Barley Water

Barley water is useful if you have low agni (digestive fire). It is very easy to assimilate and its astringent quality helps stimulate the metabolism of fats. This in turn supports production of good bone tissue. (Ayurveda says that the seven tissues are produced in sequence, one from another, and because bone comes after fat if fat metabolism is unbalanced it compromises bone production).

To make Barley water:

• 2 tablespoons of cracked barley or barley flour
• 2 pinch salt
• 4 cups water

Combine above ingredients and cook for about 15 minutes so that it is somewhat overcooked. Use a filter or strainer to obtain barley water. If you use cracked barley instead of barley flour, you will need to place the mixture in a blender for a few minutes prior to straining.

• For Vata body type: add 1/8 tsp whole cumin to barley mixture while cooking
• For Pitta body type: add 1/8 tsp fennel to barley mixture while cooking
• For Kapha body type: add 2 thin slices fresh ginger to barley mixture while cooking

Kanji Water

If one is ill and has little or no appetite then a special warm drink called Kanji water may be made from either split mung beans or organic brown rice. Kanji water can be drunk through the day in between light meals. It delivers instant nutrition to the body providing carbohydrates, giving the body energy, and helping to build more strength in the body in general.

Kanji water is an excellent source of energy whenever the body is dehydrated or depleted from an illness. It is also good if you are trying to lose weight as a satisfying snack during the day. Kanji water balances vata because it is warm, it balances pitta due to its liquid and watery texture and it balances kapha because it produces perspiration, which releases toxins through the skin. It therefore balances all three doshas and brings agni into balance.

To make Kanji water:

• 14 parts water
• 1 part organic brown rice or mung dal
• pinches of salt, fresh ground ginger, cumin

Bring water and rice or dal to a boil. Allow to boil for 1 hour or until it becomes swollen and broken. Stir and strain. However it is not necessary to strain out small pieces. Add a pinch each of ginger, ground cumin and salt. Pour into a thermos and drink through the day.

For other information helpful for weight balance see: Weight Management - The Ayurvedic View; Water & Weight Loss; Close Up on the Six Tastes of Ayurveda; Importance of Bitter and Astringent Tastes; Lighten up – balance Kapha.

For further information about and to order the products mentioned above see How to Order or call 01695 51015 and for information about the Maharishi Ayurveda Health Centre see www.MaharishiAyurveda.co.uk or call 01695 51008.

DISCLAIMER: The information in this document is presented for the sole purpose of imparting education on Maharishi Ayurveda and neither the information nor the products are intended to diagnose, treat, mitigate, cure or prevent any disease. If you have a medical condition, or are pregnant or lactating, please consult a health professional and it is recommended that you speak with your physician before making significant changes to your diet or routine.