How to do a Simple Spring Cleanse for Your Constitution Now is a great time to consider doing a simple Spring Cleanse. A cleanse is an easy way to buffer your health and

protect your well-being for the coming months and beyond.

An Ayurvedic Cleanse…

Supports the elimination of toxins from the body

Increases energy and vitality

Supports healthy weight management

Relaxes the nervous system and calms the mind

Helps to reestablish one's natural state of balance

Promotes optimal health and well-being

Select your constitution for specific information on how to do a Spring Cleanse.

Spring Cleanse for Vata

Customer Service rep, Jennifer (Vata type), enjoys a gentle cleansing walk with her dogs.

A Gentle Spring Cleanse For Vata-Predominant Types Your body is remarkably intelligent and incredibly hard working. Day in and day out, it processes all kinds of

inputs – distinguishing what’s good for you from what’s not, doing its best to eliminate any harmful substances

alongside routine metabolic waste. But these days, our bodies are inundated with a never-ending barrage of

stressors: environmental toxins, processed foods, unresolved emotions, and psychological stress, to name a

few. Inevitably, in attempting to “digest” it all, we accumulate some degree of toxicity – which, over time, can

build up in the system, deposit in the tissues, and compromise our health. But there is something you can do to give

your body a break. Actually, this is precisely the idea behind an Ayurvedic cleanse: to slow the flood so that the

body can rest, recuperate, and repair itself. And amazingly, when the deluge of inputs slows, your body will

immediately take advantage of the lull to do some very deep cleaning.

The practice of cleansing is considered a vital part of an Ayurvedic lifestyle, with great potential for improved

energy, strength, and immunity, as well as a renewed love of life. An Ayurvedic cleanse rests and resets the

digestive system, eliminates toxins, and simultaneously removes excess vata, pitta, and kapha from the body – all

of which serve to promote improved balance and overall health.

Below, you will find everything you need to implement a simple, food-based cleanse at home this

spring. However, even a gentle cleanse like this one is not appropriate for pregnant or breastfeeding women, or

anyone who is extremely weak or debilitated. On the other hand, if you are considering becoming pregnant, it is

ideal for both partners to undertake a cleanse approximately three months prior to conception.

What To Expect This particular cleanse is seven days in length, but plan on giving the process about two weeks for optimal

results. This timeframe allows for proper preparation before the cleanse and eases you slowly back into your

normal routine afterwards. A traditional Ayurvedic cleanse involves four distinct phases, each critically important

to your success:

1. Preparation

Three Days Prior To The Cleanse (longer, if possible)

For a few days leading up to your cleanse, focus on cleaning up your diet and habits to prepare the body for an

effective cleanse. You will want to eliminate (or at least dramatically reduce) your use of coffee, caffeine, tobacco

products, alcohol, and any recreational drugs. At the same time, reduce your intake of fast foods, processed foods,

meat, refined sugars, and sweets. During this time, eat as many simple, whole foods as possible (fruits, vegetables,

whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds).

2. Active Cleansing

Core Seven Days Of The Cleanse

This is the heart of the cleanse. During this time, you will eat a very simplified mono-diet of kitchari (basmati rice

cooked with split mung beans). This diet is substantive enough that you can maintain your essential responsibilities

but it simultaneously resets the digestive system, supports the elimination of toxins, and balances vata, pitta, and

kapha. During this seven day period, other cleansing practices such as abhyanga (Ayurvedic oil massage), gentle

exercise, and detoxifying herbs can enhance the efficacy of the cleanse. Further instructions detailing this phase of

the cleanse are below.

3. Reintroduction

Three Days Following the Cleanse (longer, if possible)

Even after you complete the seventh day of the cleanse, your body will still be processing the toxins that may have

been stirred into circulation. And, your digestive system will have become accustomed to a very clean diet and will

be somewhat sensitive to overly stimulating or processed foods. Therefore, a slow transition back to a more diverse

diet and back into your normal routine is critically important. This three-day period is a chance to buffer your

system and to rekindle youragni (digestive fire) so that it can handle more complex foods. Again, eat primarily

simple, whole foods, diversifying your menu very gradually. If possible, take this time to test the waters with foods

that are potentially aggravating like dairy, wheat, and soy – ideally, reintroducing these foods one at a time and

giving yourself up to 24 hours to observe how your body responds.

4. Rejuvenation

Up to Three Months Following the Completion of the Cleanse

This is the final step in any Ayurvedic cleanse. Now that you’ve cleared your body of accumulated toxins and

imbalances, your tissues are primed to receive very deep nourishment. Rejuvenating foods and practices are

usually sweet and comforting, and most people find this phase of the cleanse quite enjoyable. If you received an

email about this cleanse, you will receive a second email in a few weeks detailing the rejuvenation process. If

you’d like to know more now, click here.

Please Note: This timeframe is ideal, but if you don’t have two weeks to give to a cleanse, you can shorten the

phases in proportion to one another. For example, you might do 1-2 days of preparation, 3-4 days of cleansing, 1-

2 days of reintroduction, and 1-2 months of rejuvenation.

Planning and Preparation

The more completely you can clear your schedule for this process, the better. At a minimum, eliminate any

unnecessary obligations and give yourself as much unscheduled time to rest as possible. A menstruating woman

should schedule her cleanse around her cycle to ensure that she is not bleeding during the 7 days of active

cleansing. If her period comes unexpectedly, she can continue on the kitchari diet, but should suspend all other

practices (abhyanga, nasya, triphala, etc.) until her menstruation is complete.

Daily Routine During the 7-Day Active Cleansing Phase Freshly prepared foods are best for your cleanse, so you’ll want to cook your breakfast grains and kitchari fresh

each day – at whatever time works best with your schedule. While it is acceptable to prepare all of your food for

the day first thing in the morning, you’ll want to avoid eating leftovers from previous days throughout the cleanse.

Morning Routine

Rise early so that you can complete your morning routine before breakfast

Upon waking, scrape your tongue and brush your teeth

Administer Nasya Oil (3-5 drops in each nostril)

Sip 8 oz. of hot water to cleanse the system and to awaken the digestive capacity

Perform Abhyanga (Ayurvedic Self Massage) with Organic Sesame Oil or Vata Massage Oil

For maximum benefit, let the oil soak in for about 20 minutes

Steam Bath, Sauna, or Improvised Sweat

If you have access to a steam room or sauna, let your oil soak in as you sit just long enough to break a sweat

Otherwise, you can warm your bathroom with a space heater and create a little steam with hot water from the

shower

It is important not to get chilled

Take a bath or shower

Take care not to slip on oily surfaces – consider washing your feet first

When shampooing, it can be helpful to apply and massage shampoo into the hair before wetting it and, if

necessary, shampoo a second time

If you do not need to go out, it is fine to leave some oil in your hair

Use soap strategically (not all over the body)

Excess oil will rinse off with water

Use a designated towel to pat dry (this towel will become oily over time)

Gentle Exercise

Slow, gentle movements will support cleansing; more than that can be counterproductive

This is not a time to push yourself

Consider walking, tai chi, or qigong

Some gentle, Vata Pacifying Yoga (which is gentle enough for the cleanse) would also be perfect

Eat Breakfast

Rice Porridge or Kitchari – as much as desired (do not overeat)

Throughout The Day

Eat kitchari throughout the day, as desired

Eat at least 3 meals per day

Have more than 3 meals per day, if desired – allowing at least 3 hours between meals

It is best to avoid snacking, but if you need a little something extra, you can enjoy some fresh fruit or a few raw

nuts

It is very important not to feel deprived during your cleanse

Be sure to eat enough food and enough variety that you truly feel satisfied and at peace with this process

You can garnish your kitchari with Fresh Coriander Chutney or Sesame Seed Chutney

Try not to eat after 7pm

Drink plenty of of room temperature, warm, or hot fluids each day to ensure adequate hydration and to help flush

toxins as they are released (a good rule of thumb is to divide your weight – in pounds – by two and drink at least

that number of ounces each day: e.g. 150lbs ÷ 2 = 75 oz.)

Appropriate fluids include water, CCF Tea, Rehydration Tea, and Detox Tea – drink as much of these as you like

Evening Routine

Triphala Tea

About a half hour before bed, steep ½ teaspoon triphala powder in a cup of freshly boiled water for 10 minutes,

cool, and drink

Or, take 2 triphala tablets with a glass of water

Retire for the Night

Sleep is the body’s best time to detox so be sure to get plenty of rest during the cleanse

Making Supportive Lifestyle Choices

Keep your activities as quiet and mindful as possible.

Surround yourself with things that you find uplifting and nourishing.

Minimize stress and exposure to frantic or disturbing environments.

A cleanse can stir up unresolved emotions so it is important to be prepared for some emotional purging as well. If

intense emotions arise during or after your cleanse, greet your emotions with compassion, observe them with

detached awareness, and allow them simply to move through – honoring yourself in the process.

REST as much as possible. You can ensure that the bulk of your energy is devoted to cleansing by minimizing the

number of resources that your body allocates elsewhere.

A New Beginning… Transitioning Back Into Your Normal Life Toward the end of the cleanse, take some time to reflect on your life so that you can move forward with whatever

new intentions feel important to you at this time. One of the greatest gifts you can give yourself as you wrap up

your cleanse is to honor the effort you’ve made by slowly and gently easing back into a more diverse diet and a

more typical routine. Even after you’ve moved through a defined period of reintroduction, understand that it may

take some time – two weeks, a month, or longer – before you are able to fully appreciate the benefits of your

cleanse. The body is often still working to eliminate the toxins released during the cleanse, so this is completely

normal. It is really important to cultivate inner awareness and to listen to your body as you transition into a more

diverse, but healthy, diet and lifestyle. As you do this, you can move into the final phase of the process – known in

Ayurveda as rasayana or rejuvenation – a period of time to offer your tissues deep nourishment.

Recipes

These delicious recipes have been provided courtesy of Dr. Scott Blossom. Remember that your food will absorb

the energy of your mindset and state of being while cooking, so you can assist your healing process by bringing

good intentions and a sense of presence to your kitchen.

Rice Porridge

Vata Balancing Kitchari

Fresh Coriander Chutney

Sesame Seed Chutney

Cumin, Coriander, Fennel Tea for Vata and Pitta Imbalances

Alakananda Ma’s Rehydration Tea

Other Herbal Teas

Banyan Botanicals also carries a variety of masterfully blended organic teas for your tasting delight.

Shopping List

Herbs & Products

Organic Sesame Oil or Vata Massage Oil

Nasya Oil

Triphala Powder or Triphala Tablets

Tongue Cleaner

Brahmi / Gotu Kola (optional)

Detox Tea (optional)

Vata Digest (optional)

Groceries

Organic White Basmati Rice, ~3 lbs.

Organic Yellow Split Mung Beans or Organic Whole Mung Beans (available in the bulk section of most health

food stores) ~1.5 lbs.

