Kerala’s Karkidakam ‘marunnu kanji’ porridge: How to rejuvenate your body with it?

The ‘Karkidakam’ season, which is known for heavy rainfalls has officially begun in Kerala. It brings with it many seasonal ailments as our immunity can be compromised during this time. Traditionally in Kerala, it is the time to have the ‘Karkidaka kanji’ aka ‘marunnu kanji’ or Ayurvedic medicinal porridge. The preparation, which has the ‘Njavara’ variety of rice and coconut milk as the main ingredient, also has many herbs and spices in it including green gram, cumin seeds, black cumin, fennel, cress seed, fenugreek, coriander, turmeric, dried ginger, cardamom, nutmeg and more as part of it. Karkkidaka kanji packets are also quite common in the market these days, though nothing can match a homemade kanji mix. It is best consumed in the morning or evening to enjoy its full benefits. Here are a few ways to rejuvenate your body with it:

1) Make sure that you have the kanji warm or lukewarm.
2) Avoid having coffee or tea, oily foods or non-vegetarian foods on the day if you are having the kanji, so that they don’t affect digestion.
3) Pair the kanji with pathila thoran or a stir fry out of 10 medicinal leaves that are considered the best to revive your immune system.
4) The ingredients used to prepare the kanji should be fresh.
5) If you have health issues, check with your healthcare provider before having it to ensure you get the best results. 

Karkidaka kanji ingredients
The porridge is made in a variety of ways, but the most commonly used ingredients are the red varieties of rice - njavara or matta, fenugreek seeds, ginger powder, crushed pepper, jeera, turmeric powder, garlic, carom seeds and coconut milk. 
Karkidaka kanji benefits
1) At a time when the body's immunity isn't the strongest, the kanji acts as a digestive aid. It can also detoxify our body
2) Thanks to the presence of water and coconut milk, it can improve our hydration levels when consumed in the humid monsoon season.
3) It helps balance the vata, pitta and kapha doshas (fundamental energies that govern our body according to Ayurveda) of our body, promoting emotional and physical well-being.

Why njavara rice?
An unpolished, reddish-brown variety of rice, Ayurveda considers ‘njavara’ a superfood. Njavara is also used in Ayurvedic treatments, especially in therapies like ‘njavarakizhi,’ a massage known for its rejuvenating effects. It is rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals and is known to be easily digestible as compared to other rice varieties. It can help solve gastrointestinal problems as well and improve your gut health. It is also considered an appetizer and energy booster.