The Digestive Wonders of Ginger:
This is an easy to make Ayurvedic Digestive Drink. Ginger acts wonders to fire up our digestive system. Good digestion is the cornerstone of health and well-being according to Ayurveda. When our digestive system is working well, we absorb all the necessary nutrients from the food we eat, enjoy healthy circulation and have a good robust immunity to diseases.
One great way to fire up the agni (digestive system) is to drink this ginger elixir on a regular basis especially during this vata (fall) season. Vata digestion is delicate and when imbalanced is prone to constipation, irregular bowel movements, and in some instances may experience loss of appetite. During this fall season outside weather gets dry, rough, and cool. Our bodies start reacting to this vata season, we start noticing dryness on our skin, cracked lips, brittle hair. This is because, the colon and large intestine tend to get dry – the primary seat of vata inside our bodies.
Per Ayurveda, ajeerna (indigestion) is the root cause of many diseases and pains. Here are few symptoms of vata imbalanced digestion –
– Gas
– Bloating
– Constipation
– Irregular Bowel Movements
– Hiccups
Ginger Elixir Recipe:
One great way to alleviate these symptoms is to have ginger elixir on a regular basis. This fires up the agni! It is important to have this drink 20-30 mins before lunch and dinner to kindle our digestive fire.
– 1 cup Water
– 1-2 inch grated fresh Ginger
– 1/2 Lime/Lemon juice
– 1 tsp pure Maple Syrup
– 1/4 tsp crushed Black Pepper
– pinch of Himalayan salt
For the sweetener, you could even use turbinado sugar or honey (if not a strict vegan). The key is to not to make this drink too sweet, you need to taste the pungency of ginger and heat of the black pepper when you drink this. This is what aids in better digestion.
I generally blend all these ingredients in my Vitamix and like to drink it right away! This way, does taste little strong, you could squeeze out the pulp of ginger in a nut bag and then drink it. Either way it works!! 🙂
