Carolina College of Natural Health Sciences

A Carolina College of Natural Health Sciences

 

AYURVEDIC RECIPES

Cashew Ricotta Cheese


How to Make Cashew Ricotta Cheese

INGREDIENTS

2 c
1 whole
1 tbsp
1 tsp
1 clove
1/4 c
2 pinch
2 pinch

PREPARATION OF THIS HEALTHY RECIPE

1. Soak cashews overnight or for a minimum of 3 hours.

2. Drain and rinse.

3. Add to blender along with 2 tbsp of lemon juice and all other ingredients, slowly adding 1/4-3/4 c water or nut milk until reaches desired consistency.

How Does This Ayurvedic Recipe Improve Wellness?

CONSTITUTIONAL MEDICINE INSIGHTS

This 'Cashew Ricotta Cheese' makes vegan dreams come true. The thick texture surpasses many other dairy free cheese options, while its invitingly mild flavor makes it a unique addition to your cheese board. Creamy and smooth, enjoy this cashew ricotta as a snack on crusty homemade bread or incorporate it into your favourite vegan lasagne recipe.

Lighten the Load

Many cheeses can leave you feeling heavy and sluggish and dairy products can be difficult to digest. This recipe is a nourishing substitute for those prone to congestion after eating traditional ricotta or other dairy cheeses. The addition of basil and lemon adds a diaphoretic element, stimulating the circulatory system and the removal of toxins. They are also known for their decongestant properties relieving any excess mucus, particularly in the lungs. You'll feel light and clear after this dish.

Build & Energize

This dish is heavy, sweet and anabolic in nature, building strength, stamina and energizing the body. Cashews are a rich source of magnesium, supporting the development and growth of healthy bones, muscles and tissues. But do be aware these heavy, sweet nuts are best combined with the digestive aids used in this recipe to add a light, fresh element to the ricotta and ease digestion.

Stimulate Digestion

Basil and oregano are warming, rustic herbs used to stimulate digestion while burning away accumulated toxins. The pungency of these herbs will leave your stomach feeling light after a creamy 'cheese' dish and give this ricotta some bite. The sour squeeze of lemon will further stimulate the release of digestive enzymes and offer a tangy twist.
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Constitutional nutrition is tailored to the individual. In the kitchen, especially during your family’s formative years, you shape your family's lifelong health.

Understanding your child's constitution is key to raising resilience, instead of wiring in disease. Study constitutional medicine to discover the keys to personalized nourishment.

Rooted in the insights curated from Ayurveda and Greek medicine, constitutional medicine teaches you which foods match your body, so you and your family have true vitality, strength, and balance. See How it Works.

Is Cashew Ricotta Cheese a Good Match for My Body?

Find out by taking this free, easy quiz. You'll learn your body type, and whether 'Cashew Ricotta Cheese' is a good fit. Complete the basic quiz in 1 minute, or go deeper with additional quizzes at your own leisure to learn more about your body.

Medicinal Effects of Cashew Ricotta Cheese

Constitutional nutrition systems use biocharacteristics to classify the metabolic nature of food, herbs, lifestyle choices, your body, and disease.

METABOLIC NATURE / BIOCHARACTERISTICS

Metabolic Nature / Biocharacteristics

Ayurveda assesses metabolic imbalances through 20 main biocharacteristics (vital qualtiies). Aggravating them weakens your body and causes imbalance. By knowing which biocharacteristics are habitually imbalanced in your body, you will be able to identify and correct metabolic imbalances before you get sick. Every biocharacteristic has an opposite which balances it (i.e. hot balances cold). You restore balance by favoring diet and lifestyle choices that increase the opposite biocharacteristic.

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HOT

ABOUT HOT BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Hot is identified by increased body temperature, metabolism, or inflammation.

Active Ingredients: Cashews, Lemon, Oregano, Garlic (raw), Black Pepper, Basil, Salt (Mineral Salt)

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DRY

ABOUT DRY BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Dry is identified by lack of moisture, lack of fat, or anything that causes diuresis.

Active Ingredients: Cashews, Oregano, Basil

LEARN MORE ABOUT DRY

HEAVY

ABOUT HEAVY BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Heavy is identified by sedation, sluggishness, or increased weight.

