According to Ayurveda, the 5000-year-old healing tradition from India, spring is the ideal time to rejuvenate the physiology with a good internal cleansing. These clear cleansing soup recipes by dosha (body constitution) can be drunk through the day to help flush toxins out of the body.

Detoxifying Soup for Vata (If you are Space or Air Predominant)

(Serves 1)

You will need:

• 1/4 cup Basmati rice
• 6-8 cups pure water
• 1/2 cup chopped tender greens
• 1/4 cup grated carrot
• 1/4 cup diced beets
• 1 tbsp grated white daikon
• 1/8 tsp black pepper
• 1/8 tsp ground cumin
• 1/8 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp minced fresh cilantro
• 1/2 tsp minced fresh ginger root
• Rock salt to taste

Wash the rice thoroughly by rinsing it several times. Drain.
Bring the water to a boil in a heavy-bottomed pot. Add the rice, the vegetables, the ginger, cumin and coriander and stir once to mix. Turn heat down to low, cover the pot and let simmer for 60-80 minutes. Add the salt and pepper and mash ingredients against the side of the pot with the back of a ladle. Strain, garnish with the fresh cilantro, and enjoy hot.

Detoxifying Soup for Pitta (If you are Fire predominant)

(Serves 1)

You will need:

• 1/4 cup Basmati rice
• 6-8 cups pure water
• 1/2 cup chopped tender greens
• 1/4 cup chopped celery
• 1/4 cup grated carrot
• 1/4 cup diced fennel bulb
• 1/2 tsp ground fennel seed
• 1/8 tsp ground cumin
• 1/8 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp minced fresh cilantro
• Rock salt to taste

Wash the rice thoroughly by rinsing it several times. Drain.
Bring the water to a boil in a heavy-bottomed pot.
Add the rice, the vegetables, fennel, cumin and coriander and stir once to mix. Turn heat down to low, cover the pot and let simmer for 60-80 minutes. Add the salt and mash ingredients against the side of the pot with the back of a ladle. Strain, garnish with the fresh cilantro, and enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Detoxifying Soup for Kapha (if you are Water or Earth predominant)

(Serves 1)

You will need:

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

Combine all the ingredients in a large pot and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 60-90 minutes. Remove from heat. Mash vegetables against sides of pot with back of ladle. Strain out and discard the solids. Enjoy warm.

Note: The information we provide is educational. Neither the information nor any of our products is intended to treat, cure, prevent or mitigate any disease. If you have a medical concern, and before making changes to your diet or lifestyle, please speak with your physician.
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RECIPE POSTED MAY 09, 2004