Ayurveda, yoga’s sister science and ancient medical system of India, has some helpful tips when looking to detox the body. According to Ayurveda, in general, detoxing the body should be done in a gradual, gentle way with a food-based cleanse.

Kitchari is a stew made from yellow split mung beans and white basmati rice that is very easy for the body to digest, and therefore a great way to let the body use its own energy to detox the body naturally. Eating a diet of just kitchari for one to seven days—while cutting out caffeine, alcohol, processed sugar and bread products—is a wonderful way to “reset” the body. The Kitchari below can also be served with Coriander Chutney, as coriander helps flush out toxins.

Kitchari

Ingredients

½ cup basmati rice

½ cup split mung dahl

4 cups water

1 Tbsp ghee, plus 1 tsp ghee or coconut oil

½ tsp coriander

½ tsp cumin

½ tsp ginger

½ tsp turmeric

Directions

Wash basmati rice and split mung dahl well. Put both in a medium saucepan with 4 cups of water and 1 tsp ghee.

While that’s cooking, prepare any seasonable vegetables you’d like. Cook rice and dahl for 10 minutes, then add vegetables and cover for another 10 to 15 minutes.

In a separate skillet, combine 1 Tbsp ghee, coriander, cumin, ginger and turmeric. Heat until aroma is present, then pour over rice and dahl mixture. Add salt to taste.

This recipe can be made either thick or soupy and with a variety of vegetables and spices as per season.

Fresh Coriander Chutney

Ingredients

1 bunch fresh cilantro

¼ cup fresh lime juice

¼ cup water

¼ cup grated coconut (or dried)

2 Tbsp fresh ginger root, chopped

1 tsp raw honey

1 tsp sea salt

Directions

Blend the lime juice, water and fresh coriander until the coriander is chopped. Add the rest of the ingredients and blend until it is like a paste.

This can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. For a silkier texture, use only the leaves and the tops of the fresh coriander stalks.

Jenny Schulder Brant is a Kripalu Certified Ayurvedic Lifestyle Consultant, yoga teacher and photographer. She helps people see themselves in a different way, whether it is through taking their photograph, teaching yoga or guiding them through lifestyle shifts for better health. Connect at [email protected].