Active Ingredients: Cashews

LEARN MORE ABOUT HEAVY

TASTES

The 6 Tastes

Taste is used to sense the most basic properties and effects of food. Each taste has a specific medicinal effect on your body. Cravings for food with certain tastes indicate your body is craving specific medicinal results from food. Taste is experienced on the tongue and represents your body's reaction to foods. Sweet taste causes physical satisfaction and attraction whereas bitter taste causes discomfort and aversion. Kapha should use less sweet taste while Vata and Pitta would benefit from using more sweet taste. One of the first signs of illness is that your taste and appetite for food changes. The six tastes are sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter, and astringent. Do you crave foods with any of the tastes below?

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SWEET

ABOUT SWEET BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Sweet refers to anything builds tissue, including macronutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins and fats.

Active Ingredients: Cashews

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SOUR

ABOUT SOUR BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Sour refers to anything fermented or acidic.

Active Ingredients: Lemon

LEARN MORE ABOUT SOUR

AYURVEDA BODY TYPES (DOSHAS)

The Three Doshas / Body Types

Ayurveda is a metabolic theory of medicine that explains individual health, tendencies, and disease patterns through the concept of doshas, which can be understood as your metabolic patterns and tendencies.

Each dosha reflects a distinct metabolic nature and describes strengths & weaknesses in bodily function, and how these affect energy levels, digestion, susceptibility to disease, and many other tendencies.

Your metabolic nature not only affects your physical characteristics, but also influences your mental thought patterns, confidence, and enthusiasm.

Ayurveda balances these metabolic strengths & weaknesses to support your body's vitality and prevent recurrent disease cycles. This support is a critical aid, especially in chronic or incurable disease conditions.

The 3 metabolic body types (doshas), are Catabolic (Vata), Metabolic (Pitta), and Anabolic (Kapha).

Through dosha, Ayurveda empowers people to identify metabolic imbalances early, break repetitive patterns of disease, and cultivate habits that support long-term vitality and well-being.

Ultimately, these metabolic patterns also provide a framework for understanding yourself, including body, mind, and spiritual tendencies.

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PACIFIES
Vata pacifying
AGGRAVATES
Kapha aggravating Pitta aggravating

GREEK MEDICINE / TEMPERAMENTS

The Four Temperaments / Humors

Ayurveda & Greek Medicine were the dominant form of medicine along the Silk Road from England to China and South Asia. They work by assessing your metabolic type, patterns, and nature. Greek medicine recognizes 4 metabolic temperaments, Melancholic, Choleric, Sanguine, and Phlegmatic.

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PACIFIES
MELANCHOLIC

ABOUT MELANCHOLIC BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Cold and dry with a slow, variable or erratic metabolism. Colicky, tense. Withdrawn, pensive, anxious, and hesitant. Analytical, intelligent, detail oriented and creative. Prone to ojas depletion, dehydration, an overactive nervous system, and depression.

LEARN MORE ABOUT MELANCHOLIC

AGGRAVATES
CHOLERIC

ABOUT CHOLERIC BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Has a hot and dry metabolic nature. Enthusiastic, vibrant and bright. In excess burns up fluids and ojas, irritable. Corresponds to high bilirubin in the blood that irritates and heats up the body and liver.

LEARN MORE ABOUT CHOLERIC

PHLEGMATIC

ABOUT PHLEGMATIC BIOCHARACTERISTIC

A Phlegmatic has a cold and wet metabolic nature. The coldness implies a slow metabolism, the moisture that you are well-nourished. Phlegmatics tend towards sluggishness and thickened fluids, including mucus.

LEARN MORE ABOUT PHLEGMATIC

SANGUINE

ABOUT SANGUINE BIOCHARACTERISTIC

A hot and oily nature with a moderate metabolism and a well nourished body makes Sanguine individuals vigorous, vivacious, outgoing and generous, and prone to impulsivity and self indulgence. Bullish and intense when out of balance.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SANGUINE

Other Health Virtues

Crunchy

CRUNCHY

Makes an audible noise when you eat them. Can provide fun texture variation.

