Great questions about kichari! A classic Ayurvedic approach for digestion and feeling sluggish. Let’s see, when it concerns a kichari cleanse, it’s best to keep it short, like 3-5 days. Though nutritious, eating just kichari for too long might not give you all the nutrients you need, so it could explain feeling weak. You might consider complementing with steamed veggies or coconut water if needed, but do keep it simple.
Ayurveda does emphasize on kichari being easily adaptable to different doshas, so let’s talk about Vata specifically. For Vata, think warmth and grounding. You could add a little extra ghee to your recipe – ghee is nurturing for Vata. And spices like ginger, asafoetida, fennel, and cinnamon can be very balancing. Avoiding large amounts of chili or too many raw veggies helps prevent Vata from getting too dry or stimulated.
Some folks might say eat kichari non-stop, but Ayurveda typically suggests it for the seasonal transitions or if you’re looking for a gentle reset. Once or twice a week could be a good frequency if you’re integrating into your regular diet, but not replace diversity – gotta keep that excitement in your meals!
Though, remember the core principle of Ayurveda - less is more, especially when it comes to complexities! For long-term health, make it a component rather than the staple—maybe start your week with a day of kichari & balance out with local seasonal veggies and grains the reminder of the week.
And boredom’s real, changing what you add to your kichari, like using quinoa instead of rice or adding seasonal veggies can give it variety. Don’t overlook how seasonal changes, your personal health, or lifestyle should influence the composition of your meals.
When implementing Ayurvedic recommendations, listening to your body wisdom is key, to see what works best for you. If you start feeling weaker again or have other health issues, it’s a good idea to consult a health professional. Stay well!


