Despite how sturdy we may seem, our bodies are extremely sensitive to the smallest changes in our surroundings and schedules. Fluctuations in the weather are more than enough to set off allergic reactions, while a change in our diet may result in anxiety, stress or even mental disturbances. This sensitivity is in many ways linked to our Prakriti and Vikriti. Ayurvedic texts describe Prakriti as the nature we are born with. The ratio of the three basic Doshas in our body determines our Prakriti. In some ways, our Prakriti acts as a blueprint and plays a major role in shaping our attitude and life. On the other hand, the texts define Vikriti as a person's Doshic state on a day-to-day basis. Your Vikriti changes depending on the interaction between the three Doshas and external factors.
Also read: Which Guna are you?
When the Doshas in our body are balanced and are similar to our Doshic state at the moment of birth, then the mind and body are at their peak. You feel energized and pumped, capable of taking on any task. However, when an imbalance occurs, things change and depending on which Dosha is imbalanced you may feel different ailments and sicknesses. The following sections briefly outline the same and also suggest a few Dosha recipes you can cook up in your home to remedy your situation. If you are unaware of your Dosha type, take our Dosha Quiz to find out which one you possess.
Vata Dosha Recipes
Often hailed as the governing force among the Doshas, Vata is referred to by many as the King of Doshas. An imbalance in the Vata Dosha may cause weight loss, constipation, stress, anxiety, overthinking and delusions in extreme cases. To avoid this, we need to consume foods and maintain a lifestyle that keeps Vata in check. Mentioned below are a couple of recipes that work wonderfully to pacify an aggravated Vata state.
Recipe 1: Gajar ka Halwa
One of the most common symptoms of Vata imbalance is constantly feeling cold. What better way to warm yourself up than with a serving of hot and delicious Gajar ka Halwa!? To make this recipe you will need 4 Carrots, Raisins, 4 Cups of Milk, ¼ cup Brown Sugar, 2 tbsp. Ghee, ¼ tbsp. Cinnamon, Saffron and Dates. Peel the Carrots, Grate them into a cooking pot and cook it. Next add milk and allow it to boil until the grated carrots absorb the milk completely. Next, add the Brown Sugar, Raisins, Dates and Saffron and mix well. You may also switch out the Brown Sugar for Jaggery! Allow the mix to fry for 10-15 minutes. In another pan, fry your Cinnamon in the Ghee for about half a minute and pour over your fried Gajar Halwa. Your Carrot Halwa is ready to serve.
Also read:Health Benefits of Saffron
Recipe 2: Date Almond Milkshake
This delicious milkshake is the epitome of healthy/tasty drinks. For this recipe, you will need 6 Dates, 15 Almonds, Cardamom and Cinnamon Powder, 2 Cups of Milk and some hot water. Soak the Almonds and Dates in a bowl of water for a few hours. Peel the almond skin off. Put the peeled almonds, soaked dates and some water in a blender. To this add boiled milk and the spices and blend until it reaches the desired consistency. Serve the drink straight away.
While the above two recipes are more of a general cure to Vata imbalances, they may not work in extreme cases. In such situations, when the Doshic imbalance reaches its peak, we suggest either consulting an Ayurvedic physician or consuming our signature Dosha Key Herbs. The Vata Key Herb mix contains several Ayurvedic herbs and spices that help in pacifying an aggravated Vata state. In addition to Ashwagandha and Shatavari, the principal herbs for combating Vata imbalances, the mix also contains Nirgundi, Methi, Amla and other herbs.
How to Use the Vata Key Herb Mix: When it comes to herbal mixes with a varied composition, a simple recipe is the way to go. Consume one or two teaspoons of the Mix every day with a glass of water on an empty stomach to see optimal results. You may also take honey along with it to sweeten the taste.
Pitta Dosha Recipes
The element of fire best describes Pitta. As such, Pitta types are passionate, hot-headed and fickle at times. An overabundance of Pitta, however, is not healthy as it may overheat the body which could cause irritation, anger, rage and related physical problems. If you are suffering from Pitta imbalances, try out the recipes mentioned below to control the problem.
Recipe 1: Ginger-Basil Limeade
While Vata imbalances cool your body, an imbalance in Pitta has the opposite effect and heats the body. To counter this, try out the refreshingly cool limeade garnished with Basil and Ginger. To prepare this drink, you will need a few fresh Sweet Basil leaves (not to be confused with Holy Basil/Tulsi), fresh Ginger, 1 Lime and 2tbsp. Sugar. In a blender add about 1 cup of water, the lime juice and zest from 1 Lime, Sugar, diced Ginger and some Basil leaves. Blend until the mix is smooth. Dilute the mix with 2 or 3 cups of chilled water and garnish with Basil Leaves before serving.