Active Ingredients: Cashews

SEE ALL 'CRUNCHY' FOODS / HERBS

,
Aromatic

AROMATIC

Herbs or spices with volatile essential oils that present strong aromas. Aromatic oils shock, refresh and numb tissue, with the end result of relaxing, opening and clearing stagnant fluids in tissues.

Active Ingredients: Oregano, Basil, Garlic (raw)

SEE ALL 'AROMATIC' FOODS / HERBS

Medicinal Benefits, Uses & Herbal Actions of Cashew Ricotta Cheese
Experiences are Personal
Experiences vary according to the person and constitution. Individual results may vary. The list of herbal-actions below has not be approved by the FDA and should not be used to treat a medical condition.

(see all)
Quenches Thirst

MILD QUENCHES-THIRST

An herb or substance that relieves thirst.

Active Ingredients: Lemon, Water

SEE ALL 'QUENCHES-THIRST' FOODS / HERBS

Relaxes Eyes

MILD RELAXES-EYES

Eases tension in eye muscles, so the eyes feel less strained, often by supporting the liver.

Active Ingredients: Lemon

SEE ALL 'RELAXES-EYES' FOODS / HERBS

,
Wakes You Up

MILD WAKES-YOU-UP

Invigorates the body and nervous system, increases energy.

Active Ingredients: Lemon

SEE ALL 'WAKES-YOU-UP' FOODS / HERBS

Satisfies Stomach

STRONG SATISFIES-STOMACH

Provides a sense of gratification and fullness in the stomach.

Active Ingredients: Cashews

SEE ALL 'SATISFIES-STOMACH' FOODS / HERBS

,
Builds Stamina

STRONG BUILDS-STAMINA

Promotes strength, endurance and resistance in the body. Rebuilds weak tissues after a time of depletion.

Active Ingredients: Cashews

SEE ALL 'BUILDS-STAMINA' FOODS / HERBS

,
Refreshing

MILD REFRESHING

Stimulates and wakes up the body, leaving it feeling cool, fresh, and energized.

Active Ingredients: Lemon

SEE ALL 'REFRESHING' FOODS / HERBS

,
Stimulates Energy

MILD STIMULATES-ENERGY

This category groups thyroid and adrenal stimulating herbs.

Active Ingredients: Lemon

SEE ALL 'STIMULATES-ENERGY' FOODS / HERBS

Diaphoretic

DIAPHORETIC

An herb that induces sweating, often by dilating blood vessels close to the skin.

Active Ingredients: Lemon, Black Pepper, Basil, Garlic (raw)

SEE ALL 'DIAPHORETIC' FOODS / HERBS

,
Refreshes Skin

MILD REFRESHES-SKIN

Flushes the lymphatic system to cool, awaken, and revive the skin.

Active Ingredients: Lemon

SEE ALL 'REFRESHES-SKIN' FOODS / HERBS

Flushes Sinuses

MILD FLUSHES-SINUSES

An herb that relieves sinus congestion by flushing out mucus.

Active Ingredients: Black Pepper, Garlic (raw), Salt (Mineral Salt)

SEE ALL 'FLUSHES-SINUSES' FOODS / HERBS

Cardiac Stimulant

STRONG CARDIAC-STIMULANT

Herbs that increase the heart rate. Useful in cardiovascular health, blood stagnation, and subjective feeling of heaviness in the chest area.

Active Ingredients: Oregano, Garlic (raw), Black Pepper, Basil

SEE ALL 'CARDIAC-STIMULANT' FOODS / HERBS

,
Calms Heart

MILD CALMS-HEART

An herb that literally calms the heart. These herbs are helpful in the treatment of anxiety, sadness, depression, or other emotional imbalances in the heart. Related to the Chinese Herbal Category 'calms spirit.'

Active Ingredients: Lemon

SEE ALL 'CALMS-HEART' FOODS / HERBS

Diuretic

MILD DIURETIC

Herbs that promote urine formation, thereby flushing the kidneys and urinary tract while eliminating any excess water retention. As diuretics reduce water retention, they are often used to reduce blood pressure.

