Ayurveda has long understood the significance of cleansing the body of all types of toxins. Therefore, it gave the cleansing process called “Pancha Karma” to eliminate all the undesirable toxins from the body. However, Ayurveda believes in maintaining the body on a daily basis. As such, it has also prescribed Ayurvedic diets which cleanse the body by themselves, without any requirement of cleansing therapy. Before knowing how to prepare the detoxifying recipes, it is desirable to know the Benefits of detox diets.

Benefits of Detoxification

Detoxification literally means making the body “free of toxins.” Detoxification helps in eliminating environmental and dietary toxins from our system. A person's health depends upon healthy digestive system. Indigestion can lead to such bodily discomforts as bloating, constipation, heartburn, loose motions and heaviness after eating. Faulty digestive function builds up toxins in the gastro-intestine tract producing symptoms such as fatigue, reduced appetite, nausea and bad breath. Ayurvedic detox diets emphasize on decreasing the intake of potentially harmful chemicals and increasing foods that aid the body in cleansing. When toxins are cleared from the body, it leads to higher energy levels, improved digestion and concentration.

Ayurvedic Recipes for Detoxification

Ayurveda always advocates eating food according to the three doshas of body- Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Recipes for detoxifying soups for each Ayurvedic body type has been given below.

• • Detoxifying Soup for Vata- The Recipe
• • Detoxifying Soup for Kapha- The Recipe
• • Detoxifying Soup for Pitta- The Recipe

Other Detoxifying Recipes

Detoxifying Spice Mix:
There are certain spices that are very good for detoxification. A mixture of these spices can be used with vegetables, soups etc. These spices can be mixed and stored for daily use. They can be fried in ghee before pouring over dal, vegetables etc. These spices are
1 part turmeric
2 parts cumin powder
3 parts coriander powder
4 parts fennel powder

Detoxifying Tea:
It is good to take early in the morning. Boil two quarts of water. Add 1/4 tsp. whole cumin, 1/2 tsp. whole coriander, 1/2 tsp. whole fennel, cover the pot and let steep the ingredients for ten minutes. Strain the spices and pour water into a flask for using all through the day.
Bittergourd Mixture:
Bittergourd is one vegetable par excellence for Cleansing and internal detoxification. Take fresh bitter gourd juice, aloe vera juice, lemon juice and honey one tspeach. Mix all of them and drink it. Although, it doesn't taste very well but for better health one can always compromise a little on taste. This mixture is also good for weight loss.

Detoxifying Soup for Vata- The Recipe

Ingredients:

• • 1/4 cup Basmati rice
• • 6-8 cups of filtered/clean water
• • 1/2 cup chopped tender greens
• • 1/4 cup grated carrot
• • 1/4 cup beets cut into small pieces
• • 1 tbsp grated white radish
• • 1/8 tsp black pepper powder
• • 1/8 tsp cumin powder
• • 1/8 tsp coriander powder
• • 1 tsp freshly chopped cilantro
• • 1/2 tsp freshly chopped ginger
• • Rock salt to taste

Directions:

• • Wash the rice and drain it.
• • Put water in a heavy-bottomed pot and bring it to a boil.
• • Add rice, vegetables, ginger, cumin and coriander to the boiling water.
• • Stir it for once to mix.
• • Cover the pot and let simmer the mix for about 1 to 1-1/2 hours.
• • Add salt and pepper to the cooked mixture.
• • Mash all the ingredients against the side of the pot with the back of a ladle.
• • Strain and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro (coriander) have the soup while its hot.

Detoxifying Soup for Kapha- The Recipe
Ingredients:

• • 4-6 cups of filtered/clean water
• • 1/4 cup shredded carrot
• • 1/4 cup chopped celery (coriander)
• • 1/2 cup chopped dark greens 6-8 black peppercorns
• • 1-2 thin slices of fresh ginger 1 tsp cumin seeds
• • 1/4 tsp turmeric
• • 1/2 tsp rock salt (optional)

Directions:

• • Take a pot and mix all the ingredients in it.
• • Bring the mixture to a boil.
• • Simmer for about 1 to 1-1/2 hours.
• Mash vegetables against sides of pot with back of ladle.
• • Strain and take it hot.