Organic Ghee (Clarified Butter – available at most health food stores)

Organic Roasted Sesame Seeds (optional)

Kombu or Wakame (optional) (available at most health food stores)

Vegetables such as

Carrots

Green Beans

Asparagus

Spices and Garnishes to Consider Having on Hand (for the above recipes)

Black Mustard Seeds

Black Pepper

Cayenne Pepper

Cilantro

Cumin Seeds

Coconut, Unsweetened and Shredded

Coriander Seeds

Fennel Seeds

Ginger Root, Fresh

Fresh Mint or Dried Peppermint

Hing (Asafoetida)

Lemons

Limes

Sea Salt

Sweeteners: Barley Malt, Maple Syrup, Raw Honey, and/or Turbinado Sugar

Turmeric Root, Fresh (optional)

Turmeric, Powdered

Or, save time and money with one of Banyan’s Cleanse Kits:

Kitchari Kit

7-day Supply of Organic Basmati Rice

7-day Supply of Organic Split Mung Dal

Kitchari Spice Mix

Organic Ghee

Ayurvedic Cleanse Kit

All of the above plus…

Organic Triphala Tablets

Organic Sesame Oil

Detox Tea

Deluxe Ayurvedic Cleanse Kit

All of the above plus…

Organic Chyavanprash

Organic Nasya Oil

Nasal Rinse Cup

Stainless Steel Tongue Cleaner

---

Melody Mischke

Melody Mischke was first introduced to Ayurveda while traveling in India in her early twenties. As her interest in

the tradition deepened, she decided to attend the Ayurvedic Institute, where she had the profound honor of studying

under Dr. Vasant Lad, Dr. Claudia Welch, and a number of other inspiring teachers. As a Certified Ayurvedic

Practitioner and Yoga Teacher, Melody uses lifestyle practices, subtle therapies, diet, and herbs to help her clients

foster an ever-improving experience of wellness. At the core, she is guided by a deep desire to live her own life in

alignment with her truest inner nature, and to support others in doing the same. She currently resides in Evergreen,

Colorado with her husband, Erick, and their son.

---

Additional Resources

Ayurvedic Cleansing

To download Banyan’s free Ayurvedic Cleanse E-booklet, a more in-depth resource, click here.

Ayurveda offers a number of different approaches to cleansing. Panchakarma is one of the better-known methods

and is a more extensive form of Ayurvedic cleansing than the gentle, food-based home cleanse discussed

here. While panchakarma offers profound benefits, it requires a more complete withdrawal from daily activity and

should only be performed under the guidance of an experienced Ayurvedic practitioner.

Spring Cleanse for Pitta

Banyan Ambassador, Maria (Pitta type), greets the morning sun.

A Gentle Spring Cleanse For Pitta-Predominant Types Your body is remarkably intelligent and incredibly hard working. Day in and day out, it processes all kinds of

inputs – distinguishing what’s good for you from what’s not, doing its best to eliminate any harmful substances

alongside routine metabolic waste. But these days, our bodies are inundated with a never-ending barrage of

stressors: environmental toxins, processed foods, unresolved emotions, and psychological stress, to name a

few. Inevitably, in attempting to “digest” it all, we accumulate some degree of toxicity – which, over time, can

build up in the system, deposit in the tissues, and compromise our health. But there is something you can do to give

your body a break. Actually, this is precisely the idea behind an Ayurvedic cleanse: to slow the flood so that the

body can rest, recuperate, and repair itself. And amazingly, when the deluge of inputs slows, your body will

immediately take advantage of the lull to do some very deep cleaning.

The practice of cleansing is considered a vital part of an Ayurvedic lifestyle, with great potential for improved

energy, strength, and immunity, as well as a renewed love of life. An Ayurvedic cleanse rests and resets the

digestive system, eliminates toxins, and simultaneously removes excess vata, pitta, and kapha from the body – all

of which serve to promote improved balance and overall health.

Below, you will find everything you need to implement a simple, food-based cleanse at home this

spring. However, even a gentle cleanse like this one is not appropriate for pregnant or breastfeeding women, or

anyone who is extremely weak or debilitated. On the other hand, if you are considering becoming pregnant, it is

ideal for both partners to undertake a cleanse approximately three months prior to conception.

What To Expect This particular cleanse is seven days in length, but plan on giving the process about two weeks for optimal

results. This timeframe allows for proper preparation before the cleanse and eases you slowly back into your

normal routine afterwards.

A traditional Ayurvedic cleanse involves four distinct phases, each critically important to your success:

1. Preparation

Three Days Prior To The Cleanse (longer, if possible)

For a few days leading up to your cleanse, focus on cleaning up your diet and habits to prepare the body for an

effective cleanse. You will want to eliminate (or at least dramatically reduce) your use of coffee, caffeine, tobacco

products, alcohol, and any recreational drugs. At the same time, reduce your intake of fast foods, processed foods,

meat, refined sugars, and sweets. During this time, eat as many simple, whole foods as possible (fruits, vegetables,

whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds).

2. Active Cleansing

Core Seven Days Of The Cleanse

This is the heart of the cleanse. During this time, you will eat a very simplified mono-diet of kitchari (basmati rice

cooked with split mung beans). This diet is substantive enough that you can maintain your essential responsibilities

but it simultaneously resets the digestive system, supports the elimination of toxins, and balances vata, pitta, and

kapha. During this seven day period, other cleansing practices such as abhyanga (Ayurvedic oil massage), gentle

exercise, and detoxifying herbs can enhance the efficacy of the cleanse. Further instructions detailing this phase of

the cleanse are below.

3. Reintroduction

Three Days Following the Cleanse (longer, if possible)

Even after you complete the seventh day of the cleanse, your body will still be processing the toxins that may have

been stirred into circulation. And, your digestive system will have become accustomed to a very clean diet and will

be somewhat sensitive to overly stimulating or processed foods. Therefore, a slow transition back to a more diverse

diet and back into your normal routine is critically important. This three-day period is a chance to buffer your

system and to rekindle youragni (digestive fire) so that it can handle more complex foods. Again, eat primarily

simple, whole foods, diversifying your menu very gradually. If possible, take this time to test the waters with foods

that are potentially aggravating like dairy, wheat, and soy – ideally, reintroducing these foods one at a time and

giving yourself up to 24 hours to observe how your body responds.

4. Rejuvenation

Up to Three Months Following the Completion of the Cleanse

This is the final step in any Ayurvedic cleanse. Now that you’ve cleared your body of accumulated toxins and

imbalances, your tissues are primed to receive very deep nourishment. Rejuvenating foods and practices are

usually sweet and comforting, and most people find this phase of the cleanse quite enjoyable. If you received an

email about this cleanse, you will receive a second email in about two weeks detailing the rejuvenation process. If

you’d like to know more now,click here.

Please Note: This timeframe is ideal, but if you don’t have two weeks to give to a cleanse, you can shorten the

phases in proportion to one another. For example, you might do 1-2 days of preparation, 3-4 days of cleansing, 1-

2 days of reintroduction, and 1-2 months of rejuvenation.

Planning and Preparation

The more completely you can clear your schedule for this process, the better. At a minimum, eliminate any

unnecessary obligations and give yourself as much unscheduled time to rest as possible. A menstruating woman

should schedule her cleanse around her cycle to ensure that she is not bleeding during the 7 days of active

cleansing. If her period comes unexpectedly, she can continue on the kitchari diet, but should suspend all other

practices (abhyanga, nasya, triphala, etc.) until her menstruation is complete.

Daily Routine During the 7-Day Active Cleansing Phase Freshly prepared foods are best for your cleanse, so you’ll want to cook your breakfast grains and kitchari fresh

each day – at whatever time works best with your schedule. While it is acceptable to prepare all of your food for

the day first thing in the morning, you’ll want to avoid eating leftovers from previous days throughout the cleanse.

Morning Routine

Rise early so that you can complete your morning routine before breakfast

Upon waking, scrape your tongue and brush your teeth

Administer Nasya Oil (3-5 drops in each nostril)

Sip 8 oz. of hot water to cleanse the system and to awaken the digestive capacity

Perform Abhyanga (Ayurvedic Self Massage) with Organic Sunflower Oil or Pitta Massage Oil

For maximum benefit, let the oil soak in for about 20 minutes

Steam Bath, Sauna, or Improvised Sweat

If you have access to a steam room or sauna, let your oil soak in as you sit just long enough to break a sweat

Otherwise, you can warm your bathroom with a space heater and create a little steam with hot water from the

shower

It is important not to get chilled

Take a bath or shower

Take care not to slip on oily surfaces – consider washing your feet first

Use soap strategically (not all over the body)

Excess oil will rinse off with water

If you do not need to go out, it is fine to leave some oil in your hair

Otherwise, you may need to shampoo more than once to remove all of the oil

Use a designated towel to pat dry (this towel will become oily over time)

Gentle Exercise

Slow, gentle movements will support cleansing; more than that can be counterproductive

This is not a time to push yourself

Consider walking, tai chi, or qigong

Some gentle, Vata Pacifying Yoga (which is gentle enough for the cleanse) would also be perfect

Eat Breakfast

Seasoned Barley or Kitchari – as much as desired (do not overeat)

Throughout The Day

Eat kitchari throughout the day, as desired

Eat at least 3 meals per day

Have more than 3 meals per day, if desired – allowing at least 3 hours between meals

It is best to avoid snacking, but if you need a little something extra, you can enjoy some fresh fruit or a few raw

nuts

It is very important not to feel deprived during your cleanse

Be sure to eat enough food and enough variety that you truly feel satisfied and at peace with this process

You can garnish your kitchari with Fresh Coriander Chutney or Sesame Seed Chutney

Try not to eat after 7pm

Drink at least 12 cups (96 fl. oz.) of room temperature, warm, or hot fluids each day to ensure adequate hydration

and to help flush toxins as they are released

Ideally, most of your fluids should be taken between meals

Appropriate fluids include water, CCF Tea, Rehydration Tea, and Detox Tea – drink as much of these as you like

Evening Routine

Triphala Tea

About a half hour before bed, steep ½ teaspoon triphala powder in a cup of freshly boiled water for 10 minutes,

cool, and drink

Or, take 2 triphala tablets with a glass of water

Retire for the Night

Sleep is the body’s best time to detox so be sure to get plenty of rest during the cleanse

Making Supportive Lifestyle Choices

Keep your activities as quiet and mindful as possible.

Surround yourself with things that you find uplifting and nourishing.

Minimize stress and exposure to frantic or disturbing environments.

A cleanse can stir up unresolved emotions so it is important to be prepared for some emotional purging as well. If

intense emotions arise during or after your cleanse, greet your emotions with compassion, observe them with

detached awareness, and allow them simply to move through – honoring yourself in the process.

REST as much as possible. You can ensure that the bulk of your energy is devoted to cleansing by minimizing the

number of resources that your body allocates elsewhere.