Recipe 2: Pumpkin Soup
This savory dish is full of mouth-tingling tastes and goodness that will satisfy your hunger and placate excessive Pitta. The dish calls for 1 cup of Pumpkin, 1 cup Beans, ¼ cup Moong Dal, fresh Ginger, ¼ tsp. ground Cumin, ¼ tsp. Turmeric, ¼ tsp. ground Black Pepper and ¼ tsp. ground Coriander. Add the pumpkin and beans to a pot and cook them. In a separate pot, cook the Dal. Add the veggies, grated Ginger and Spices to the pot and mash well after the Dal has cooked. Cover the pot with a lid and allow it to cook for 5 minutes. You may also add some water in this step if you want to increase the quantity or make a watery soup. Your Pumpkin soup is ready! Serve hot and enjoy.
As mentioned previously, the two Dosha recipes in this segment are a general approach to control aggravated Pitta. In case the imbalance is extreme, refer to a physician or try out the Pitta Key Herb mix. Brahmi and Bhringraj are the two star herbs of this blend that help to control excessive Pitta. The mix also contains herbs like Neem, Jatamansi and Haritaki all of which are suggested in various Ayurvedic texts as ways to moderate and control Pitta imbalances.
How to Use the Pitta Key Herb Mix: Consume one or two teaspoons of the Pitta Key Herb Mix daily with one glass of water. You may use warm milk instead of water while taking the herbal mix. A great way to consume this potent herbal blend is to mix 1tsp. of it along with 1 tsp. of Gulkand in a glass of warm milk. One should consume this milkshake on an empty stomach.
Kapha Dosha Recipes
Lastly, we have Kapha, The Binding Energy. This Dosha imparts a calm and thoughtful demeanor to people. Similar to Earth, the element that best describes this Dosha, people with a predominant Kapha constitution tend to be strong, stoic and grounded. However, in an imbalanced state, such people tend to feel sluggish and lethargic. Aggravated Kapha levels cause weight gain, digestive problems, depression and laziness. Below you will find two delicious Indian dishes that will help keep your Kapha in check.
Recipe 1: Kapha Pacifying Ayurvedic Tea
This Ayurvedic recipe is inspired by Ancient texts and focuses on providing herbs that control Kapha in a pure form. The recipe requires some dry and grated Ginger, 1 whole Clove, Fenugreek Seeds, ¼ tsp. Cumin and Water. Since it is recommended that sweet foods be avoided in the case of excessive Kapha, we have not added any sweeteners to the recipe. However, you may use Honey if needed. Add the spices and herbs into a pan and boil in 1 cup of water for 5 minutes. Strain out the spices and your hot Ayurvedic Tea is ready
Recipe 2: Khichadi
This savory Indian dish is a great way to combat the symptom brought on Kapha imbalances. The Baajra in the recipe provides a good amount of fiber to the body which helps in remedying digestive problems. The recipe requires ¾ cup Baajra and ½ cup split Moong Dal along with 1 tsp Cumin, ¼ tsp. Turmeric, 2 tsp. Coriander, 1 tsp. Cinnamon, a few Curry leaves, Black pepper, Rock salt and some Ghee. Add the Baajra and Moong to a pot and 6 cups of water to it. Cook the mix over a low flame for 15-20 minutes. Once the mix has cooked well, add salt and the spices to and cook over high flame for 5 minutes to allow it to dry up a bit. Pour melted Ghee over the dish and serve hot.
If these Dosha recipes fail to show any noticeable results, you may want to switch over to our Kapha Key Herb mix. The herbal blend contains Bibhitaki, Chitrak, Dalchhini, Haldi, Tulsi and several other herbs that help to control an aggravated Kapha. The mix helps to alleviate all the different symptoms of Kapha imbalance while simultaneously controlling it.
How to use the Kapha Key Herb Mix: As before, simple is the way to go with these herbal blends. Consume one or two teaspoons of the mix on an empty stomach daily to see optimal results. The herbs in the mix also soothe the body and mind and hence can be used as your evening beverage to relax and unwind.
While the Dosha recipes mentioned in this article are beneficial and serve to balance out the respective Doshas, we recommend consuming the Herbal Key Mixes to see optimal results and to ensure a speedy recovery. DO consult your physician before taking these herbal mixes if you are suffering from medical complications or have a medical history. We hope you enjoyed this article and the recipes mentioned. Have a great day!
