4 Must-Have Ingredients to Elevate Your Ayurvedic Diet

by Meera Nair on Jul 02, 2021

Getting the ingredients you need to switch to an Ayurvedic diet is one of the most important steps for fueling the transition.

When you have the elements needed to cook up a nutritious and simple meal, you’ll find that you are less likely to procrastinate or just settle for takeout. The best part about adopting an Ayurvedic diet is that you get to personalize it as per your dosha, tastes, preferences, etc.

Even a few basic ingredients can go a long way. And if you don’t like a particular one, you can use others that contain similar healing properties.

Here are 4 Ayurvedic dietary ingredients you should consider stocking up on and how they can be used.

Turmeric

Probably one of the most globally-known spices, turmeric has wormed its way into the hearts of even those who don’t follow Ayurveda.

Extracted from the root of a flowering plant, turmeric is used in cooking several Asian dishes. It has a warming effect on the body, is bitter to the taste, and has a dry texture. What’s great about turmeric is that it balances all three doshas, and so regardless of what your dominant dosha is, you should be able to make the most of its digestive benefits.

In addition to the several skincare uses that turmeric has, it also makes for a great drink. Turmeric milk, also known as golden milk, originated in India but gained popularity across the world. It is believed that drinking hot milk mixed with turmeric powder helps prevent illnesses.

This root has a score of wellness properties like anti-inflammation, anti-bacterial, antiseptic, which makes it a must-have ingredient in all households.

White Rice

Some would probably cringe at this recommendation, but white rice is considered to be one of the best grains as per Ayurveda. It is easy to digest, contributes a sweet taste to your meal, and has multiple uses.

Just like turmeric, white rice is also tridosha-balancing. It’s more ideal for pitta and vata types. But those with kapha dosha can also have white rice in moderation. Whether you choose basmati rice or other white rice, it can be nourishing and cooling to your body.

White rice, soaked in water, also lends its nutritional properties for hair care. You can use the water as a hair mask before you wash your hair.

A couple of Ayurvedic meals to consider making with white rice are rice pudding for breakfast and a hearty kitchari for lunch.

Ghee

A far better alternative than butter, ghee builds tissues and has antioxidants that cleanse your body. It also aids in digestion and boosts immunity. The Ayurvedic text, Sushruta Samhita, states that ghee is beneficial for your entire body.

Best for pitta types, it is also known to be beneficial to vata body types. If you have a kapha-dominant dosha, be mindful of how much and how frequently you consume ghee. The fulfillment one derives from a good bowl of ghee rice is unparalleled. It somehow has the ability to ease your mind and make you feel right at home.

Made from milk, ghee is used to enrich Indian dishes. While it has an oily consistency, it leaves a sweet aftertaste. It’s also said that ghee is used in some Ayurvedic massages. But that depends on your dosha.

There was a time when making ghee at home would be an Indian family tradition. Our mothers and grandmothers to this day vouch for this rich ingredient.

Brahmi

Obtained from a medicinal plant, Brahmi is a herb that has a crucial role in Ayurveda. It is not only therapeutic but also has healing properties that enhance your physical health. It is an antioxidant and strengthens your memory. As a therapeutic herb, it is said to help alleviate anxiety and improve the quality of sleep.

The powdered form of brahmi is often mixed with hot water and consumed as a nourishing tea. Due to its strong medicinal properties, it is best advised that you consult an Ayurvedic doctor to determine how you may consume brahmi.

In Summary

This is but a scratch on the surface of the variety of Ayurvedic ingredients to have at home. With every small step, you’ll feel a bigger sense of initiative to eat clean and take care of your wellness.

We hope you found this post to be informative and useful.

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