Active Ingredients: Basil, Garlic (raw)

SEE ALL 'DIURETIC' FOODS / HERBS

Constituents:
Phosphorous

STRONG PHOSPHOROUS

Active Ingredients: Cashews, Garlic (raw)

SEE ALL 'PHOSPHOROUS' FOODS / HERBS

,
Protein

STRONG PROTEIN

Active Ingredients: Cashews

SEE ALL 'PROTEIN' FOODS / HERBS

,
Phytates

STRONG PHYTATES

Phytates prevent absorption of nutrients. They are commonly found in all seeds, including nuts, grains, and beans. Sprouting greatly reduces phytate content, as well as long, slow cooking with vinegar.

Active Ingredients: Cashews

SEE ALL 'PHYTATES' FOODS / HERBS

,
Magnesium

STRONG MAGNESIUM

Helps muscles relax. Laxative.

Active Ingredients: Cashews

SEE ALL 'MAGNESIUM' FOODS / HERBS

,
Zinc

STRONG ZINC

Active Ingredients: Cashews

SEE ALL 'ZINC' FOODS / HERBS

,
Fats

STRONG FATS

Active Ingredients: Cashews

SEE ALL 'FATS' FOODS / HERBS

,
Rutin

MILD RUTIN

Rutin is a flavonoid with anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Commonly used to treat conditions such as varicose veins, hemorrhoids, and high blood pressure.

Active Ingredients: Lemon

SEE ALL 'RUTIN' FOODS / HERBS

,
Polyphenols

MILD POLYPHENOLS

Polyphenols are powerful antioxidants seen in many fruits and vegetables. There are more than 8,000 types.

Active Ingredients: Lemon

SEE ALL 'POLYPHENOLS' FOODS / HERBS

,
Aromatase Inhibitor

MILD AROMATASE-INHIBITOR

Blocks estrogen synthesis by inhibiting conversion of progesterone and testosterone into estrogen.

Active Ingredients: Lemon

SEE ALL 'AROMATASE-INHIBITOR' FOODS / HERBS

,
Flavonoids

MILD FLAVONOIDS

Flavonoids are a colorful type of polyphenol. As all polyphenols, they have a strong antioxidant effect. Many flavonoids have an anti-inflammatory, and/or antiallergen effect.

Active Ingredients: Lemon

SEE ALL 'FLAVONOIDS' FOODS / HERBS

,
Nitric Oxide

MILD NITRIC-OXIDE

Improves circulation by dilating blood vessels. Protects blood vessels from damage. Improves athletic performance, libido, immunity, and brain health.

Active Ingredients: Basil, Garlic (raw)

SEE ALL 'NITRIC-OXIDE' FOODS / HERBS

Foods with a Similar Nature to Cashew Ricotta Cheese

  • Lemon

    Lemon has these Actions in Common

    Calms-heart, Refreshes-skin, Stimulates-energy, Diaphoretic, Refreshing, Wakes-you-up, Quenches-thirst, Relaxes-eyes

    LEARN MORE

  • Daikon Radish

    Daikon Radish has these Actions in Common

    Diaphoretic, Refreshing, Diuretic, Stimulates-energy, Cardiac-stimulant, Flushes-sinuses

    LEARN MORE

  • Wasabi

    Wasabi has these Actions in Common

    Diaphoretic, Refreshing, Diuretic, Wakes-you-up, Cardiac-stimulant, Flushes-sinuses

    LEARN MORE

  • Horseradish

    Horseradish has these Actions in Common

    Diaphoretic, Refreshing, Diuretic, Wakes-you-up, Cardiac-stimulant, Flushes-sinuses

    LEARN MORE

  • Mustard

    Mustard has these Actions in Common

    Diaphoretic, Stimulates-energy, Diuretic, Wakes-you-up, Cardiac-stimulant, Flushes-sinuses

    LEARN MORE

  • Mustard Seed

    Mustard Seed has these Actions in Common

    Diuretic, Wakes-you-up, Cardiac-stimulant, Flushes-sinuses, Diaphoretic, Stimulates-energy

    LEARN MORE

  • Mustard Powder

    Mustard Powder has these Actions in Common

    Diuretic, Wakes-you-up, Cardiac-stimulant, Flushes-sinuses, Diaphoretic, Stimulates-energy