A New Beginning… Transitioning Back Into Your Normal Life Toward the end of the cleanse, take some time to reflect on your life so that you can move forward with whatever

new intentions feel important to you at this time. One of the greatest gifts you can give yourself as you wrap up

your cleanse is to honor the effort you’ve made by slowly and gently easing back into a more diverse diet and a

more typical routine. Even after you’ve moved through a defined period of reintroduction, understand that it may

take some time – two weeks, a month, or longer – before you are able to fully appreciate the benefits of your

cleanse. The body is often still working to eliminate the toxins released during the cleanse, so this is completely

normal. It is really important to cultivate inner awareness and to listen to your body as you transition into a more

diverse, but healthy, diet and lifestyle. As you do this, you can move into the final phase of the process – known in

Ayurveda asrasayana or rejuvenation – a period of time to offer your tissues deep nourishment.

Recipes

These delicious recipes have been provided courtesy of Dr. Scott Blossom. Remember that your food will absorb

the energy of your mindset and state of being while cooking, so you can assist your healing process by bringing

good intentions and a sense of presence to your kitchen.

Seasoned Barley

Pitta Cooling Kitchari

Fresh Coriander Chutney

Sesame Seed Chutney

Cumin, Coriander, Fennel Tea for Vata and Pitta Imbalances

Alakananda Ma’s Rehydration Tea

Other Herbal Teas

Banyan Botanicals also carries a variety of masterfully blended organic teas for your tasting delight.

Shopping List

Herbs & Products

Organic Sunflower Oil or Pitta Massage Oil

Nasya Oil

Triphala Powder or Triphala Tablets

Tongue Cleaner

Brahmi / Gotu Kola (optional)

Detox Tea (optional)

Pitta Digest (optional)

Groceries

Organic White Basmati Rice, ~3 lbs.

Organic Yellow Split Mung Beans or Organic Whole Mung Beans (available in the bulk section of most health

food stores) ~1.5 lbs.

Organic Ghee (Clarified Butter – available at most health food stores)

Organic Roasted Sesame Seeds (optional)

Kombu or Wakame (optional) (available at most health food stores)

Vegetables such as Burdock Root

Zucchini

Green Beans

Spices and Garnishes to Have on Hand Black Pepper

Cayenne Pepper (optional – use only a pinch so as not to aggravate pitta)

Cilantro

Coconut, Unsweetened and Shredded

Coriander Powder

Coriander Seeds

Cumin Seeds

Fennel Seeds

Ginger Root, Fresh

Fresh Mint or Dried Peppermint

Lemons

Limes

Sage, Dried

Sea Salt

Sweeteners: Barley Malt, Maple Syrup, Raw Honey, and/or Turbinado Sugar

Turmeric Root, Fresh (optional)

Turmeric, Powdered

Or, save time and money with one of Banyan’s Cleanse Kits:

Kitchari Kit

7-day Supply of Organic Basmati Rice

7-day Supply of Organic Split Mung Dal

Kitchari Spice Mix

Organic Ghee

Ayurvedic Cleanse Kit

All of the above plus…

Organic Triphala Tablets

Organic Sesame Oil

Detox Tea

Deluxe Ayurvedic Cleanse Kit

All of the above plus…

Organic Chyavanprash

Organic Nasya Oil

Nasal Rinse Cup

Stainless Steel Tongue Cleaner

---

Melody Mischke

Melody Mischke was first introduced to Ayurveda while traveling in India in her early twenties. As her interest in

the tradition deepened, she decided to attend the Ayurvedic Institute, where she had the profound honor of studying

under Dr. Vasant Lad, Dr. Claudia Welch, and a number of other inspiring teachers. As a Certified Ayurvedic

Practitioner and Yoga Teacher, Melody uses lifestyle practices, subtle therapies, diet, and herbs to help her clients

foster an ever-improving experience of wellness. At the core, she is guided by a deep desire to live her own life in

alignment with her truest inner nature, and to support others in doing the same. She currently resides in Evergreen,

Colorado with her husband, Erick, and their son.

Spring Cleanse for Kapha

Banyan friend, Michelle (Kapha type), practices gentle morning yoga.

A Gentle Spring Cleanse for Kapha-Predominant Types

Your body is remarkably intelligent and incredibly hard working. Day in and day out, it processes all kinds of

inputs – distinguishing what’s good for you from what’s not, doing its best to eliminate any harmful substances

alongside routine metabolic waste. But these days, our bodies are inundated with a never-ending barrage of

stressors: environmental toxins, processed foods, unresolved emotions, and psychological stress, to name a

few. Inevitably, in attempting to “digest” it all, we accumulate some degree of toxicity – which, over time, can

build up in the system, deposit in the tissues, and compromise our health. But there is something you can do to give

your body a break. Actually, this is precisely the idea behind an Ayurvedic cleanse: to slow the flood so that the

body can rest, recuperate, and repair itself. And amazingly, when the deluge of inputs slows, your body will

immediately take advantage of the lull to do some very deep cleaning.

The practice of cleansing is considered a vital part of an Ayurvedic lifestyle, with great potential for improved

energy, strength, and immunity, as well as a renewed love of life. An Ayurvedic cleanse rests and resets the

digestive system, eliminates toxins, and simultaneously removes excess vata, pitta, and kapha from the body – all

of which serve to promote improved balance and overall health.

Below, you will find everything you need to implement a simple, food-based cleanse at home this

spring. However, even a gentle cleanse like this one is not appropriate for pregnant or breastfeeding women, or

anyone who is extremely weak or debilitated. On the other hand, if you are considering becoming pregnant, it is

ideal for both partners to undertake a cleanse approximately three months prior to conception.

What To Expect This particular cleanse is seven days in length, but plan on giving the process about two weeks for optimal

results. This timeframe allows for proper preparation before the cleanse and eases you slowly back into your

normal routine afterwards.

A traditional Ayurvedic cleanse involves four distinct phases, each critically important to your success:

1. Preparation

Three Days Prior To The Cleanse (longer, if possible)

For a few days leading up to your cleanse, focus on cleaning up your diet and habits to prepare the body for an

effective cleanse. You will want to eliminate (or at least dramatically reduce) your use of coffee, caffeine, tobacco

products, alcohol, and any recreational drugs. At the same time, reduce your intake of fast foods, processed foods,

meat, refined sugars, and sweets. During this time, eat as many simple, whole foods as possible (fruits, vegetables,

whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds).

2. Active Cleansing

Core Seven Days Of The Cleanse

This is the heart of the cleanse. During this time, you will eat a very simplified mono-diet of kitchari (basmati rice

cooked with split mung beans). This diet is substantive enough that you can maintain your essential responsibilities

but it simultaneously resets the digestive system, supports the elimination of toxins, and balances vata, pitta, and

kapha. During this seven day period, other cleansing practices such as abhyanga (Ayurvedic oil massage), gentle

exercise, and detoxifying herbs can enhance the efficacy of the cleanse. Further instructions detailing this phase of

the cleanse are below.

3. Reintroduction

Three Days Following the Cleanse (longer, if possible)

Even after you complete the seventh day of the cleanse, your body will still be processing the toxins that may have

been stirred into circulation. And, your digestive system will have become accustomed to a very clean diet and will

be somewhat sensitive to overly stimulating or processed foods. Therefore, a slow transition back to a more diverse

diet and back into your normal routine is critically important. This three-day period is a chance to buffer your

system and to rekindle youragni (digestive fire) so that it can handle more complex foods. Again, eat primarily

simple, whole foods, diversifying your menu very gradually. If possible, take this time to test the waters with foods

that are potentially aggravating like dairy, wheat, and soy – ideally, reintroducing these foods one at a time and

giving yourself up to 24 hours to observe how your body responds.

4. Rejuvenation

Up to Three Months Following the Completion of the Cleanse

This is the final step in any Ayurvedic cleanse. Now that you’ve cleared your body of accumulated toxins and

imbalances, your tissues are primed to receive very deep nourishment. Rejuvenating foods and practices are

usually sweet and comforting, and most people find this phase of the cleanse quite enjoyable. If you received an

email about this cleanse, you will receive a second email in a few weeks detailing the rejuvenation process. If

you’d like to know more now, click here.

Please Note: This timeframe is ideal, but if you don’t have two weeks to give to a cleanse, you can shorten the

phases in proportion to one another. For example, you might do 1-2 days of preparation, 3-4 days of cleansing, 1-

2 days of reintroduction, and 1-2 months of rejuvenation.

Planning and Preparation

The more completely you can clear your schedule for this process, the better. At a minimum, eliminate any

unnecessary obligations and give yourself as much unscheduled time to rest as possible. A menstruating woman

should schedule her cleanse around her cycle to ensure that she is not bleeding during the 7 days of active

cleansing. If her period comes unexpectedly, she can continue on the kitchari diet, but should suspend all other

practices (abhyanga, nasya, triphala, etc.) until her menstruation is complete.

Daily Routine During the 7-Day Active Cleansing Phase Freshly prepared foods are best for your cleanse, so you’ll want to cook your breakfast grains and kitchari fresh

each day – at whatever time works best with your schedule. While it is acceptable to prepare all of your food for

the day first thing in the morning, you’ll want to avoid eating leftovers from previous days throughout the cleanse.

Morning Routine

Rise early so that you can complete your morning routine before breakfast

Upon waking, scrape your tongue and brush your teeth

Administer Nasya Oil (3-5 drops in each nostril)

Sip 8 oz. of hot water to cleanse the system and to awaken the digestive capacity

Perform Abhyanga (Ayurvedic Self Massage) with Organic Sesame Oil or Kapha Massage Oil

For maximum benefit, let the oil soak in for about 20 minutes

Steam Bath, Sauna, or Improvised Sweat

If you have access to a steam room or sauna, let your oil soak in as you sit just long enough to break a sweat

Otherwise, you can warm your bathroom with a space heater and create a little steam with hot water from the

shower

It is important not to get chilled

Take a bath or shower

Take care not to slip on oily surfaces – consider washing your feet first

When shampooing, it can be helpful to apply and massage shampoo into the hair before wetting it and, if

necessary, shampoo a second time

If you do not need to go out, it is fine to leave some oil in your hair

Use soap strategically (not all over the body)

Excess oil will rinse off with water

Use a designated towel to pat dry (this towel will become oily over time)

Gentle Exercise

Slow, gentle movements will support cleansing; more than that can be counterproductive

This is not a time to push yourself

Consider walking, tai chi, or qigong

Some gentle, Vata Pacifying Yoga (which is gentle enough for the cleanse) would also be perfect

Eat Breakfast

Seasoned Barley or Kitchari – as much as desired (do not overeat)

Throughout The Day

Eat kitchari throughout the day, as desired

Eat at least 3 meals per day

Have more than 3 meals per day, if desired – allowing at least 3 hours between meals

It is best to avoid snacking, but if you need a little something extra, you can enjoy some fresh fruit or a few raw

nuts

It is very important not to feel deprived during your cleanse

Be sure to eat enough food and enough variety that you truly feel satisfied and at peace with this process

You can garnish your kitchari with Fresh Coriander Chutney or Sesame Seed Chutney

Try not to eat after 7pm

Drink plenty of of room temperature, warm, or hot fluids each day to ensure adequate hydration and to help flush

toxins as they are released (a good rule of thumb is to divide your weight – in pounds – by two and drink at least

that number of ounces each day: e.g. 150lbs ÷ 2 = 75 oz.)

