Ayurveda considers Autumn to have the qualities of rough, cold, dry, changeable, erratic, and brittle. We often take on some of these qualities during Autumn and Winter too, which can wreak havoc on the body and mind. In order to counteract these qualities, we can use various tools such as food and drink, herbs, movement and meditation practices, colours, sounds and lifestyle choices to bring ourselves back into balance.
Choose things that help you feel warm, nourished, stable and comforted at this time of year, and also things that help improve and regulate digestion. This recipe is the perfect way to start, as all the ingredients have the combined ability to help the body absorb nutrients more efficiently, and digest food easily, as well as providing a sense of comfort and warmth.
INGREDIENTS
(serves 2)
- 2 cups home made almond or cashew milk (a handful of nuts, soaked overnight and then blended well, with a pinch of good quality salt. Strain through a tea strainer or muslin cloth if you like).
- 3 dates (stones removed)
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground ginger or ½ inch fresh
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- The seeds of 2 cardamom pods (ground or crushed if possible)
- 1 tsp ghee*
- 1-2 tsp honey or coconut sugar
METHOD
Blend your milk with the dates (soften the dates in warm water for a couple of minutes to allow them to blend easier).
Add all ingredients other than the ghee and honey to a pan
Heat, but don’t boil
When the liquid is hot, add the ghee and stir well (if you’re using coconut sugar, add it here)
Once everything is dissolved and well mixed, remove from the heat and pour into mugs
Add a tsp honey to each mug and stir well
Enjoy!
*Don’t skimp on the ghee! It’s the ingredient that really makes this recipe warming and truly nourishing, and also enhances vitamin absorption. Vegans could try adding a small amount of sesame oil.
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