    LEARN MORE

  • Orange

    Orange has these Actions in Common

    Refreshes-skin, Wakes-you-up, Refreshing, Quenches-thirst, Stimulates-energy

    LEARN MORE

  • Ajwain

    Ajwain has these Actions in Common

    Refreshing, Cardiac-stimulant, Stimulates-energy, Diuretic, Wakes-you-up

    LEARN MORE

  • Green Tea

    Green Tea has these Actions in Common

    Refreshing, Cardiac-stimulant, Stimulates-energy, Diuretic, Wakes-you-up

    LEARN MORE

  • Mint (Fresh)

    Mint (Fresh) has these Actions in Common

    Refreshes-skin, Wakes-you-up, Refreshing, Diaphoretic, Stimulates-energy

    LEARN MORE

Herbs & Supplements with a Similar Nature to Cashew Ricotta Cheese

  • Regular exercise

    Regular exercise has these Actions in Common

    Builds-stamina, Cardiac-stimulant, Diaphoretic, Refreshes-skin, Refreshing, Stimulates-energy, Wakes-you-up

    LEARN MORE

  • Shilajit Tonic

    Shilajit Tonic has these Actions in Common

    Cardiac-stimulant, Diuretic, Refreshing, Stimulates-energy, Wakes-you-up, Builds-stamina

    LEARN MORE

  • Hyssop Powder

    Hyssop Powder has these Actions in Common

    Cardiac-stimulant, Diaphoretic, Diuretic, Refreshing, Stimulates-energy

    LEARN MORE

  • Deodar (Himalayan Cedar, Devadaru)

    Deodar (Himalayan Cedar, Devadaru) has these Actions in Common

    Refreshing, Stimulates-energy, Wakes-you-up, Cardiac-stimulant, Diuretic

    LEARN MORE

  • Breathing Exercises

    Breathing Exercises has these Actions in Common

    Cardiac-stimulant, Refreshing, Stimulates-energy, Wakes-you-up, Builds-stamina

    LEARN MORE

  • Bellows Breath (Bhastrika Pranayama)

    Bellows Breath (Bhastrika Pranayama) has these Actions in Common

    Stimulates-energy, Wakes-you-up, Builds-stamina, Cardiac-stimulant, Refreshing

    LEARN MORE

  • Breath of Fire / Shining Skull (Kapalbhati Pranayama)

    Breath of Fire / Shining Skull (Kapalbhati Pranayama) has these Actions in Common

    Builds-stamina, Cardiac-stimulant, Refreshing, Stimulates-energy, Wakes-you-up

    LEARN MORE

  • Amalaki

    Amalaki has these Actions in Common

    Wakes-you-up, Quenches-thirst, Refreshing, Relaxes-eyes, Stimulates-energy

    LEARN MORE

  • Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi)

    Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) has these Actions in Common

    Refreshing, Stimulates-energy, Cardiac-stimulant, Diaphoretic, Diuretic

    LEARN MORE

  • Long inhale, short exhale

    Long inhale, short exhale has these Actions in Common

    Cardiac-stimulant, Refreshing, Stimulates-energy, Wakes-you-up

    LEARN MORE

  • Triphala Eye Wash

    Triphala Eye Wash has these Actions in Common

    Refreshing, Relaxes-eyes, Wakes-you-up, Flushes-sinuses

    LEARN MORE


Joyful Belly is a recognized college of biocharacteristics medicine.

View Other Healthy Recipes for Spring

This recipe is recommended for Spring. Check out these other Spring recipes here.
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About the Author

John Immel, the founder of Joyful Belly, teaches people how to have a healthy diet and lifestyle through constitutional nutrition (Ayurveda & Greek Medicine). His approach is clinical, yet exudes an ease which many find enjoyable and insightful. John also directs the Joyful Belly College of Ayurveda, offering professional clinical training in Ayurveda for over 15 years.

John's hobbies & specialties include advanced digestive disorders, medieval Catholic philosophy, & botany. He holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Harvard University. John, his wife Natalie and their 8 kids live in Asheville, NC

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