Ayurvedic Liver Booster
Nourish the nourisher.
Diet is the single most important item in a yogi's life. The food is you. It becomes you. The most important organ connected to digestion is the liver. The liver is of a fiery nature, in Sanskrit called pitta. The liver produces bile (pitta), and bile enables digestion. Digestion enables the extraction of nutrients from food and their subsequent absorption into the system. Pitta is the supporter of vāta (air, pranic property) and kapha (oily property). Balanced pitta will keep the other two essences in balance, for optimal health.
The liver must be well-maintained, and the best maintenance is by regular, daily cleansing.
The first part of Hatha yoga practice is called cikitsā (therapy) and its main goal is to cleanse and boost the functioning of the visceral organs. This is achieved by three means:
Ṣaṭ Karmas: six cleansing and purging actions to purge phlegm
Diet: primarily of remedial herbs and roots, and sattvic food
Āsanas and prāṇāyāma practice
A strong liver translates into a cheerful personality, strong will-power and fearlessness, and of course, strong digestion. A cleansed liver gives a glowing countenance, sharpness of the intellect, and clarity of the mind.
With it comes the ability of the body to replenish itself and maintain lubricated joints, tissue, and skin.
The liver must be nourished with the right type of food – the right fuel. The fuel differs for each and every one of us. Because the liver is an organ intrinsically connected to one’s body type, and each has a different enzymatic function. Not all people can break down sugar, protein, and fat equally. Hence, different foods nourish different people differently. The climate plays an important role, and its role is intimately connected with our digestive capacity.
A strong and balanced liver will dry excessive phlegm and prevent the onset of bacterial illnesses, especially those related to jaundice, flu, and hepatitis.
A liver with its 500+ functions is an amazing organ, and it is best boosted, detoxified, and healed with the right selection of herbs.
Herbs and spices form a dietary foundation for yogis. They are paramount in maintaining the right gut.
Below you can find two Ayurvedic mixtures that will certainly cleanse the liver and kidneys.
PITTA CŪRṆAM
Pitta Cūrṇam is a powdered mixture of herbs and spices. Make sure all ingredients are well-powdered for quick ingestion.
20g of powdered dry ginger
20g of powdered cumin
20g of powdered dry mint
10g of powdered cloves
Mix them and store the jar in a cool and dry place, but avoid refrigeration.
If digestion is weak, body sluggish, and mind dull, consume it in the morning before breakfast:
1 small spoon in 2dcl of lukewarm or warm water.
It can be also taken 45 minutes after lunch. Avoid it after dinner.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
The preparation can be strong, especially when used daily. Take a break for at least a fortnight. People with a hot temperament must avoid it.
PITTA LEHYAM
Pitta Lehyam is a paste, and it is based on ghī (ghee), the clarified butter. Ghī is the only fat that doesn’t hinder the functioning of the liver. On the contrary, it is its booster.
Fill 3dcl jar with ghī and add 1 spoon of turmeric; ½ spoon of dry ginger; a ½ spoon of cumin; and a ½ small spoon of cloves, and 1/4 small spoon of powdered black pepper. Mix and store the mixture in a cool and dry place, but don’t refrigerate it.
Consume daily a small spoonful of it in the morning, after drinking lukewarm water.
Not all liver problems can be solved by these two preparations. People with an overheated liver should consult an Ayurvedic doctor.