Ideally, most of your fluids should be taken between meals

Appropriate fluids include water, Ginger Turmeric Tea, Rehydration Tea, and Detox Tea – drink as much of these

as you like

Evening Routine

Triphala Tea

About a half hour before bed, steep ½ teaspoon triphala powder in a cup of freshly boiled water for 10 minutes,

cool, and drink

Or, take 2 triphala tablets with a glass of water

Retire for the Night

Sleep is the body’s best time to detox so be sure to get plenty of rest during the cleanse

Making Supportive Lifestyle Choices

Keep your activities as quiet and mindful as possible.

Surround yourself with things that you find uplifting and nourishing.

Minimize stress and exposure to frantic or disturbing environments.

A cleanse can stir up unresolved emotions so it is important to be prepared for some emotional purging as well. If

intense emotions arise during or after your cleanse, greet your emotions with compassion, observe them with

detached awareness, and allow them simply to move through – honoring yourself in the process.

REST as much as possible. You can ensure that the bulk of your energy is devoted to cleansing by minimizing the

number of resources that your body allocates elsewhere.

A New Beginning… Transitioning Back Into Your Normal Life Toward the end of the cleanse, take some time to reflect on your life so that you can move forward with whatever

new intentions feel important to you at this time. One of the greatest gifts you can give yourself as you wrap up

your cleanse is to honor the effort you’ve made by slowly and gently easing back into a more diverse diet and a

more typical routine. Even after you’ve moved through a defined period of reintroduction, understand that it may

take some time – two weeks, a month, or longer – before you are able to fully appreciate the benefits of your

cleanse. The body is often still working to eliminate the toxins released during the cleanse, so this is completely

normal. It is really important to cultivate inner awareness and to listen to your body as you transition into a more

diverse, but healthy, diet and lifestyle. As you do this, you can move into the final phase of the process – known in

Ayurveda asrasayana or rejuvenation – a period of time to offer your tissues deep nourishment.

Recipes

These delicious recipes have been provided courtesy of Dr. Scott Blossom. Remember that your food will absorb

the energy of your mindset and state of being while cooking, so you can assist your healing process by bringing

good intentions and a sense of presence to your kitchen.

Seasoned Barley

Kapha Reducing Kitchari

Fresh Coriander Chutney

Sesame Seed Chutney

Ginger Turmeric Tea

Alakananda Ma’s Rehydration Tea

Other Herbal Teas

Banyan Botanicals also carries a variety of masterfully blended organic teas for your tasting delight.

Shopping List

Herbs & Products Organic Sesame Oil or Kapha Massage Oil

Nasya Oil

Triphala Powder or Triphala Tablets

Tongue Cleaner

Brahmi / Gotu Kola (optional)

Detox Tea (optional)

Kapha Digest (optional)

Groceries Organic White Basmati Rice, ~3 lbs.

Organic Yellow Split Mung Beans or Organic Whole Mung Beans (available in the bulk section of most health

food stores) ~1.5 lbs.

Organic Ghee (Clarified Butter – available at most health food stores)

Organic Roasted Sesame Seeds (optional)

Kombu or Wakame (optional) (available at most health food stores)

Vegetables such as

Burdock Root

Zucchini

Green Beans

Leafy Greens (Kale or Collard Greens)

Onion

Spices and Garnishes to Consider Having on Hand (for the above recipes)

Bay Leaves

Black Mustard Seeds

Black Pepper

Cayenne Pepper

Cilantro

Coconut, Unsweetened and Shredded

Coriander Powder

Coriander Seeds

Cumin Seeds

Fennel Seeds

Ginger Root, Fresh

Lemons

Limes

Fresh Mint or Dried Peppermint

Oregano

Sage, Dried

Sea Salt

Sweeteners: Raw Honey (best choice for kapha), and/or Turbinado Sugar

Turmeric Root, Fresh (optional)

Turmeric, Powdered

Or, save time and money with one of Banyan’s Cleanse Kits:

Kitchari Kit

7-day Supply of Organic Basmati Rice

7-day Supply of Organic Split Mung Dal

Kitchari Spice Mix

Organic Ghee

Ayurvedic Cleanse Kit

All of the above plus…

Organic Triphala Tablets

Organic Sesame Oil

Detox Tea

Deluxe Ayurvedic Cleanse Kit

All of the above plus…

Organic Chyavanprash

Organic Nasya Oil

Nasal Rinse Cup

Stainless Steel Tongue Cleaner

---

Melody Mischke

Melody Mischke was first introduced to Ayurveda while traveling in India in her early twenties. As her interest in

the tradition deepened, she decided to attend the Ayurvedic Institute, where she had the profound honor of studying

under Dr. Vasant Lad, Dr. Claudia Welch, and a number of other inspiring teachers. As a Certified Ayurvedic

Practitioner and Yoga Teacher, Melody uses lifestyle practices, subtle therapies, diet, and herbs to help her clients

foster an ever-improving experience of wellness. At the core, she is guided by a deep desire to live her own life in

alignment with her truest inner nature, and to support others in doing the same. She currently resides in Evergreen,

Colorado with her husband, Erick, and their son.

Spring Cleanse for Vata-Pitta and Pitta-Vata Types

Customer Service rep, Shawn (Pitta-Vata), making some time to journal.

A Gentle Spring Cleanse for Vata-Pitta and Pitta-Vata Predominant Types Your body is remarkably intelligent and incredibly hard working. Day in and day out, it processes all kinds of

inputs – distinguishing what’s good for you from what’s not, doing its best to eliminate any harmful substances

alongside routine metabolic waste. But these days, our bodies are inundated with a never-ending barrage of

stressors: environmental toxins, processed foods, unresolved emotions, and psychological stress, to name a

few. Inevitably, in attempting to “digest” it all, we accumulate some degree of toxicity – which, over time, can

build up in the system, deposit in the tissues, and compromise our health. But there is something you can do to give

your body a break. Actually, this is precisely the idea behind an Ayurvedic cleanse: to slow the flood so that the

body can rest, recuperate, and repair itself. And amazingly, when the deluge of inputs slows, your body will

immediately take advantage of the lull to do some very deep cleaning.

The practice of cleansing is considered a vital part of an Ayurvedic lifestyle, with great potential for improved

energy, strength, and immunity, as well as a renewed love of life. An Ayurvedic cleanse rests and resets the

digestive system, eliminates toxins, and simultaneously removes excess vata, pitta, and kapha from the body – all

of which serve to promote improved balance and overall health.

Below, you will find everything you need to implement a simple, food-based cleanse at home this

spring. However, even a gentle cleanse like this one is not appropriate for pregnant or breastfeeding women, or

anyone who is extremely weak or debilitated. On the other hand, if you are considering becoming pregnant, it is

ideal for both partners to undertake a cleanse approximately three months prior to conception.

What To Expect This particular cleanse is seven days in length, but plan on giving the process about two weeks for optimal

results. This timeframe allows for proper preparation before the cleanse and eases you slowly back into your

normal routine afterwards.

A traditional Ayurvedic cleanse involves four distinct phases, each critically important to your success:

1. Preparation

Three Days Prior To The Cleanse (longer, if possible)

For a few days leading up to your cleanse, focus on cleaning up your diet and habits to prepare the body for an

effective cleanse. You will want to eliminate (or at least dramatically reduce) your use of coffee, caffeine, tobacco

products, alcohol, and any recreational drugs. At the same time, reduce your intake of fast foods, processed foods,

meat, refined sugars, and sweets. During this time, eat as many simple, whole foods as possible (fruits, vegetables,

whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds).

2. Active Cleansing

Core Seven Days Of The Cleanse

This is the heart of the cleanse. During this time, you will eat a very simplified mono-diet of kitchari (basmati rice

cooked with split mung beans). This diet is substantive enough that you can maintain your essential responsibilities

but it simultaneously resets the digestive system, supports the elimination of toxins, and balances vata, pitta, and

kapha. During this seven day period, other cleansing practices such as abhyanga (Ayurvedic oil massage), gentle

exercise, and detoxifying herbs can enhance the efficacy of the cleanse. Further instructions detailing this phase of

the cleanse are below.

3. Reintroduction

Three Days Following the Cleanse (longer, if possible)

Even after you complete the seventh day of the cleanse, your body will still be processing the toxins that may have

been stirred into circulation. And, your digestive system will have become accustomed to a very clean diet and will

be somewhat sensitive to overly stimulating or processed foods. Therefore, a slow transition back to a more diverse

diet and back into your normal routine is critically important. This three-day period is a chance to buffer your

system and to rekindle youragni (digestive fire) so that it can handle more complex foods. Again, eat primarily

simple, whole foods, diversifying your menu very gradually. If possible, take this time to test the waters with foods

that are potentially aggravating like dairy, wheat, and soy – ideally, reintroducing these foods one at a time and

giving yourself up to 24 hours to observe how your body responds.

4. Rejuvenation

Up to Three Months Following the Completion of the Cleanse

This is the final step in any Ayurvedic cleanse. Now that you’ve cleared your body of accumulated toxins and

imbalances, your tissues are primed to receive very deep nourishment. Rejuvenating foods and practices are

usually sweet and comforting, and most people find this phase of the cleanse quite enjoyable. If you received an

email about this cleanse, you will receive a second email in a few weeks detailing the rejuvenation process. If

you’d like to know more now, click here.

Please Note: This timeframe is ideal, but if you don’t have two weeks to give to a cleanse, you can shorten the

phases in proportion to one another. For example, you might do 1-2 days of preparation, 3-4 days of cleansing, 1-

2 days of reintroduction, and 1-2 months of rejuvenation.

Planning and Preparation

The more completely you can clear your schedule for this process, the better. At a minimum, eliminate any

unnecessary obligations and give yourself as much unscheduled time to rest as possible. A menstruating woman

should schedule her cleanse around her cycle to ensure that she is not bleeding during the 7 days of active

cleansing. If her period comes unexpectedly, she can continue on the kitchari diet, but should suspend all other

practices (abhyanga, nasya, triphala, etc.) until her menstruation is complete.

Daily Routine During the 7-Day Active Cleansing Phase Freshly prepared foods are best for your cleanse, so you’ll want to cook your breakfast grains and kitchari fresh

each day – at whatever time works best with your schedule. While it is acceptable to prepare all of your food for

the day first thing in the morning, you’ll want to avoid eating leftovers from previous days throughout the cleanse.

