Every South Indian mom has their own version of Sambar Soup, a popular dish from the heartland of Ayurveda with variations to suit any dosha. This variation, with sour limes and turmeric, invigorates the blood and liquefies secretions during Kapha season, helping relieve sinus congestion and release excess fat before the coming of spring.

Turmeric is a key ingredient for clearing kapha from the system. It thins the blood and dilates blood vessels, cleansing liver congestion and heating the blood. The heat of turmeric also pacifies vata and clears vata ama from the lymphatic system and joints. Sour limes encourage secretions in the digestive tract, release of bile from the liver, and also liquefies thick mucus for easy removal.

Tomato and potato are both nightshades. In general the nightshade plant family vitiates the blood. Consumption of nightshades should be limited to once every 3 days or less.

Many desserts are fatty and heavy. Snacks tend to be dry and salty. Both are difficult to digest but cooked fruit is the answer to both dilemmas.

A cooked apple a day keeps the doctor away. While raw apples are astringent and dry, cooked apples are sweet and soothing to the colon. A clean gut helps a person stay healthy. Cooked apples and apricots are sour, encouraging gastric secretions and good digestion. Apples and apricots both have plenty of fiber to bulk up stools, treating both diarrhea and constipation.

Bananas and ghee are heavy and keep the stomach satisfied for a few hours. Simple, effective foods are needed when digestion is impaired from too much indulgence. Also a great snack midday in autumn.