature, meditation and gentle exercises such as yoga and walking. If you have questions regarding more routine tips please email us at info@lakshmiayurveda.com.au

• In combination with your Kitchari cleanse, visit your Ayurvedic practitioner for advice concerning Ayurvedic herbs to complement your cleanse. Here at Lakshmi Ayurveda we make our own Kitchari packs available for purchasing, making preparing Kitchari even easier and more convenient for you!

We would love to hear about your Kitchari cleanse! Please post your comments and share your experiences with us or email the Lakshmi team at info@lakshmiayurveda.com.au.

We hope your Kitchari cleanse brings you enthusiasm and motivation moving into the winter season!

Happy cleansing,

Your Lakshmi Ayurveda Team