April showers bring May flowers. This time of year, a whole host of bright new veggies come into season after a long winter of dull produce. Fresh artichokes, rhubarb, arugula, strawberries, beans, yellow corn, and asparagus all ripen in April and may catch your eye at the farmer's market, inviting your palate to enjoy the naturally kapha-pacifying fruits of spring. The following recipes were designed specifically with April in mind, helping you to balance the natural heaviness of spring so you can feel fresh, cheerful, and energized even on the soggiest days of April showers.
Do you live in the Southern Hemisphere? You may need the 10 Ayurvedic Recipes for October instead.
Reducing Spring Puffiness
The increased humidity of April brings heaviness, swelling and puffiness to the body, and your skin may feel a bit snug in your clothing.
Cumin, Coriander, and Fennel Tea is a classic home remedy to reduce the puffiness of spring. Adding fresh greens, vinegars & spices are also vibrant ways to bring Spring's vitality to your life.
Cleansing & Cooling Down "Liver Heat"
As the days warm up and grow longer, the itch to get outside is a sign of spring fever, your body heating up. The rosiness that graces your cheeks also signifies excess liver heat moving into the blood. You may find yourself more prone to anger and irritability. Eating liver-friendly foods is an easy way to cleanse the liver and ease your frustrations.
Kale Chips and
Sweet Beet Soup are light and delicious ways to incorporate two classic and seasonal liver-cleansing foods -- kale and beets -- into your April diet.
Adding Lightness to Your Diet
With the warmer weather, your brain lets your body know that it is time to release extra fats from the cold winter and prepare for the hot days of summer. This means excess kapha and heaviness may abound, leaving you feeling tired and sluggish. Bitter and astringent foods come to the rescue! Beans add uplifting astringency to your diet and also are a lighter protein source than rich dairy. The white beans in our
White Beans with Parsley and Onion help your body lighten up and digests winter fats, while the parsley and onion add a kapha-pacifying pop of flavor. Bean sprouts are especially enlivening as well.
You may start to notice bright yellow ears of corn at your grocery store, and rightfully so! Corn is a lighter and drier grain than wheat, making it ideal for adding heartiness to meals in the spring without heaviness. On some April mornings, you may feel like skipping breakfast altogether - a classic sign of kapha dosha. But on those mornings where you feel like you need something a bit more substantial, Savory Corn Pancakes provide the filling substance your body craves without bogging your system down.
10 Ayurvedic Recipe Ideas for April