Morning Routine

Rise early so that you can complete your morning routine before breakfast

Upon waking, scrape your tongue and brush your teeth

Administer Nasya Oil (3-5 drops in each nostril)

Sip 8 oz. of hot water to cleanse the system and to awaken the digestive capacity

Perform Abhyanga (Ayurvedic Self Massage) with Organic Sunflower Oil or Pitta Massage Oil (both seasonally

appropriate)

For maximum benefit, let the oil soak in for about 20 minutes

Steam Bath, Sauna, or Improvised Sweat

If you have access to a steam room or sauna, let your oil soak in as you sit just long enough to break a sweat

Otherwise, you can warm your bathroom with a space heater and create a little steam with hot water from the

shower

It is important not to get chilled

Take a bath or shower

Take care not to slip on oily surfaces – consider washing your feet first

When shampooing, it can be helpful to apply and massage shampoo into the hair before wetting it and, if

necessary, shampoo a second time

If you do not need to go out, it is fine to leave some oil in your hair

Use soap strategically (not all over the body)

Excess oil will rinse off with water

Use a designated towel to pat dry (this towel will become oily over time)

Gentle Exercise

Slow, gentle movements will support cleansing; more than that can be counterproductive

This is not a time to push yourself

Consider walking, tai chi, or qigong

Some gentle, Vata Pacifying Yoga (which is gentle enough for the cleanse) would also be perfect

Eat Breakfast

Rice Porridge, Seasoned Barley or Kitchari – as much as desired (do not overeat)

Throughout The Day

Eat kitchari throughout the day, as desired

Eat at least 3 meals per day

Have more than 3 meals per day, if desired – allowing at least 3 hours between meals

It is best to avoid snacking, but if you need a little something extra, you can enjoy some fresh fruit or a few raw

nuts

It is very important not to feel deprived during your cleanse

Be sure to eat enough food and enough variety that you truly feel satisfied and at peace with this process

You can garnish your kitchari with Fresh Coriander Chutney or Sesame Seed Chutney

Try not to eat after 7pm

Drink at least 12 cups (96 fl. oz.) of room temperature, warm, or hot fluids each day to ensure adequate hydration

and to help flush toxins as they are released

Ideally, most of your fluids should be taken between meals

Appropriate fluids include water, CCF Tea, Rehydration Tea, and Detox Tea – drink as much of these as you like

Evening Routine

Triphala Tea

About a half hour before bed, steep ½ teaspoon triphala powder in a cup of freshly boiled water for 10 minutes,

cool, and drink

Or, take 2 triphala tablets with a glass of water

Retire for the Night

Sleep is the body’s best time to detox so be sure to get plenty of rest during the cleanse

Making Supportive Lifestyle Choices

Keep your activities as quiet and mindful as possible.

Surround yourself with things that you find uplifting and nourishing.

Minimize stress and exposure to frantic or disturbing environments.

A cleanse can stir up unresolved emotions so it is important to be prepared for some emotional purging as well. If

intense emotions arise during or after your cleanse, greet your emotions with compassion, observe them with

detached awareness, and allow them simply to move through – honoring yourself in the process.

REST as much as possible. You can ensure that the bulk of your energy is devoted to cleansing by minimizing the

number of resources that your body allocates elsewhere.

A New Beginning… Transitioning Back Into Your Normal Life Toward the end of the cleanse, take some time to reflect on your life so that you can move forward with whatever

new intentions feel important to you at this time. One of the greatest gifts you can give yourself as you wrap up

your cleanse is to honor the effort you’ve made by slowly and gently easing back into a more diverse diet and a

more typical routine. Even after you’ve moved through a defined period of reintroduction, understand that it may

take some time – two weeks, a month, or longer – before you are able to fully appreciate the benefits of your

cleanse. The body is often still working to eliminate the toxins released during the cleanse, so this is completely

normal. It is really important to cultivate inner awareness and to listen to your body as you transition into a more

diverse, but healthy, diet and lifestyle. As you do this, you can move into the final phase of the process – known in

Ayurveda as rasayana or rejuvenation – a period of time to offer your tissues deep nourishment.

Recipes

These delicious recipes have been provided courtesy of Dr. Scott Blossom. Remember that your food will absorb

the energy of your mindset and state of being while cooking, so you can assist your healing process by bringing

good intentions and a sense of presence to your kitchen.

Rice Porridge

Seasoned Barley

Pitta Cooling Kitchari

Fresh Coriander Chutney

Sesame Seed Chutney

Cumin, Coriander, Fennel Tea

Alakananda Ma’s Rehydration Tea

Other Herbal Teas

Banyan Botanicals also carries a variety of masterfully blended organic teas for your tasting delight.

Shopping List

Herbs & Products

Organic Sunflower Oil or Pitta Massage Oil

Nasya Oil

Triphala Powder or Triphala Tablets

Tongue Cleaner

Brahmi / Gotu Kola (optional)

Detox Tea (optional)

Vata Digest (optional)

Pitta Digest (optional)

Groceries Organic White Basmati Rice, ~3 lbs.

Organic Yellow Split Mung Beans or Organic Whole Mung Beans (available in the bulk section of most health

food stores) ~1.5 lbs.

Organic Ghee (Clarified Butter – available at most health food stores)

Organic Roasted Sesame Seeds (optional)

Kombu or Wakame (optional) (available at most health food stores)

Vegetables such as

Burdock Root

Green Beans

Zucchini

Spices and Garnishes to Consider Having on Hand (for the above recipes)

Black Pepper

Cayenne Pepper (use only a pinch so as not to aggravate pitta)

Cilantro

Coconut, Unsweetened and Shredded

Coriander Powder

Coriander Seeds

Cumin Seeds

Fennel Seeds

Ginger Root, Fresh

Lemons

Limes

Fresh Mint or Dried Peppermint

Sage, Dried

Sea Salt

Sweeteners: Barley Malt, Maple Syrup, Raw Honey, and/or Turbinado Sugar

Turmeric Root, Fresh (optional)

Turmeric, Powdered

Or, save time and money with one of Banyan’s Cleanse Kits:

Kitchari Kit

7-day Supply of Organic Basmati Rice

7-day Supply of Organic Split Mung Dal

Kitchari Spice Mix

Organic Ghee

Ayurvedic Cleanse Kit

All of the above plus…

Organic Triphala Tablets

Organic Sesame Oil

Detox Tea

Deluxe Ayurvedic Cleanse Kit

All of the above plus…

Organic Chyavanprash

Organic Nasya Oil

Nasal Rinse Cup

Stainless Steel Tongue Cleaner

---

Melody Mischke

Melody Mischke was first introduced to Ayurveda while traveling in India in her early twenties. As her interest in

the tradition deepened, she decided to attend the Ayurvedic Institute, where she had the profound honor of studying

under Dr. Vasant Lad, Dr. Claudia Welch, and a number of other inspiring teachers. As a Certified Ayurvedic

Practitioner and Yoga Teacher, Melody uses lifestyle practices, subtle therapies, diet, and herbs to help her clients

foster an ever-improving experience of wellness. At the core, she is guided by a deep desire to live her own life in

alignment with her truest inner nature, and to support others in doing the same. She currently resides in Evergreen,

Colorado with her husband, Erick, and their son.

Spring Cleanse for Pitta-Kapha and Kapha-Pitta Types

Customer Service rep, Elizabeth (Pitta-Kapha), is uplifted by puppy love.

A Gentle Spring Cleanse for Pitta-Kapha and Kapha-Pitta Predominant Types Your body is remarkably intelligent and incredibly hard working. Day in and day out, it processes all kinds of

inputs – distinguishing what’s good for you from what’s not, doing its best to eliminate any harmful substances

alongside routine metabolic waste. But these days, our bodies are inundated with a never-ending barrage of

stressors: environmental toxins, processed foods, unresolved emotions, and psychological stress, to name a

few. Inevitably, in attempting to “digest” it all, we accumulate some degree of toxicity – which, over time, can

build up in the system, deposit in the tissues, and compromise our health. But there is something you can do to give

your body a break. Actually, this is precisely the idea behind an Ayurvedic cleanse: to slow the flood so that the

body can rest, recuperate, and repair itself. And amazingly, when the deluge of inputs slows, your body will

immediately take advantage of the lull to do some very deep cleaning.

The practice of cleansing is considered a vital part of an Ayurvedic lifestyle, with great potential for improved

energy, strength, and immunity, as well as a renewed love of life. An Ayurvedic cleanse rests and resets the

digestive system, eliminates toxins, and simultaneously removes excess vata, pitta, and kapha from the body – all

of which serve to promote improved balance and overall health.

Below, you will find everything you need to implement a simple, food-based cleanse at home this

spring. However, even a gentle cleanse like this one is not appropriate for pregnant or breastfeeding women, or

anyone who is extremely weak or debilitated. On the other hand, if you are considering becoming pregnant, it is

ideal for both partners to undertake a cleanse approximately three months prior to conception.

What To Expect This particular cleanse is seven days in length, but plan on giving the process about two weeks for optimal

results. This timeframe allows for proper preparation before the cleanse and eases you slowly back into your

normal routine afterwards.

A traditional Ayurvedic cleanse involves four distinct phases, each critically important to your success:

1. Preparation

Three Days Prior To The Cleanse (longer, if possible)

For a few days leading up to your cleanse, focus on cleaning up your diet and habits to prepare the body for an

effective cleanse. You will want to eliminate (or at least dramatically reduce) your use of coffee, caffeine, tobacco

products, alcohol, and any recreational drugs. At the same time, reduce your intake of fast foods, processed foods,

meat, refined sugars, and sweets. During this time, eat as many simple, whole foods as possible (fruits, vegetables,

whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds).

2. Active Cleansing

Core Seven Days Of The Cleanse

This is the heart of the cleanse. During this time, you will eat a very simplified mono-diet of kitchari (basmati rice

cooked with split mung beans). This diet is substantive enough that you can maintain your essential responsibilities

but it simultaneously resets the digestive system, supports the elimination of toxins, and balances vata, pitta, and

kapha. During this seven day period, other cleansing practices such as abhyanga (Ayurvedic oil massage), gentle

exercise, and detoxifying herbs can enhance the efficacy of the cleanse. Further instructions detailing this phase of

the cleanse are below.

3. Reintroduction

Three Days Following the Cleanse (longer, if possible)

Even after you complete the seventh day of the cleanse, your body will still be processing the toxins that may have

been stirred into circulation. And, your digestive system will have become accustomed to a very clean diet and will

be somewhat sensitive to overly stimulating or processed foods. Therefore, a slow transition back to a more diverse

diet and back into your normal routine is critically important. This three-day period is a chance to buffer your

system and to rekindle youragni (digestive fire) so that it can handle more complex foods. Again, eat primarily

simple, whole foods, diversifying your menu very gradually. If possible, take this time to test the waters with foods

that are potentially aggravating like dairy, wheat, and soy – ideally, reintroducing these foods one at a time and

giving yourself up to 24 hours to observe how your body responds.

