AYURVEDIC RECIPES FOR COMFORTABLE DIGESTION

In Ayurveda, food is considered not only for its nutritional value but also for its qualities and how it may feel in the body.

Traditionally, foods that are warm, cooked, moist and nourishing are often favoured when digestion feels dry or irregular. Regular meals, adequate hydration and gentle daily movement are also important parts of an Ayurvedic approach to digestive wellbeing.

Yoga, walking, relaxation and mindful eating can all be simple ways to bring more attention to digestion and daily routines.

Here are some simple Ayurvedic-inspired recipes that you may enjoy as part of a nourishing diet.

RECIPES FOR NOURISHING DIGESTION

• Beetroot Salad
• Apple & Prune Compote
• Nourishing Oat Porridge
• Ayurvedic Date & Almond Shake

SWEET POTATO & VEGETABLE PURÉE

Ingredients

Serves 2

• 2 large sweet potatoes
• 10 almonds
• 4 asparagus spears
• ½ medium leek
• ½ red onion
• A pinch of fennel
• A pinch of cinnamon
• A pinch of cumin
• 1 tbsp coconut oil
• Rock salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Method

Wash and slice the sweet potatoes.

Wash and finely chop the onion and leek.

Heat the coconut oil in a pot. Add the onion and leek and cook gently until softened.

Add the spices and stir.

Add the sweet potato and cover with boiling water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover and cook until the sweet potato is soft.

Meanwhile, lightly roast the almonds and asparagus in a small pan.

Blend the cooked vegetables with some of the cooking water until you reach your preferred consistency.

Season with salt and pepper.

Serve warm and finish with a little coconut oil, roasted almonds and asparagus.

A WARMING EVENING DRINK

Warm milk with a little ghee is a traditional Ayurvedic preparation that some people enjoy as part of an evening routine.

Ingredients

• 1 small cup of milk
• 1 tsp ghee

Method

Bring the milk to a gentle boil.

Pour into a cup and stir in the ghee.

Allow to cool to a comfortable temperature before drinking.

This is a traditional Ayurvedic preparation rather than a treatment for constipation. Choose foods and drinks according to your own digestion and tolerance.

A NOTE ON CONSTIPATION

Occasional changes in bowel habits are common and can be influenced by diet, hydration, movement, routine and many other factors.

However, persistent or recurrent constipation should not simply be treated with home remedies. If constipation is severe, ongoing, unexplained or accompanied by significant pain, bleeding or other concerning symptoms, seek advice from a qualified medical professional.

Herbal laxatives and concentrated herbal preparations are not suitable for everyone and can interact with medicines or be inappropriate in certain circumstances. Seek appropriate professional advice before using them.

These recipes are shared for general educational purposes and are not intended to diagnose, treat or prevent constipation or any other medical condition.