There are many benefits of a detox. Ayurveda’s preferred method of detoxification is the kichadi cleansing, and here is how to do a kichadi cleansing.
A detoxification reduces toxins from the body and mind, stimulates the digestive fire, and gives the digestive system a rest. It also improves our overall health and mental clarity while clearing the tongue and sweetening the breath.
Kichadi, also referred to as khichdi, khichari, kitcheree is a nourishing mixture of rice and lentils often eaten during light Ayurvedic cleansings. It is like a porridge made from boiling rice and yellow mung dal beans with Ayurveda spices.
Kichadi detoxifies the entire system, balances all three doshas, and is very easy to digest. According to Ayurveda, it is a dish that calms the mind and balances the body, mind, and spirit connection. This purifying ritual for body, mind, and spirit consists of a few days of light eating and mental detox.
The duration of the kichadi cleansing depends upon your dosha. Ayurveda recommendeds:
Vata: 1-3 days per month
Pitta: 1-4 days per month
Kapha: 1-5 days per month
How to do a Kichadi cleansing | The do’s & don’ts
Drink | Do’s
- At least 6-8 glasses of water per day
- Herbal teas such as ginger, cardamom, aloe, and cinnamon
- Grapefruit juice, as well as lemon or lime juice
- Vegetable juices such as celery and parsley
- If available in your country, have 1/2 teaspoon of Triphala with warm water at night
Food | Do’s
- Throughout the day, whenever you feel hungry, eat one bowl of Kichadi
- It is ok to have about 1 cup of steamed vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, carrot, spinach, kale, and beets
Drink | Don’ts
- Alcoho
- Juices
Food | Don’ts
- Sweet fruits
- Sugar or sweets
- Bread
- Cookies or pastries
- Fried food
- Canned food
- Cheese
- Nuts
- Legumes
- Salt
- Oil
- Grains except for kichadi
To get the most out of your kichadi cleansing, Ayurveda recommends being with yourself and resting as much as possible.
How to do a Kichadi cleansing | Mental Detox
The Ayurvedic tradition suggests getting plenty of rest during a kichadi cleanse and avoid stress at all times. Here are some mental detox recommendations:
Mental Detox | Do’s
- Read or listen to uplifting knowledge
- Do some simple breathing exercises
- Go for a walk in nature
- Scrub your body
- Take a warm Ayurvedic Aromatherapy Bath
- Meditate
- Abhyanga (Self-massage)
Mental Detox | Dont’s
- Stressful meetings
- Heavy arguments
- Hard work
- Social media
- Television
- Vigorous exercise
Kichadi Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup organic basmati rice
- 2 yellow mung dal beans
- 1 inch fresh peeled ginger
- 6 cups of water
- 2 tablespoons organic ghee
- 3 teaspoons of mustard seeds
- 2 teaspoons of cumin seeds
- 2 teaspoons of turmeric powder
- 2 teaspoons of fennel powder
- Himalayan pink salt to taste
How to Prepare Khichadi
Wash 1 cup each yellow mung dal beans and rice and put aside. Heat a large soup pot on low flame and melt the ghee – make sure it doesn’t burn.
Sauté the seeds and fresh ginger lightly with the oil until they infuse. Add the other powdered spices and the beans (or lentils). Continue sautéing for one or two more minutes.
Add rice and yellow mung dal beans to the pan, and saute lightly with the spices. Add 6 cups of water and cook until the rice and dal are soft. Serve in a plate or bowl and add salt to taste.
After kichadi cleansing, slowly and gradually begin eating solid foods again.
Suggested Readings
- Ayurveda meal plan | what I eat in a day
- The relationship between food and your mental & emotional health
- Ayurveda secrets to a perfect diet
- Understanding the six tastes of Ayurveda
Enjoy your kichadi cleansing, and make sure to leave us a comment below. We love to hear from you.