4. Rejuvenation

Up to Three Months Following the Completion of the Cleanse

This is the final step in any Ayurvedic cleanse. Now that you’ve cleared your body of accumulated toxins and

imbalances, your tissues are primed to receive very deep nourishment. Rejuvenating foods and practices are

usually sweet and comforting, and most people find this phase of the cleanse quite enjoyable. If you received an

email about this cleanse, you will receive a second email in a few weeks detailing the rejuvenation process. If

you’d like to know more now, click here.

Please Note: This timeframe is ideal, but if you don’t have two weeks to give to a cleanse, you can shorten the

phases in proportion to one another. For example, you might do 1-2 days of preparation, 3-4 days of cleansing, 1-

2 days of reintroduction, and 1-2 months of rejuvenation.

Planning and Preparation

The more completely you can clear your schedule for this process, the better. At a minimum, eliminate any

unnecessary obligations and give yourself as much unscheduled time to rest as possible. A menstruating woman

should schedule her cleanse around her cycle to ensure that she is not bleeding during the 7 days of active

cleansing. If her period comes unexpectedly, she can continue on the kitchari diet, but should suspend all other

practices (abhyanga, nasya, triphala, etc.) until her menstruation is complete.

Daily Routine During the 7-Day Active Cleansing Phase Freshly prepared foods are best for your cleanse, so you’ll want to cook your breakfast grains and kitchari fresh

each day – at whatever time works best with your schedule. While it is acceptable to prepare all of your food for

the day first thing in the morning, you’ll want to avoid eating leftovers from previous days throughout the cleanse.

Morning Routine

Rise early so that you can complete your morning routine before breakfast

Upon waking, scrape your tongue and brush your teeth

Administer Nasya Oil (3-5 drops in each nostril)

Sip 8 oz. of hot water to cleanse the system and to awaken the digestive capacity

Perform Abhyanga (Ayurvedic Self Massage) with Organic Sesame Oil or Kapha Massage Oil (both seasonally

appropriate)

For maximum benefit, let the oil soak in for about 20 minutes

Steam Bath, Sauna, or Improvised Sweat

If you have access to a steam room or sauna, let your oil soak in as you sit just long enough to break a sweat

Otherwise, you can warm your bathroom with a space heater and create a little steam with hot water from the

shower

It is important not to get chilled

Take a bath or shower

Take care not to slip on oily surfaces – consider washing your feet first

When shampooing, it can be helpful to apply and massage shampoo into the hair before wetting it and, if

necessary, shampoo a second time

If you do not need to go out, it is fine to leave some oil in your hair

Use soap strategically (not all over the body)

Excess oil will rinse off with water

Use a designated towel to pat dry (this towel will become oily over time)

Gentle Exercise

Slow, gentle movements will support cleansing; more than that can be counterproductive

This is not a time to push yourself

Consider walking, tai chi, or qigong

Some gentle, Vata Pacifying Yoga (which is gentle enough for the cleanse) would also be perfect

Eat Breakfast

Seasoned Barley or Kitchari – as much as desired (do not overeat)

Throughout The Day

Eat kitchari throughout the day, as desired

Eat at least 3 meals per day

Have more than 3 meals per day, if desired – allowing at least 3 hours between meals

It is best to avoid snacking, but if you need a little something extra, you can enjoy some fresh fruit or a few raw

nuts

It is very important not to feel deprived during your cleanse

Be sure to eat enough food and enough variety that you truly feel satisfied and at peace with this process

You can garnish your kitchari with Fresh Coriander Chutney or Sesame Seed Chutney

Try not to eat after 6pm

Drink plenty of of room temperature, warm, or hot fluids each day to ensure adequate hydration and to help flush

toxins as they are released (a good rule of thumb is to divide your weight – in pounds – by two and drink at least

that number of ounces each day: e.g. 150lbs ÷ 2 = 75 oz.)

Ideally, most of your fluids should be taken between meals

Appropriate fluids include water, CCF Tea, Ginger Turmeric Tea, Rehydration Tea, and Detox Tea – drink as

much of these as you like

Evening Routine

Triphala Tea

About a half hour before bed, steep ½ teaspoon triphala powder in a cup of freshly boiled water for 10 minutes,

cool, and drink

Or, take 2 triphala tablets with a glass of water

Retire for the Night

Sleep is the body’s best time to detox so be sure to get plenty of rest during the cleanse

Making Supportive Lifestyle Choices

Keep your activities as quiet and mindful as possible.

Surround yourself with things that you find uplifting and nourishing.

Minimize stress and exposure to frantic or disturbing environments.

A cleanse can stir up unresolved emotions so it is important to be prepared for some emotional purging as well. If

intense emotions arise during or after your cleanse, greet your emotions with compassion, observe them with

detached awareness, and allow them simply to move through – honoring yourself in the process.

REST as much as possible. You can ensure that the bulk of your energy is devoted to cleansing by minimizing the

number of resources that your body allocates elsewhere.

A New Beginning… Transitioning Back Into Your Normal Life Toward the end of the cleanse, take some time to reflect on your life so that you can move forward with whatever

new intentions feel important to you at this time. One of the greatest gifts you can give yourself as you wrap up

your cleanse is to honor the effort you’ve made by slowly and gently easing back into a more diverse diet and a

more typical routine. Even after you’ve moved through a defined period of reintroduction, understand that it may

take some time – two weeks, a month, or longer – before you are able to fully appreciate the benefits of your

cleanse. The body is often still working to eliminate the toxins released during the cleanse, so this is completely

normal. It is really important to cultivate inner awareness and to listen to your body as you transition into a more

diverse, but healthy, diet and lifestyle. As you do this, you can move into the final phase of the process – known in

Ayurveda as rasayana or rejuvenation – a period of time to offer your tissues deep nourishment.

Recipes

These delicious recipes have been provided courtesy of Dr. Scott Blossom. Remember that your food will absorb

the energy of your mindset and state of being while cooking, so you can assist your healing process by bringing

good intentions and a sense of presence to your kitchen.

Seasoned Barley

Kapha Reducing Kitchari

Fresh Coriander Chutney

Sesame Seed Chutney

Cumin, Coriander, Fennel Tea

Ginger Turmeric Tea

Alakananda Ma’s Rehydration Tea

Other Herbal Teas

Banyan Botanicals also carries a variety of masterfully blended organic teas for your tasting delight.

Shopping List

Herbs & Products Organic Sesame Oil or Kapha Massage Oil

Nasya Oil

Triphala Powder or Triphala Tablets

Tongue Cleaner

Brahmi / Gotu Kola (optional)

Detox Tea (optional)

Kapha Digest (optional)

Pitta Digest (optional)

Groceries

Organic White Basmati Rice, ~3 lbs.

Organic Yellow Split Mung Beans or Organic Whole Mung Beans (available in the bulk section of most health

food stores) ~1.5 lbs.

Organic Ghee (Clarified Butter – available at most health food stores)

Organic Roasted Sesame Seeds (optional)

Kombu or Wakame (optional) (available at most health food stores)

Vegetables such as

Burdock Root

Zucchini

Green Beans

Leafy Greens (Kale or Collard Greens)

Onion

Spices and Garnishes to Consider Having on Hand (for the above recipes)

Bay Leaves

Black Mustard Seeds

Black Pepper

Cayenne Pepper (use only a pinch so as not to aggravate pitta)

Cilantro

Coconut, Unsweetened and Shredded

Coriander Powder

Coriander Seeds

Cumin Seeds

Fennel Seeds

Ginger Root, Fresh

Lemons

Limes

Fresh Mint or Dried Peppermint

Oregano

Sage, Dried

Sea Salt

Sweeteners: Barley Malt, Maple Syrup, Raw Honey (best choice for excess kapha), and/or Turbinado Sugar

Turmeric Root, Fresh (optional)

Turmeric, Powdered

Or, save time and money with one of Banyan’s Cleanse Kits:

Kitchari Kit

7-day Supply of Organic Basmati Rice

7-day Supply of Organic Split Mung Dal

Kitchari Spice Mix

Organic Ghee

Ayurvedic Cleanse Kit

All of the above plus…

Organic Triphala Tablets

Organic Sesame Oil

Detox Tea

Deluxe Ayurvedic Cleanse Kit

All of the above plus…

Organic Chyavanprash

Organic Nasya Oil

Nasal Rinse Cup

Stainless Steel Tongue Cleaner

---

Spring Cleanse for Vata-Kapha and Kapha-Vata Types

Community Director, Erin (Vata-Kapha), enjoying a bowl of kitchari.

A Gentle Spring Cleanse for Vata-Kapha and Kapha-Vata Predominant Types Your body is remarkably intelligent and incredibly hard working. Day in and day out, it processes all kinds of

inputs – distinguishing what’s good for you from what’s not, doing its best to eliminate any harmful substances

alongside routine metabolic waste. But these days, our bodies are inundated with a never-ending barrage of

stressors: environmental toxins, processed foods, unresolved emotions, and psychological stress, to name a

few. Inevitably, in attempting to “digest” it all, we accumulate some degree of toxicity – which, over time, can

build up in the system, deposit in the tissues, and compromise our health. But there is something you can do to give

your body a break. Actually, this is precisely the idea behind an Ayurvedic cleanse: to slow the flood so that the

body can rest, recuperate, and repair itself. And amazingly, when the deluge of inputs slows, your body will

immediately take advantage of the lull to do some very deep cleaning.

The practice of cleansing is considered a vital part of an Ayurvedic lifestyle, with great potential for improved

energy, strength, and immunity, as well as a renewed love of life. An Ayurvedic cleanse rests and resets the

digestive system, eliminates toxins, and simultaneously removes excess vata, pitta, and kapha from the body – all

of which serve to promote improved balance and overall health.

Below, you will find everything you need to implement a simple, food-based cleanse at home this

spring. However, even a gentle cleanse like this one is not appropriate for pregnant or breastfeeding women, or

anyone who is extremely weak or debilitated. On the other hand, if you are considering becoming pregnant, it is

ideal for both partners to undertake a cleanse approximately three months prior to conception.

What To Expect This particular cleanse is seven days in length, but plan on giving the process about two weeks for optimal

results. This timeframe allows for proper preparation before the cleanse and eases you slowly back into your

normal routine afterwards.

A traditional Ayurvedic cleanse involves four distinct phases, each critically important to your success:

1. Preparation

Three Days Prior To The Cleanse (longer, if possible)

For a few days leading up to your cleanse, focus on cleaning up your diet and habits to prepare the body for an

effective cleanse. You will want to eliminate (or at least dramatically reduce) your use of coffee, caffeine, tobacco

products, alcohol, and any recreational drugs. At the same time, reduce your intake of fast foods, processed foods,

meat, refined sugars, and sweets. During this time, eat as many simple, whole foods as possible (fruits, vegetables,

whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds).

