The Malayalam month of Karkidakam is the time when you could rejuvenate your mind and body by following a unique diet and lifestyle. The Karkidaka kanji which is an herbal porridge, pathila thoran made with ten different types of herbs and healthy soups should be included in the diet during this month. You could also enjoy simple dishes like kanji (rice gruel) that are lighter on the stomach during Karkidakam.
Padhyam or diet
In Ayurveda, padhyam is a special diet that is designed by identifying the ingredients that do not help the disease or the medicines. Some ingredients or dishes may not be good for people who suffer from certain illness. Similarly, these ingredients may react unfavourably with some medicines as well. A person who follows a padhyam should avoid foods that contain such ingredients and stick on to a strict diet prescribed by the physician. Small amounts of food should be eaten at different times. Besides, dishes that digest easily should be included in the diet. Spicy and bitter foods too should be avoided during Karkidakam.
Here are five dishes that could rejuvenate your body during Karkidakam.
Ginger tea to flush out toxins and boost immunity
Herbal drinks like ginger tea cleanses the body and boost the immunity power as well. This drink is extremely refreshing and can ease the seasonal flu and common cold.
Made using ten different types of herbs, pathila thoran (stir fry) is a traditional dish that had been eaten by our ancestors during Karkidakam. This extremely nutritious thoran is excellent for health. Fresh leaves and herbs that are grown in our backyards could be used to prepare this dish.
Fresh tulsi or holy basil leaves are added to make the rasam extremely fragrant and nutritious as well. More than a medicine, tulsi rasam could be enjoyed as a regular dish with rice. It is delicious, healthy and boosts immunity as well.
Karkidaka kanji with navara rice and green gram
Amazing ingredients like navara rice, fenugreek, cumin and ashali (garden cress) are added in this herbal gruel. It is nutritious and improves immunity. Kids too can enjoy this dish as it tastes amazing.
Marunnu kanji, the complete food
Just like the nature, our bodies too adapt to the changing seasons. Though Karkidakam is often called a month of rains and poverty, it is the time when herbs grow abundantly in our yards. Marunnu kanji or medicinal rice porridge has the goodness of amazing ingredients. This porridge readies the body to adapt from the blazing summer to the cool showers of the monsoon. Navara rice, herbs, spices and fresh coconut milk are the main ingredients in this gruel. However, the ingredients could vary in different parts of the state.
