The items below are important supplies for your seasonal cleanse:
Massage Oil
Lubrication is essential for an Ayurvedic cleanse. Doing a daily abhyanga (or self-oil massage) is recommended this first week and emphasized during cleanse week. As matter of fact, it is suggested that during cleanse week you lube-up twice—once in the morning with your shower and then again in the evening before bed. For recommendations on oil selection, check out our summary.
Baking Soda
During the cleanse week, as a personal treat, take a warm bath each night after your evening lubrication. Adding a ½+ cup of baking soda to the bath will help you manage your Vata.
Fresh Ginger
Keeping your digestive fire (Agni) strong is important to burn off unwanted toxins. If you feel the cleanse foods have dulled your appetite, sip a fresh ginger tea to help bring it back. Plus, if you decide to do the warm ghee during cleanse week, adding your ghee to your ginger tea is a wonderful way to ease ingestion. Please try to find organic ginger root.
Garshana Gloves
These are the raw silk gloves used as a lymphatic mover. The same benefits are received from dry brushing. This is an activity that is common with spring cleanses because our lymphatic systems tend to become clogged this time of year. With a fall seasonal cleanse, this activity might be too Vata deranging. Check in before you purchase them. (Use only if recommended.)
Food
The first week’s focus is on whole foods. This includes whole grains (basmati rice, quinoa, amaranth, etc.), beans (ideally smaller in size, such as lentils or mung beans), fresh fruits and vegetables. Next week the focus moves to vegetable soup, steamed vegetables and kitchadi. As the week progresses, kitchadi becomes the meal of choice. Kitchadi is fixed with split yellow mung beans (or mung dahl), basmati rice, ghee and spices. It is topped with fresh chopped cilantro, a squeeze of lemon or lime, and a sprinkle of mineral salt (Himalayan salt, sea salt, etc.). Ideally, all food consumed during the next several weeks will be organic. Banyan Botanicals offers seasonal cleanse kits.
Spices
Experiment over the next few weeks with spicing your food. The benefits are great. Here are some options: Turmeric, Cardamom, Pepper, Hing, Cumin, Coriander, Mustard Seed, Basil, Ginger, Nutmeg, Rosemary, Fenugreek, Cinnamon, Cloves, Fennel… to name a few.
Triphala
Triphala is one of the most widely used Ayurvedic herbal formulations. It is known for its ability to gently cleanse and detoxify the system, while also nourishing it. As a traditional formula, triphala is a combination of three dried fruits: amalaki, bibhitaki and haritaki. Triphala is said to remove excess vata, pitta and kapha from the body.
Kapha Digest
Kapha Digest, also known as trikatu, is another traditional Ayurvedic herbal formulation. Trikatu contains the herbs pippali, ginger, and black pepper (or the “three pungents”). Their powerful heating qualities help to enkindle the digestive fire (agni) and to burn ama.
Cumin, Coriander and Fennel Tea
This is lovely for your digestive system while cleansing. Whole seeds are recommended and “more is less” when it comes to the strength. I generally recommend ¼ teaspoon of the combination for a one-quart thermos. Add boiling water and steep for an hour+. Then sip away. Your specific ratio of spices depends on your constitution. Cumin is gently warming—lovely for Vata. Fennel is slightly cooling, but sweet in taste. It is good for both Pitta and Vata. Coriander is cooling (good for Pitta), but ideal for Kapha because it is diuretic. A combination of all three are generally recommended after the cleanse period.
Agni Tea
For most of us, ginger tea—alone—is the perfect digestive stimulant. However, if your Agni (or metaphoric digestive fire) is diminished, you may need a stronger option. In a quart of water, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, 1+ tablespoon of raw sugar and 1 ½ teaspoons of rock salt. Cut off about one inch from a fresh ginger root, mince it and add it to the mixture. Boil for 20 minutes. Remove from the stove and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Add the juice from ½ lime. Place into a stainless steel thermos and sip all day. This is a simple beverage to help regulate and stimulate your digestive function. (Use only if recommended.)
Ghee (Optional)
Ghee is also known as clarified butter. In Ayurveda, ghee has sacred healing energies. Organic ghee can be purchased from Whole Foods Market or easily fixed in your own kitchen (instructions to be provided in an upcoming email about ghee).
Purgative Supplies (For Ghee Cleanse Option Only)
If you choose to drink warm ghee during cleanse week, castor oil is the recommended purgative process. It is important to find organic, cold pressed castor oil. (Note: Whole Foods Market stocks this in the skincare section.) Hexane, a toxic chemical, is used in non-cold-pressed castor oil production. If castor oil is not for you, alternatives include Epsom salt, olive oil, lemon juice or possibly senna.
Basti Supplies (For Ghee Cleanse Option Only)
If you choose to do a nourishing basti (oil enema), after your purgative, you will need the following supplies: Enema bag (a fleet enema container, emptied, may also work), sesame oil (organic, cold pressed), and a sanitary napkin (maybe).