2. Active Cleansing

Core Seven Days Of The Cleanse

This is the heart of the cleanse. During this time, you will eat a very simplified mono-diet of kitchari (basmati rice

cooked with split mung beans). This diet is substantive enough that you can maintain your essential responsibilities

but it simultaneously resets the digestive system, supports the elimination of toxins, and balances vata, pitta, and

kapha. During this seven day period, other cleansing practices such as abhyanga (Ayurvedic oil massage), gentle

exercise, and detoxifying herbs can enhance the efficacy of the cleanse. Further instructions detailing this phase of

the cleanse are below.

3. Reintroduction

Three Days Following the Cleanse (longer, if possible)

Even after you complete the seventh day of the cleanse, your body will still be processing the toxins that may have

been stirred into circulation. And, your digestive system will have become accustomed to a very clean diet and will

be somewhat sensitive to overly stimulating or processed foods. Therefore, a slow transition back to a more diverse

diet and back into your normal routine is critically important. This three-day period is a chance to buffer your

system and to rekindle youragni (digestive fire) so that it can handle more complex foods. Again, eat primarily

simple, whole foods, diversifying your menu very gradually. If possible, take this time to test the waters with foods

that are potentially aggravating like dairy, wheat, and soy – ideally, reintroducing these foods one at a time and

giving yourself up to 24 hours to observe how your body responds.

4. Rejuvenation

Up to Three Months Following the Completion of the Cleanse

This is the final step in any Ayurvedic cleanse. Now that you’ve cleared your body of accumulated toxins and

imbalances, your tissues are primed to receive very deep nourishment. Rejuvenating foods and practices are

usually sweet and comforting, and most people find this phase of the cleanse quite enjoyable. If you received an

email about this cleanse, you will receive a second email in a few weeks detailing the rejuvenation process. If

you’d like to know more now, click here.

Please Note: This timeframe is ideal, but if you don’t have two weeks to give to a cleanse, you can shorten the

phases in proportion to one another. For example, you might do 1-2 days of preparation, 3-4 days of cleansing, 1-

2 days of reintroduction, and 1-2 months of rejuvenation.

Planning and Preparation

The more completely you can clear your schedule for this process, the better. At a minimum, eliminate any

unnecessary obligations and give yourself as much unscheduled time to rest as possible. A menstruating woman

should schedule her cleanse around her cycle to ensure that she is not bleeding during the 7 days of active

cleansing. If her period comes unexpectedly, she can continue on the kitchari diet, but should suspend all other

practices (abhyanga, nasya, triphala, etc.) until her menstruation is complete.

Daily Routine During the 7-Day Active Cleansing Phase Freshly prepared foods are best for your cleanse, so you’ll want to cook your breakfast grains and kitchari fresh

each day – at whatever time works best with your schedule. While it is acceptable to prepare all of your food for

the day first thing in the morning, you’ll want to avoid eating leftovers from previous days throughout the cleanse.

Morning Routine

Rise early so that you can complete your morning routine before breakfast

Upon waking, scrape your tongue and brush your teeth

Administer Nasya Oil (3-5 drops in each nostril)

Sip 8 oz. of hot water to cleanse the system and to awaken the digestive capacity

Perform Abhyanga (Ayurvedic Self Massage) with Organic Sesame Oil or Kapha Massage Oil (both seasonally

appropriate)

For maximum benefit, let the oil soak in for about 20 minutes

Steam Bath, Sauna, or Improvised Sweat

If you have access to a steam room or sauna, let your oil soak in as you sit just long enough to break a sweat

Otherwise, you can warm your bathroom with a space heater and create a little steam with hot water from the

shower

It is important not to get chilled

Take a bath or shower

Take care not to slip on oily surfaces – consider washing your feet first

When shampooing, it can be helpful to apply and massage shampoo into the hair before wetting it and, if

necessary, shampoo a second time

If you do not need to go out, it is fine to leave some oil in your hair

Use soap strategically (not all over the body)

Excess oil will rinse off with water

Use a designated towel to pat dry (this towel will become oily over time)

Gentle Exercise

Slow, gentle movements will support cleansing; more than that can be counterproductive

This is not a time to push yourself

Consider walking, tai chi, or qigong

Some gentle, Vata Pacifying Yoga (which is gentle enough for the cleanse) would also be perfect

Eat Breakfast

Rice Porridge, Seasoned Barley or Kitchari – as much as desired (do not overeat)

Throughout The Day

Eat kitchari throughout the day, as desired

Eat at least 3 meals per day

Have more than 3 meals per day, if desired – allowing at least 3 hours between meals

It is best to avoid snacking, but if you need a little something extra, you can enjoy some fresh fruit or a few raw

nuts

It is very important not to feel deprived during your cleanse

Be sure to eat enough food and enough variety that you truly feel satisfied and at peace with this process

You can garnish your kitchari with Fresh Coriander Chutney or Sesame Seed Chutney

Try not to eat after 7pm

Drink plenty of of room temperature, warm, or hot fluids each day to ensure adequate hydration and to help flush

toxins as they are released (a good rule of thumb is to divide your weight – in pounds – by two and drink at least

that number of ounces each day: e.g. 150lbs ÷ 2 = 75 oz.)

Ideally, most of your fluids should be taken between meals

Appropriate fluids include water, CCF Tea, Ginger Turmeric Tea, Rehydration Tea, and Detox Tea – drink as

much of these as you like

Evening Routine

Triphala Tea

About a half hour before bed, steep ½ teaspoon triphala powder in a cup of freshly boiled water for 10 minutes,

cool, and drink

Or, take 2 triphala tablets with a glass of water

Retire for the Night

Sleep is the body’s best time to detox so be sure to get plenty of rest during the cleanse

Making Supportive Lifestyle Choices

Keep your activities as quiet and mindful as possible.

Surround yourself with things that you find uplifting and nourishing.

Minimize stress and exposure to frantic or disturbing environments.

A cleanse can stir up unresolved emotions so it is important to be prepared for some emotional purging as well. If

intense emotions arise during or after your cleanse, greet your emotions with compassion, observe them with

detached awareness, and allow them simply to move through – honoring yourself in the process.

REST as much as possible. You can ensure that the bulk of your energy is devoted to cleansing by minimizing the

number of resources that your body allocates elsewhere.

A New Beginning… Transitioning Back Into Your Normal Life Toward the end of the cleanse, take some time to reflect on your life so that you can move forward with whatever

new intentions feel important to you at this time. One of the greatest gifts you can give yourself as you wrap up

your cleanse is to honor the effort you’ve made by slowly and gently easing back into a more diverse diet and a

more typical routine. Even after you’ve moved through a defined period of reintroduction, understand that it may

take some time – two weeks, a month, or longer – before you are able to fully appreciate the benefits of your

cleanse. The body is often still working to eliminate the toxins released during the cleanse, so this is completely

normal. It is really important to cultivate inner awareness and to listen to your body as you transition into a more

diverse, but healthy, diet and lifestyle. As you do this, you can move into the final phase of the process – known in

Ayurveda as rasayana or rejuvenation – a period of time to offer your tissues deep nourishment.

Recipes

These delicious recipes have been provided courtesy of Dr. Scott Blossom. Remember that your food will absorb

the energy of your mindset and state of being while cooking, so you can assist your healing process by bringing

good intentions and a sense of presence to your kitchen.

Rice Porridge

Seasoned Barley

Kapha Reducing Kitchari

Fresh Coriander Chutney

Sesame Seed Chutney

Cumin, Coriander, Fennel Tea

Ginger Turmeric Tea

Alakananda Ma’s Rehydration Tea

Other Herbal Teas

Banyan Botanicals also carries a variety of masterfully blended organic teas for your tasting delight.

Shopping List

Herbs & Products Organic Sesame Oil or Kapha Massage Oil

Nasya Oil

Triphala Powder or Triphala Tablets

Tongue Cleaner

Brahmi / Gotu Kola (optional)

Detox Tea (optional)

Vata Digest (optional)

Kapha Digest (optional)

Groceries

Organic White Basmati Rice, ~3 lbs.

Organic Yellow Split Mung Beans or Organic Whole Mung Beans (available in the bulk section of most health

food stores) ~1.5 lbs.

Organic Ghee (Clarified Butter – available at most health food stores)

Organic Roasted Sesame Seeds (optional)

Kombu or Wakame (optional) (available at most health food stores)

Vegetables such as Burdock Root

Zucchini

Green Beans

Leafy Greens (Kale or Collard Greens)

Onion

Spices and Garnishes to Consider Having on Hand (for the above recipes) Bay Leaves

Black Mustard Seeds

Black Pepper

Cayenne Pepper

Cilantro

Coconut, Unsweetened and Shredded

Coriander Powder

Coriander Seeds

Cumin Seeds

Fennel Seeds

Ginger Root, Fresh

Lemons

Limes

Fresh Mint or Dried Peppermint

Oregano

Sage, Dried

Sea Salt

Sweeteners: Barley Malt, Maple Syrup, Raw Honey (best choice in cases of excess kapha), and/or Turbinado

Sugar

Turmeric Root, Fresh (optional)

Turmeric, Powdered

Or, save time and money with one of Banyan’s Cleanse Kits:

Kitchari Kit

7-day Supply of Organic Basmati Rice

7-day Supply of Organic Split Mung Dal

Kitchari Spice Mix

Organic Ghee

Ayurvedic Cleanse Kit

All of the above plus…

Organic Triphala Tablets

Organic Sesame Oil

Detox Tea

Deluxe Ayurvedic Cleanse Kit

All of the above plus…

Organic Chyavanprash

Organic Nasya Oil

Nasal Rinse Cup

Stainless Steel Tongue Cleaner

---

Spring Cleanse for Vata-Pitta-Kapha

Banyan Ambassador, Nadya (Vata-Pitta-Kapha), relaxeing in nature.

A Gentle Spring Cleanse for Tridoshic Types Your body is remarkably intelligent and incredibly hard working. Day in and day out, it processes all kinds of

inputs – distinguishing what’s good for you from what’s not, doing its best to eliminate any harmful substances

alongside routine metabolic waste. But these days, our bodies are inundated with a never-ending barrage of

stressors: environmental toxins, processed foods, unresolved emotions, and psychological stress, to name a

few. Inevitably, in attempting to “digest” it all, we accumulate some degree of toxicity – which, over time, can

build up in the system, deposit in the tissues, and compromise our health. But there is something you can do to give

your body a break. Actually, this is precisely the idea behind an Ayurvedic cleanse: to slow the flood so that the

body can rest, recuperate, and repair itself. And amazingly, when the deluge of inputs slows, your body will

immediately take advantage of the lull to do some very deep cleaning.

The practice of cleansing is considered a vital part of an Ayurvedic lifestyle, with great potential for improved

energy, strength, and immunity, as well as a renewed love of life. An Ayurvedic cleanse rests and resets the

digestive system, eliminates toxins, and simultaneously removes excess vata, pitta, and kapha from the body – all

of which serve to promote improved balance and overall health.

