Spring Kitchari Cleanse

If you feel the call to cleanse in the Spring, you’ll appreciate this practice. Ayurveda most often relies on a simple porridge-like dish called kitchari to sustain the body during fasts. Kitchari means “mixture”, usually of two grains. Kitchari is an exceptionally nourishing and easy-to-digest mono-diet, making it a perfect staple food to use during periods of cleansing. The two grains used, basmati rice and green mung dal (mung bean), mixed with ghee (clarified butter), provide the essential carbohydrates, protein, and clean essential fatty acids needed to sustain the body during a fast. Kitchari is consumed during extended Pancha Karma detoxification programs of several months performed under medical supervision. Kitchari provides the essential nutrients needed, allowing us to avoid the questionable foods in our diet that are known to produce Ama. In short, kitchari is a remedy for Ama, as it is easy to digest and helps reduce it. When combined with Ama-detoxifying herbs, the practice is a mild and effective way to cleanse the body and mind.