Karkidakam is the last month of the Malayalam calendar (followed in Kerala), which falls during the month of July or August. With the coming of Karkidakam the monsoon rainfall enters its final phase in Kerala. Traditionally in Kerala, this period of the year is considered most ideal for undergoing Ayurveda based body rejuvenation therapies. The body is considered highly receptive to Ayurveda treatments during this period.
According to Ayurveda, the Malayalam month of Karkidaka is the time when the monsoon rains are at its peak and the time that calls for preventive therapies to regain strength and improve your immunity during this month. The Oushadha (medicine) kanji help you get rejuvenated for the monsoon.
Karkkidaka kanji / Aushadha Kanji is a unique combination of herbs, spices, and grains that would keep the monsoon fevers at bay and prevent you against some of the common diseases of the rainy season like arthritis (Vatham in Malayalam), etc. This is a special diet in Ayurveda which is good for the people of all age groups as it helps to improve the immunity of the body and acts as a detoxifying agent.
Karkidaka Kanji can be prepared at home, have a look at how it is prepared and the list of ingredients that are used to make Karkidaka Kanji or Oushadha Kanji.
Ingredients
- Shashtika Shali (Red rice) – 100 gms
- Chandrashoora (Garden cress) – 10 gms
- Dashamoola Choorna ¹ – 5 gms
- Trikatu Choorna ² – 5 gms
- Dashapushpa Choorna ³ – 10 gms
- Broken rice – 10 gms
- Medhika (Fenugreek) – 10 gms
- Jeeraka (Cumin) – 10 gms
- Coconut milk – As Required
- Jaggery – As Required
- Water – As Required
1. Dashamoola Choorna
- Bilwa (Aegle marmalos)
- Agnimantha (Clerodoendrum phlomidis)
- Syonaka (Oroxylum indicum)
- Patala (Stereospermum saveolens)
- Gambhari (Gmelina arborea)
- Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris)
- Brihati (Solanum indicum)
- Kantakari (Solanum surattens)
- Sali parni (Desmodium gangeticum)
- Prisni parni (Uraria picta)
2. Trikatu Choorna
- Pippali (Piper longum)
- Maricha (Piper nigrum)
- Shunti (Zingiber officinalis)
3. Dashapushpa
- Viparita lajjalu (Biophytum candolleanum)
- Bhadra (Aerva lanata)
- Sakralata (Cardiospermum halicabum)
- Lakshmana (Ipomea serpiania)
- Sahadevi (Vernonia cineria)
- Durva (Cynodon dactylon)
- Musali (Curculigo orchioides)
- Vishnukranti (Evolvulus alsinoides)
- Bhringaraja (Eclipta alba)
- Sasasruti (Emilia sonchifolia)
How to Prepare
Boil 1 glass of water with 10 gms Dashamoola Choorna. Add 100 gms of red rice to it & continue boiling by adding Jeeraka, Trikatu Choorna, Medhika, Broken rice. Once the rice gets cooked add Dashapushpa powder/extract along with sufficient quantity of Coconut Milk & Jaggery. Serve when hot to get the complete result once in a day during Monsoon season.
Health Benefits
1. Removes toxins from the body
2. Helps to strengthen the body
3. Boosts immunity
4. Good for diabetes
5. Reduces cholesterol
6. Good for arthritis
7. Aids digestion
8. Good for constipation
9. Improves colour and complexion
10. Smoothens skin
11. Provides body with all essential nutrients
12. Provides energy
13. Clears respiratory system
14. Heals pain and inflammation
15. Bio-enhancer (increases bioavailability of other medicines)
Best Time to Serve
Morning or evening
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