Below, you will find everything you need to implement a simple, food-based cleanse at home this

spring. However, even a gentle cleanse like this one is not appropriate for pregnant or breastfeeding women, or

anyone who is extremely weak or debilitated. On the other hand, if you are considering becoming pregnant, it is

ideal for both partners to undertake a cleanse approximately three months prior to conception.

What To Expect This particular cleanse is seven days in length, but plan on giving the process about two weeks for optimal

results. This timeframe allows for proper preparation before the cleanse and eases you slowly back into your

normal routine afterwards.

A traditional Ayurvedic cleanse involves four distinct phases, each critically important to your success:

1. Preparation

Three Days Prior To The Cleanse (longer, if possible)

For a few days leading up to your cleanse, focus on cleaning up your diet and habits to prepare the body for an

effective cleanse. You will want to eliminate (or at least dramatically reduce) your use of coffee, caffeine, tobacco

products, alcohol, and any recreational drugs. At the same time, reduce your intake of fast foods, processed foods,

meat, refined sugars, and sweets. During this time, eat as many simple, whole foods as possible (fruits, vegetables,

whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds).

2. Active Cleansing

Core Seven Days Of The Cleanse

This is the heart of the cleanse. During this time, you will eat a very simplified mono-diet of kitchari (basmati rice

cooked with split mung beans). This diet is substantive enough that you can maintain your essential responsibilities

but it simultaneously resets the digestive system, supports the elimination of toxins, and balances vata, pitta, and

kapha. During this seven day period, other cleansing practices such as abhyanga (Ayurvedic oil massage), gentle

exercise, and detoxifying herbs can enhance the efficacy of the cleanse. Further instructions detailing this phase of

the cleanse are below.

3. Reintroduction

Three Days Following the Cleanse (longer, if possible)

Even after you complete the seventh day of the cleanse, your body will still be processing the toxins that may have

been stirred into circulation. And, your digestive system will have become accustomed to a very clean diet and will

be somewhat sensitive to overly stimulating or processed foods. Therefore, a slowtransition back to a more diverse

diet and back into your normal routine is critically important. This three-day period is a chance to buffer your

system and to rekindle your agni (digestive fire) so that it can handle more complex foods. Again, eat primarily

simple, whole foods, diversifying your menu very gradually. If possible, take this time to test the waters with foods

that are potentially aggravating like dairy, wheat, and soy – ideally, reintroducing these foods one at a time and

giving yourself up to 24 hours to observe how your body responds.

4. Rejuvenation

Up to Three Months Following the Completion of the Cleanse

This is the final step in any Ayurvedic cleanse. Now that you’ve cleared your body of accumulated toxins and

imbalances, your tissues are primed to receive very deep nourishment. Rejuvenating foods and practices are

usually sweet and comforting, and most people find this phase of the cleanse quite enjoyable. If you received an

email about this cleanse, you will receive a second email in a few weeks detailing the rejuvenation process. If

you’d like to know more now, click here.

Please Note: This timeframe is ideal, but if you don’t have two weeks to give to a cleanse, you can shorten the

phases in proportion to one another. For example, you might do 1-2 days of preparation, 3-4 days of cleansing, 1-

2 days of reintroduction, and 1-2 months of rejuvenation.

Planning and Preparation

The more completely you can clear your schedule for this process, the better. At a minimum, eliminate any

unnecessary obligations and give yourself as much unscheduled time to rest as possible. A menstruating woman

should schedule her cleanse around her cycle to ensure that she is not bleeding during the 7 days of active

cleansing. If her period comes unexpectedly, she can continue on the kitchari diet, but should suspend all other

practices (abhyanga, nasya, triphala, etc.) until her menstruation is complete.

Daily Routine During the 7-Day Active Cleansing Phase Freshly prepared foods are best for your cleanse, so you’ll want to cook your breakfast grains and kitchari fresh

each day – at whatever time works best with your schedule. While it is acceptable to prepare all of your food for

the day first thing in the morning, you’ll want to avoid eating leftovers from previous days throughout the cleanse.

Morning Routine

Rise early so that you can complete your morning routine before breakfast

Upon waking, scrape your tongue and brush your teeth

Administer Nasya Oil (3-5 drops in each nostril)

Sip 8 oz. of hot water to cleanse the system and to awaken the digestive capacity

Perform Abhyanga (Ayurvedic Self Massage) with Organic Sesame Oil or Kapha Massage Oil (both seasonally

appropriate)

For maximum benefit, let the oil soak in for about 20 minutes

Steam Bath, Sauna, or Improvised Sweat

If you have access to a steam room or sauna, let your oil soak in as you sit just long enough to break a sweat

Otherwise, you can warm your bathroom with a space heater and create a little steam with hot water from the

shower

It is important not to get chilled

Take a bath or shower

Take care not to slip on oily surfaces – consider washing your feet first

When shampooing, it can be helpful to apply and massage shampoo into the hair before wetting it and, if

necessary, shampoo a second time

If you do not need to go out, it is fine to leave some oil in your hairUse soap strategically (not all over the body)

If you do not need to go out, it is fine to leave some oil in your hair

Excess oil will rinse off with water

Use a designated towel to pat dry (this towel will become oily over time)

Gentle Exercise

Slow, gentle movements will support cleansing; more than that can be counterproductive

This is not a time to push yourself

Consider walking, tai chi, or qigong

Some gentle, Vata Pacifying Yoga (which is gentle enough for the cleanse) would also be perfect

Eat Breakfast

Rice Porridge, Seasoned Barley or Kitchari – as much as desired (do not overeat)

Throughout The Day

Eat kitchari throughout the day, as desired

Eat at least 3 meals per day

Have more than 3 meals per day, if desired – allowing at least 3 hours between meals

It is best to avoid snacking, but if you need a little something extra, you can enjoy some fresh fruit or a few raw

nuts

It is very important not to feel deprived during your cleanse

Be sure to eat enough food and enough variety that you truly feel satisfied and at peace with this process

You can garnish your kitchari with Fresh Coriander Chutney or Sesame Seed Chutney

Try not to eat after 7pm

Drink plenty of of room temperature, warm, or hot fluids each day to ensure adequate hydration and to help flush

toxins as they are released (a good rule of thumb is to divide your weight – in pounds – by two and drink at least

that number of ounces each day: e.g. 150lbs ÷ 2 = 75 oz.)

Ideally, most of your fluids should be taken between meals

Appropriate fluids include water, CCF Tea, Ginger Turmeric Tea, Rehydration Tea, and Detox Tea – drink as

much of these as you like

Evening Routine

Triphala Tea

About a half hour before bed, steep ½ teaspoon triphala powder in a cup of freshly boiled water for 10 minutes,

cool, and drink

Or, take 2 triphala tablets with a glass of water

Retire for the Night

Sleep is the body’s best time to detox so be sure to get plenty of rest during the cleanse

Making Supportive Lifestyle Choices

Keep your activities as quiet and mindful as possible.

Surround yourself with things that you find uplifting and nourishing.

Minimize stress and exposure to frantic or disturbing environments.

A cleanse can stir up unresolved emotions so it is important to be prepared for some emotional purging as well. If

intense emotions arise during or after your cleanse, greet your emotions with compassion, observe them with

detached awareness, and allow them simply to move through – honoring yourself in the process.

REST as much as possible. You can ensure that the bulk of your energy is devoted to cleansing by minimizing the

number of resources that your body allocates elsewhere.

A New Beginning… Transitioning Back Into Your Normal Life Toward the end of the cleanse, take some time to reflect on your life so that you can move forward with whatever

new intentions feel important to you at this time. One of the greatest gifts you can give yourself as you wrap up

your cleanse is to honor the effort you’ve made by slowly and gently easing back into a more diverse diet and a

more typical routine. Even after you’ve moved through a defined period of reintroduction, understand that it may

take some time – two weeks, a month, or longer – before you are able to fully appreciate the benefits of your

cleanse. The body is often still working to eliminate the toxins released during the cleanse, so this is completely

normal. It is really important to cultivate inner awareness and to listen to your body as you transition into a more

diverse, but healthy, diet and lifestyle. As you do this, you can move into the final phase of the process – known in

Ayurveda as rasayana or rejuvenation – a period of time to offer your tissues deep nourishment.

Recipes

These delicious recipes have been provided courtesy of Dr. Scott Blossom. Remember that your food will absorb

the energy of your mindset and state of being while cooking, so you can assist your healing process by bringing

good intentions and a sense of presence to your kitchen.

Rice Porridge

Seasoned Barley

Kapha Reducing Kitchari

Fresh Coriander Chutney

Sesame Seed Chutney

Cumin, Coriander, and Fennel Tea

Ginger Turmeric Tea

Alakananda Ma’s Rehydration Tea

Other Herbal Teas

Banyan Botanicals also carries a variety of masterfully blended organic teas for your tasting delight.

Shopping List

Herbs & Products Organic Sesame Oil or Kapha Massage Oil

Nasya Oil

Triphala Powder or Triphala Tablets

Tongue Cleaner

Brahmi / Gotu Kola (optional)

Detox Tea (optional)

Kapha Digest (optional)

Groceries Organic White Basmati Rice, ~3 lbs.

Organic Yellow Split Mung Beans or Organic Whole Mung Beans (available in the bulk section of most health

food stores) ~1.5 lbs.

Organic Ghee (Clarified Butter – available at most health food stores)

Organic Roasted Sesame Seeds (optional)

Kombu or Wakame (optional) (available at most health food stores)

Vegetables such as Burdock Root

Zucchini

Green Beans

Leafy Greens (Kale or Collard Greens)

Onion

Spices and Garnishes to Consider Having on Hand (for the above recipes)

Bay Leaves

Black Mustard Seeds

Black Pepper

Cayenne Pepper

Cilantro

Coconut, Unsweetened and Shredded

Coriander Powder

Coriander Seeds

Cumin Seeds

Fennel Seeds

Ginger Root, Fresh

Hing (Asafoetida)

Lemons

Limes

Fresh Mint or Dried Peppermint

Oregano

Sage, Dried

Sea Salt

Sweeteners: Barley Malt, Maple Syrup, Raw Honey (best choice in cases of excess kapha), and/or Turbinado

Sugar

Turmeric Root, Fresh (optional)

Turmeric, Powdered

Or, save time and money with one of Banyan’s Cleanse Kits:

Kitchari Kit

7-day Supply of Organic Basmati Rice

7-day Supply of Organic Split Mung Dal

Kitchari Spice Mix

Organic Ghee

Ayurvedic Cleanse Kit

All of the above plus…

Organic Triphala Tablets

Organic Sesame Oil

Detox Tea

Deluxe Ayurvedic Cleanse Kit

All of the above plus…

Organic Chyavanprash

Organic Nasya Oil

Nasal Rinse Cup

Stainless Steel Tongue Cleaner

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